Poyang

Poyang Lake, or Poyang Hu in Chinese, is China’s largest freshwater lake by surface area. It is located in northern Jiangxi Province, at the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, and lies near the cities of Jiujiang and Duchang. The lake is fed by several rivers, most notably the Gan River, and its outflow leads to the Yangtze through the Hukou Gorge. Its size and extent are highly seasonal, expanding during the wet season and shrinking in the dry season, with extensive wetland and mudflat areas exposed at low water.

Ecology and biodiversity are central to Poyang Lake’s profile. The wetlands support a rich assemblage of aquatic plants and animals and serve as a crucial wintering habitat for migratory birds, including cranes and geese. The lake and its marshes have been designated as a Ramsar site of international importance since 2002, reflecting their ecological significance and the need for conservation and sustainable use.

Human use and threats accompany the lake’s ecological value. Local communities rely on fishing, aquaculture, and riverbank livelihoods, while the adjacent economy benefits from tourism. Hydrological changes on the Yangtze River—partly due to upstream dam development and water management—have altered seasonal water levels, sediment transport, and habitat availability, contributing to periodic droughts and ecological stress. Pollution and land-use change pose additional challenges to water quality and biodiversity.

Conservation efforts focus on maintaining wetland habitats, safeguarding migratory bird populations, and balancing ecological protection with the livelihoods of nearby communities, through protected areas, monitoring, and habitat restoration initiatives.