Poyang Lake National Wetland Park
As China's largest freshwater lake and the world's second-largest, Poyang Lake spans 3,150 km² in northern Jiangxi Province. Designated as a National Wetland Park in 2011, this 36,285-hectare ecological treasure trove integrates lakes, marshes, grasslands, and islands, earning UNESCO recognition as a "Global Life Lake Best Conservation Practice" site. It sustains 476 plant species, 310 bird varieties, and 122 fish species, including 98% of the world's endangered Siberian Cranes. The park's "One City, Seven Zones, Two Corridors" layout—featuring ecological corridors connecting urban areas with wetland zones—embodies sustainable development ideals.
Historical Overview
Established in 2008 and formally approved as a national wetland park in 2011, the park evolved from ancient fishing villages into a global biodiversity hotspot. Key milestones include the 2015 "Retreat Fields for Wetlands" project (restoring 84 acres), 2018 wastewater treatment facility inauguration, and ongoing collaborations with WWF and Chinese Academy of Sciences. Historic sites like Shizhong Mountain and Wucheng Town—a crane sanctuary since the Ming Dynasty—reflect its cultural significance. Annual events like the Poyang Lake International Bird Festival highlight its ecological importance.
Structural Layout
The park adopts a three-tiered zoning system:
- Core Zone (69.7%): Strictly protected habitats for cranes, storks, and migratory birds.
- Buffer Zone (4.8%): Restoration areas for wetland vegetation and water quality.
- Utilization Zone (25.5%): Includes eco-tourism facilities like the 400m² Wetland Science Museum and 2,600㎡ ecological education area.
Notable sectors: Hanchi Lake Waterbird Sanctuary, Baisha Lake Nature Display Zone, and the "Blue-Green Corridor" linking urban parks with wetland landscapes.
Major Attractions
- Siberian Crane Habitat: Winter home to 4,000+ cranes, featuring observation towers and eco-trails.
- Pink Lythrum Flower Sea: Annual October-December spectacle with 10km² pink blooms.
- Wetland Science Museum: Interactive exhibits on hydrology, biodiversity, and conservation history.
- White Sand Lake: Boat tours through reed beds and lotus ponds.
- Yongxiu Waterfront Road: Seasonal "floating road" submerged during summer monsoons.
- Ancient Stone Bridge: Ming Dynasty relic in the historic Wucheng Township.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (3 hrs): Entrance → Wetland Museum → Crane Observation Deck → Baisha Lake → Gift Shop.
- Extended Route (5 hrs): Add Hanchi Lake Sanctuary, Ancient Stone Bridge, and Local Cuisine Experience.
- Comprehensive Route (Full Day): Include eco-trail hikes, science museum workshops, and sunset boat tours.
Ticket Purchase
Adult tickets from ¥115 (peak season) to ¥235 (all-access), with discounts for students/seniors. Book via WeChat mini-program "鄱阳湖湿地公园" or official website. Free entry for children under 1.2m. Annual passes available. Onsite ticket booths operate 08:00-17:00.
Transportation
- Air: Fly to Nanchang or Jiujiang, then bus to Poyang County.
- Train: High-speed rail to Poyang Station, then taxi to park entrance.
- Bus: Direct routes from Nanchang (2h), Jingdezhen (1h), and Shanghai (6h).
- Self-Drive: G56 Expressway to Poyang Exit, then follow GPS to Wujincha Entrance.
Best Time & Tips
Peak birdwatching season: November-March (wintering cranes). Optimal flower viewing: October-December. Wear waterproof boots for marsh trails. Stay hydrated; carry binoculars for wildlife spotting. Photography allowed (no flash near nests). Prohibited: drones, loudspeakers, and littering. Combine visits with nearby Lianxi Park or Mount Lushan for cultural contrasts. Monitor real-time bird migration alerts via "Poyang Lake Ecology" app.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
