Poyang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in China, and its northern shore is accessible from Jiujiang by bus or taxi in about an hour. The lake supports one of the most important wintering habitats for migratory birds in East Asia — hundreds of thousands of cranes, including the critically endangered Siberian Crane, arrive between November and March when the lake level drops and expose vast mudflats. In good years, concentrations of Siberian Cranes at the Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve are among the largest in the world.
The lake itself is vast enough to feel oceanic, with open water views to the horizon and fishing boats moored in small harbours along the southern shore. Outside the bird migration season, the lake is quieter but still worth visiting for the freshwater fish — the local restaurants in shore villages serve carp, mandarin fish, and silver carp preparations that make use of the excellent lake stock.