Poyang Lake is most conveniently accessed from Nanchang or Jiujiang, both of which have high-speed rail connections from major Chinese cities. From Nanchang, buses run to Wucheng (on the southwestern shore) in about two to three hours; this is the main birdwatching base. From Jiujiang on the northern shore, the lake is more accessible by car or taxi.
Wucheng Town (吴城) is the principal base for winter birdwatching. It sits at the confluence of the Xiu River and the lake and has guesthouses, boat operators, and guides who work the wetland reserve. The town can be reached directly by bus from Nanchang's main bus terminal. For the nature reserves on the southwestern shore, hired vehicles from Wucheng provide the most practical access to specific viewing areas.