Poyang Lake, the biggest freshwater lake in China, is located in Jiangxi Province, 50 kilometers north of Nanchang. Covering an expansive area, the lake plays a critical role in the region’s ecology, economy, and hydrology. The lake’s surface area varies dramatically with the seasons, shrinking to less than 1,000 square kilometers during the dry season and expanding to around 4,400 square kilometers during the rainy season.
Poyang Lake is vital to China’s environmental landscape and is known for its rich biodiversity and dynamic hydrological changes. The lake, with an average depth of 8.4 meters and a maximum depth of 25.1 meters, is a natural overflow reservoir connected to the Yangtze River via a 1 km-long channel. This connection helps regulate water levels and manage flood risks in the surrounding areas.
Poyang Lake transforms into a complex network of wetlands and mudflats during the dry season. This seasonal change attracts up to half a million waterfowl, including significant Siberian and White-naped Crane populations, making it a critical habitat for these and other bird species. The lake’s ecosystem supports a variety of fish species and is crucial for the local fishing industry.
The region around Poyang Lake is one of China’s most important rice-producing areas. However, the area frequently suffers from severe floods, contributing to the economic challenges faced by the local population. In particular, the devastating flood of autumn 1998 highlighted the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
Poyang Lake faces several environmental challenges. The use of agricultural pesticides has led to the poisoning of birds, while siltation and electrofishing by local fishermen threaten the lake’s fish populations. Additionally, the lake has seen extensive drainage of its wetland areas, leading to erosion and the creation of a “waste land.” Despite these issues, the water quality remains relatively good and is classified as Class II. The health of the lake is seriously threatened by contamination from harmful heavy metals, especially from copper mining located in the eastern portion of the lake.