# Poyang Lake

> Largest freshwater lake in China, located in Jiangxi Province

**Wikidata**: [Q207690](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q207690)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poyang_Lake)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/poyang-lake

## Summary
Poyang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in China, located in Jiangxi Province. It plays a vital ecological and hydrological role in the Yangtze River basin and supports extensive biodiversity, including numerous endangered species. As a key component of China's natural heritage, it is also significant for regional climate regulation and agricultural sustainability.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Freshwater lake
- **Location**: Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
- **Geographic Coordinates**: Latitude 29.066666666667, Longitude 116.38333333333
- **Administrative Region**: Part of central China, within Jiangxi Province, which is situated around the Gan River south of the Yangtze River
- **Country**: People's Republic of China (PRC), founded October 1, 1949
- **Wikipedia Title**: Poyang Lake
- **Wikidata Description**: Largest freshwater lake in China, located in Jiangxi Province
- **Sitelink Count**: 65 (as of provided data)
- **Related Entities**:
  - **Jiangxi Province**: A province in central China with a sitelink count of 118
  - **People's Republic of China**: Country in East Asia with a sitelink count of 393
- **Ecological Importance**: Supports biodiversity in the Yangtze River basin

## FAQs

**What is Poyang Lake?**  
Poyang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in China, located in Jiangxi Province. It is a major body of relatively still water localized in a basin and plays a crucial role in the Yangtze River ecosystem.

**Where is Poyang Lake located?**  
Poyang Lake is situated in Jiangxi Province, in central China. The province is located around the Gan River, south of the Yangtze River. The lake's geographic coordinates are approximately 29.066666666667°N and 116.38333333333°E.

**Why is Poyang Lake important?**  
Poyang Lake is significant for its role in the Yangtze River basin, supporting biodiversity, regulating regional climate, and sustaining agricultural activities. It is also a critical habitat for endangered species, including migratory birds.

**What is the relationship between Poyang Lake and Jiangxi Province?**  
Poyang Lake is located within Jiangxi Province, which is part of central China. Jiangxi is known for its proximity to the Gan River and its position south of the Yangtze River, making it a key region for ecological and agricultural activity in China.

**What country does Poyang Lake belong to?**  
Poyang Lake is located in the People's Republic of China, a sovereign socialist state in East Asia founded on October 1, 1949.

## Why It Matters
Poyang Lake is of immense ecological and environmental significance due to its status as the largest freshwater lake in China. It serves as a critical component of the Yangtze River basin, influencing water regulation, flood control, and sediment retention. The lake supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including several endangered species, and acts as a crucial stopover for migratory birds, particularly during the winter months. Its seasonal fluctuations in water level also play a key role in maintaining the ecological balance of surrounding wetlands. Additionally, the lake contributes to the regional economy by supporting agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, making it a vital natural resource for Jiangxi Province and the broader region.

## Notable For
- Being the largest freshwater lake in China
- Supporting endangered species and migratory bird populations
- Playing a key role in the Yangtze River basin ecosystem
- Seasonal water level fluctuations that influence regional wetlands
- Acting as a natural regulator of water flow and flood control
- Supporting biodiversity in one of China's most ecologically diverse regions

## Body

### Geography and Location
Poyang Lake is located in Jiangxi Province, a central Chinese province situated around the Gan River to the south of the Yangtze River. The lake's geographic coordinates are approximately 29.066666666667°N latitude and 116.38333333333°E longitude. As the largest freshwater lake in China, it is a defining feature of the province's landscape and contributes significantly to the hydrological dynamics of the Yangtze River system.

### Administrative Context
The lake is situated within the borders of the People's Republic of China, a socialist state in East Asia established on October 1, 1949. The country is the world's most populous, with over 1.44 billion people, and is the second-largest economy by nominal GDP. China's governance structure is centralized under the Chinese Communist Party, with Xi Jinping serving as President since 2013 and General Secretary since 2012.

Jiangxi Province, where Poyang Lake is located, is one of the 23 provinces of mainland China. It is known for its agricultural output and proximity to the Gan River, which flows into the Yangtze River. The province plays a key role in the ecological and economic sustainability of the region, with Poyang Lake at the heart of its environmental significance.

### Ecological Importance
Poyang Lake is a vital part of the Yangtze River basin, which supports one of the most biodiverse regions in China. The lake's ecosystem is home to numerous endangered species, including the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise and the Siberian crane. Seasonal changes in water levels create a dynamic environment that sustains both aquatic and terrestrial species, making it a critical habitat for migratory birds, particularly during the winter months.

The lake also plays a significant role in flood regulation and sediment retention, helping to mitigate the impact of seasonal flooding in the Yangtze River basin. Its wetlands act as natural filters, improving water quality and supporting agricultural activities in surrounding areas.

### Related Entities and Connections
- **Jiangxi Province**: The administrative region in which Poyang Lake is located. It is characterized by its proximity to the Gan River and its role in the broader Yangtze River ecosystem.
- **People's Republic of China**: The sovereign state that encompasses Poyang Lake. China's vast territory includes diverse geographical features and is home to over 55 ethnic minorities. The country's governance structure is dominated by the Chinese Communist Party, with a centralized political system.
- **Yangtze River Basin**: The broader ecological system to which Poyang Lake contributes. The basin is one of China's most important natural resources, supporting agriculture, biodiversity, and hydroelectric power generation.

### Environmental and Economic Impact
Poyang Lake supports local agriculture through its role in water regulation and irrigation. The lake's seasonal fluctuations provide fertile conditions for rice paddies and other crops in Jiangxi Province. Additionally, it sustains local fisheries, which are a key source of livelihood for communities in the region.

Tourism also benefits from the lake's natural beauty and ecological significance. Birdwatching, in particular, draws visitors from around the world, especially during migration seasons when the lake hosts large populations of endangered species.

### Conservation and Challenges
Despite its ecological importance, Poyang Lake faces threats from climate change, urban development, and water management practices. Seasonal water level fluctuations, while natural, have been exacerbated by upstream damming and altered precipitation patterns. Conservation efforts are ongoing, with various initiatives aimed at protecting biodiversity and maintaining the lake's role in the Yangtze River ecosystem.

In conclusion, Poyang Lake is not only the largest freshwater lake in China but also a cornerstone of ecological stability and economic sustainability in Jiangxi Province. Its role in the Yangtze River basin, combined with its support for biodiversity and regional livelihoods, underscores its importance as a natural treasure within the People's Republic of China.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](https://wldb.ilec.or.jp/Lake/ASI-233)
5. Quora
6. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File