Live Your Best Lives
• Walk the wetlands and lakeshores of Nanjishan to observe migratory birds and wetland grasses in the transition zone of Poyang Lake.
• Hike up the small island hills (Nan Mountain & Ji Mountain) on Nanjishan for panoramic views of water, reeds and seasonal lakes.
• Visit during low water season to witness the “grass sea” effect—vast stretches of swampy grasslands and shallow lakes.
• Photograph sunrise/sunset light over water and reeds; search for wildlife (birds, marsh creatures) and enjoy fresh air in this less-urban environment.
Nanjishi Mountain is surrounded by shallow lakes and lakeside grass islands such as Changhu, Liuhu, Linghu, Donghu and Shentanghu. With the seasonal decline of lake water, land and water alternate with each other every year, forming a typical Jiangnan water town and marshland landscape. In the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, along the southern branch, western branch, middle branch and northern branch, a typical wetland landscape is formed.
Near the southwest shore of Poyang Lake, China's largest freshwater lake, lies a phoenix-shaped island called Nanjishan, 60 kilometers from downtown Nanchang. Every spring and summer, the lake rises, creating a vast expanse of water. Standing on this beautiful island feels like stepping into the ocean. From autumn to early spring, the lake recedes, creating a network of rivers and streams, dotted with lakes, and covered in lush green grass. Fish, shrimp, snails, and clams swarm in the shallows, providing a rich food source for migratory birds like the Siberian Crane. With its ideal climate, pure water, and tranquil environment, this area is an ideal wintering habitat for rare migratory birds like the Siberian Crane.
The subtropical monsoon climate brings tens of thousands of wintering migratory birds from the north to the south in October every year, gathering in Changhu Lake, Linghu Lake, Beijia Lake, Donghu Lake and Shentang Lake around Nanjishi Mountain. When spring comes and flowers bloom the following year, they migrate north in groups. Summer migratory birds, such as house swallows and egrets, come to this lake to inhabit and reproduce, making it a suitable place for travel in the golden autumn.
There are over 280 bird species and 115 waterfowl species. Among them are over 50 species under first and second-class national protection, including the white crane, white stork, black stork, great bustard, red-crowned crane, swan, pelican, white-naped crane, white-fronted goose, white spoonbill, mandarin duck, golden eagle, sea eagle, and Scaly merganser. Every sunrise, flocks of white cranes, their white robes gracefully perched on the vast lakeside marshes, gleaming silver in the sunlight like pearls scattered across the sky. Their resonant, high-pitched, continuous "cluck, cluck" calls are truly spectacular, enchanting, and a perfect place for sightseeing.
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.
free
8:00-18:00
Nanjishan lies in the wetland region of Poyang Lake, within Xinjian District of Nanchang City. The area includes the Nanjishan Wetland National Nature Reserve with a core zone of about 2,000 ha and total approx. 33,300 ha. It is an important ecological zone where three main tributaries of the Gan River converge with Poyang Lake, creating a water-land transition zone rich in biodiversity and migratory bird habitat.
Nanjishan is located northeast of Nanchang City centre, roughly 60-70 km away, in Nanjixian (南矶乡), Xinjian District. From Nanchang city, taxi or ride-hail is most convenient. Public buses may run to the township area but final access may require walking or local transport through the wetlands.
Specific opening hours aren’t widely published for the wetland zone. The best time to visit: spring (for green reeds and grass sea), autumn/winter (for migratory birds), and weekdays or early morning for tranquility. Seasonal water level fluctuations mean some roads may be submerged (especially summer).
No clear ticket-fee information is found for public access to Nanjishan. Many sources state that the wetland is free to enter or has very low cost local access. It appears to be more of a natural area than a full commercial tourist park requiring advanced purchase.
Because advance ticketing isn’t clearly defined for Nanjishan, booking in advance is likely *not* required for a normal visit. If you join a guided group or bird-watching tour, pre-booking might be advisable.
Allocate around 2-3 hours for a moderate walk around the lakeshores and hills. If you plan to explore deeper into the reserve, bird-watching, photography or hiking, allow half-a-day or more.
No widely-publicised guided tours or audio guides (especially in English) were found. Visitors generally explore independently; local guides may be available in Chinese.
Top photo spots include the hills overlooking the lake and wetland grasses at sunrise or sunset, shallow water zones when water recedes and lakeside views of reeds or migrating birds flying across the water. Early morning light enhances reflections in the shallow marsh.
Recommended route: begin at entrance to Nanjishan wetland/reserve area, walk or wade around the marsh perimeter, climb one of the hills (Nanshan or Jishan) for a view, stroll the reed beds, stop at a lakeside platform for birds, then return. Adjust route based on season and water level.
No information was found about structured night visits, light shows or special tours at Nanjishan. Visiting during daylight is recommended both for safety and scenic experience.
Nanjishan is relatively less crowded compared to popular urban parks or major tourist attractions, because it is a natural wetland area. The least busy times are weekday mornings outside major Chinese holidays. Avoid peak holiday periods if you want more tranquillity.
Facilities appear basic: local articles mention free parking, public toilets in the Nanjishan area, and nearby “farm-stay” style guesthouses/food in Nanjixian township. It is wise to bring water/snacks for remote parts of the walk.
Because terrain includes wetland paths, marshy ground and small hills, it is accessible for children and adults with moderate mobility. Elderly or visitors with mobility limitations should stick to main flat marsh paths rather than steeper hill climbs. Wheelchair access may be limited in some areas.
Entry appears free and facilities minimal; local food venues likely accept mobile payments (WeChat Pay/Alipay) and cash is recommended in case of remote vendors.
Nearby township areas (Nanjixian / Nanjishan area) have local “farmhouse” restaurants and simple guesthouse cafés. There are no major chains on the island/hill itself. Visiting with snacks or stopping in town before/after is advisable.
No special listings found for vegetarian/vegan/halal in the immediate area; local Jiangxi cuisine predominates. Guests should ask locally; simple vegetable dishes are likely offered by farmhouse restaurants.
Accommodation options are in nearby Nanjixian / Xinjian District villages and guesthouses—farm-stay or countryside lodging are available. Staying in or around Xinjian or Nanchang city centre gives more options for amenities.
Yes — You can combine Nanjishan with a visit to the broader Poyang Lake region, other wetland areas, or nearby hills in Xinjian District. Because it's within the Nanchang prefecture, exploring the city centre and the lake region offers a contrasting nature + urban day.
Souvenir options are limited; you’ll find small shops in township areas offering postcard-style prints of Nanjishan’s lakes and grasses, local wetland themed crafts, or regional snack items from Jiangxi.
After visiting Nanjishan you can return by taxi or ride-hail to Nanchang city centre or take a rural bus from Nanjixian. If you have a car, you can drive onwards to other wetland or lake scenic areas around Poyang Lake or other districts of Jiangxi.
