Geography: Lakes

Islands on the western side of Quinghai Hu are stopovers for migrating birds.

An ancient Chinese tower is an engaging spectacle rising out of Poyang Hu.

China, a vast country with a landscape as diverse as its culture, ranging from the Himalayan mountains to coastal lowlands, is home to numerous significant lakes, each boasting unique features. Among these, Qinghai Lake, known for being the largest saltwater lake in China, is particularly noteworthy for its size and ecological importance. The following table provides an overview of the country's major lakes, focusing on key aspects such as the lake's surface area, its elevation above sea level, its primary water source, and the nature of its outflow.

Lake Name	Area	Elevation	Water Source	Outflow
Quinghai Hu	4,460 km² (1,722 mi²)	3,200 m (10,498 ft)	40+ rivers	Evaporation
Poyang Hu	3,350 km² (1,293 mi²)	16.5 m (54 ft)	Gan, Xin, and Xiu rivers	Yangtze River
Dongting Hu	3,100 km² (1,196 mi²)	33 m (108 ft)	Xiang, Zi, Yuan, and Feng rivers	Yangtze River
Hongze Hu	2,700 km² (1,042 mi²)	15 m (50 ft)	Huai, Sui, Bian, and An rivers	Huai River; Yangtze River
Tai Hu	2,425 km² (936 mi²)	3 m (9.8 ft)	Yangtze River basin	Wusong, Liu, and Huangpu rivers
Hulun Nur (Dalai Nor)	2,315 km² (893 mi²)	540 m (1,771 ft)	Kerulen and Orxon rivers; rainfall	Hailar River
Nam Co (Namtso Lake; Tengri Nor)	1,920 km² (741 mi²)	4,718 m (15,479 ft)	Snowmelt streamsN	None (endorheic); evaporation
Siling Co	1,860 km² (718 mi²)	4,530 m (1,722 ft)	Several rivers; snowmelt; rainfall	None (endorheic); evaporation
Bosten Hu	1,380 km² (532 mi²)	1,050 m (3,444 ft)	Kaidu, Qingshui, and Huangshui rivers	Kongque River
Tangra Yumco (Dang Reyongcuo)	835 km² (322 mi²)	4,645 m (15,239 ft)	Daguo Tsangpo and Buzhai Zangbu rivers	None (endorheic); evaporation