Hexagonal GaN platelet crystals with a size of 1-4 mm have been grown by a Li-based flux method. The influence of growth conditions such as the molar ratio of starting materials, temperature, pressure, the position of Li3N in the crucible on the growth of GaN single crystals was studied. The quality of GaN single crystal was checked by optical microscope and X-ray rocking curve. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.