Covering an area of over 2,250 meters, Taihu Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in China. The lake connects Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces but it is said that the northern shore in Wuxi is the most splendid. More than 40 islets dot the lake and hosue geese and duck farms, fish ponds and fruit orchards. Taihu is a popular excape for those battling the summer heat and there are boats or barges for a relaxing ride around the lake.