Summer is a perfect time for picking fruit and vegetables. Peaches, grapes, hami melons, tomatoes and cucumbers can be found in the markets; and many farms in Taicang are open to the public, allowing people to pick their own fruit and vegetables and enjoy a weekend of fun on the farm.

Honey peach planting base

The honey peach planting base in Zhangqiao village, Liuhe town, is the first to have planted four hectares of Yangshan honey peaches – a well-known peach brand in Wuxi city which are both sweet and succulent.

This year, the peach output is expected to reach more than 200,000, an increase of 50 percent compared with the previous year. The harvest season will run till late August and people are allowed to pick their own peaches. Free tastings are available.

Transportation: Bus 207

Dianzhan village

Dianzhan village is famous for its abundant resources of vegetables and fruit, including grapes, corn, pears and tomatoes. It also provides a natural space for kids to play and learn about vegetables and fruit.

The village boasts a large agricultural base planted with various green vegetables and fruit. The grapes cover an area of 10 hectares with an expected output of more than 75,000 kg. Honey pears are another highlight of Dianzhan village. Twenty hectares of pears will have an output of 100,000 kg.

The village also allows people to pick their own vegetables and fruits. It is recommended they pick fruit in the early morning or after sunset to avoid the summer heat.

Transportation: Bus 101

Heqiao village

Sweet hami melons in Heqiao village, Liuhe town, have entered the market. Hami melons, originally produced in Hami prefecture of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, have been successfully planted in Heqiao village. This year, the village has reaped a bumper harvest of hami melons with an increased output and improved quality. Tasting and picking is free but the melons cost between 8 yuan ($1.30) and 9 yuan per 500g.

The village also offers a grape picking service with more than 20 species of grapes. Other fruits in Heqiao, including kiwi, blueberry and cherry, will be available for picking when they reach maturity.

Transportation: Bus 201, 209

In addition to the above areas, the Sunqiao village in Huangjing town is rich in fruit, including strawberries, dragon fruit and winter peaches.

Donglin village in Chengxiang town features an ecological environment, advanced agricultural technology and high-quality agricultural products. Visitors are able to watch the production of rice, pick fruits and experience a nomadic life style in the artificial pasture.