Freshwater lakes, taking up one third of the total area of Chinese lakes, are low in salt content and mainly distributed in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the Huaihe River, and the southern Shandong Province. The five freshwater lakes in China are Poyang Lake, Dongting Lake, Taihu Lake, Hongze Lake and Chaohu Lake.

The Poyang Lake is China's largest freshwater lake, with an area of about 2933 square kilometers, an average length of 170 kilometers and an utmost depth of 29.19 meters. As a natural reservoir, it regulates the water level of the Yangtze River. The area is subject to dramatic changes in water levels, shrinking to a tenth of this size in winter. Its main braches include Ganjiang River, Fuhe River, Xinjiang River, Raohe River and Xiushui River. The Poyang Lake is renowned for being a "land of rice and fish", and endowed with a vast beautiful lake and exquisite mountains. Its famous scenic spots include Luoxing Boulder (Fallen-Star Boulder), Lake Boyang Migratory-birds Reserve, and Waterfowls Park, the largest waterfowls park in China.   

The Dongting Lake is located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, extends between Hunan and Hubei provinces and covers more than 3,000 square kilometers, with an elevation of 34.5 meters and a depth of 30.8 meters. It is the second largest freshwater lake in China. Its main braches include Xiangjiang River, Zishui River, Yuanshui River and Lishui River. It is also known as "Eight-Hundred-Li Dongting. On the banks of the lake are many villages with paddy fields and cane fields. But the main livelihood for many villagers is still fishing. The graceful Yueyang Tower is also found on the eastern bank of the lake.    

Located between Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, the Taihu Lake, known as the third largest freshwater lake in China, covers about a total area of 3,100 square meters with 2,420 square kilometers of water area. Its coastline is 400 kilometers long. Riding on a boundless expanse of blue water, 48 isles and peninsulas and 91 peaks are emerging from the waves, known as "the 72 Peaks". The Shan Hill Park has become the most famous scenic spot for tourism in the area of the Taihu Lake.     

Located in northwestern Jiangsu Province, the Hongze Lake is the fourth largest freshwater lake in China. It covers 2,069 square kilometers with an elevation of 12.25 meters andthe utmost depth of 5.5 meters. Its main branches include Huaihe River, Bianhe River and Anhe River, etc.      

The Chaohu Lake is located at the central area of Jianghuai Hill, about 15 kilometers southeast of Hefei City, the capital of Anhui Province. It is the fifth largest freshwater lake in China with an area of 753 square kilometers. The Chaohu Lake originates in the Ying Mountain and Huo Mountain. Its main branches include Fengle River, Hangpu River and Zhao River.