Wuxi - History

From about 3,000 years ago, the area where Wuxi exists was called Mei. Two fugitive princes from northern China settled it. The city was formally founded during the Han Dynasty as the capital of a feudal state in the region. The town's abundance of Tin deposits was why it was first called "Youxi" that translates literally to 'has tin'.  When the supply of tin ran out in 25 AD, Wuxi (pronounced Woo-She), which means 'no tin', became its present name.

It remained a small settlement until the 6^th century, when some development took place as a result of the construction of the Grand Canal. The canal passes right through the centre of Wuxi.

Over the centuries that followed, Wuxi remained a small country town, and it was not until the 13^th century that economic expansion took place. In the 1890’s industrialization began with an emphasis on silk and cotton textiles. In the 1930’s, local and foreign investment led to the establishment of numerous factories producing silk, cotton, vegetable oils, and flour. It also became a central market for crops and agricultural produce destined for nearby Shanghai.

Following the 1949 revolution, Wuxi was further industrialized, with particular emphasis placed on the machine-building and machine-tool industry.

Although not considered a particularly attractive city, it is situated in a most convenient place to use as a base to visit main Taihu scenic spots, and is one of the eight biggest tourism cities in China. The modern Wuxi is an important centre for foreign trade and investment. One of is most notable attributes are its production of Huishan clay figurines of animals and opera characters.