 Some
10,000 years ago, people lived and multiplied in what is now Wuxi.
In 202BC, a country was set up here for effective government. People
in this area have been building water works for agricultural production
since the ancient times. They were also good at engaging in handicraft
industry and business. When the Grand Canal was dug during the Sui
Dynasty (581-618), business people flocked to Wuxi by boat. During
the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), various parts of the surrounding areas
sent their grain tributes to Wuxi for onward shipment to the imperial
court in Beijing. During the ensuing dynasties of Ming and Qing (1368-1911),
Wuxi grew into national-level rice, silk and cloth markets, attracting
business people from various parts of the country.
The early 20th century saw Wuxi emerge as a cradle for national industry,
with two brothers from the Rong family and some others running cotton
mills, flour mills or silkworm cocoon filature factories. By 1937,
Wuxi ranked third in China in terms of industrial output value, and
was the largest of the four rice markets in the country. Because of
this, Wuxi was affectionately mentioned as "Shanghai Jr."
Wuxi made rapid progress after the founding of New China in 1949.
During the ongoing reform and opening period that began in late 1978,
farmers in the suburban areas were the first in China to start what
we today call "township enterprises". Foreign investment
has also been a powerful tool for progress. As the number one city
in Jiangsu Province in terms of comprehensive strength, Wuxi is today
one of the Top 15 key economic centres in China. |
|
