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History
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.
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