Wuxi

128 kilometres west of Shanghai, Wuxi lies in southern Jiangsu Province on the banks of the Jinghang Grand Canal (Jinghang dayunhe). As one of the oldest cities in China, Wuxi has a history of more than 3,000 years. Previously under the jurisdiction of Huiji prefecture, during the Zhou and Qin dynasties Wuxi was rich in natural tin, but was soon exhausted by excessive exploitation. By the early Han period, the city had already adopted its present name, which means "no tin".

Set in the heart of the fertile Yangtzi River Delta, Wuxi has developed new industries including silk production, pottery and bricks. The fishing industry has also come into its own, helped by the nearby presence of Taihu Lake.

These days, the area is attracting more and more visitors, most of them drawn to the tranquil waters of the lake and the huge buddha icon that watches over the area from close by.