In August of 1981, Zhang Xueling, Council Member of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, visited Chattanooga, and along with Mrs. Jean Troy, President of U.S.-China People's Friendship Associ- ation of Chattanooga, initiated the plans to have Wuxi become a sister city. The documents were signed on October 14, 1982. Since that time, there has been continuing correspondence between the Sister Cities representatives; at least five groups from Chattanooga have visited Wuxi, and a like number have visited here from Wuxi. Wuxi student art has been displayed in Chattanooga on more than one occasion.

Wuxi, a scenic city on Lake Taihu, faces the lake on the south and Huai Mountain on the west. The Grand Canal passes through the city in the north-south direction. The natural scenery is beautiful. Currently, the people of Wuxi are en- gaged in a concentrated effort to build a city characterized by textile and electronic industries and an attraction for tourists. It has long been a center for silk production and is noted for rice, fish, and a famous clay figurine pierced porcelain factory. It has many beautiful parks and recreation areas.