The Origin of Wu

　　From Taibo's three renunciations of the throne and southward flight to this land, establishing the Gou Wu tribe, to the loss of the Wu kingdom in 473 BC under Fuchai, the Wu kingdom spanned 25 leaders and existed for over 600 years, creating a glorious history of Wu and fostering a brilliant culture that endures to this day.

　　The Meicun and Hongshan areas in Xidong region, anciently called "Meili," were where Taibo once stopped during his flight to Wu, leaving behind many historical vestiges. In the later years of the Wu Kingdom, the political and military center shifted westward. The capital established during the reign of Helu, along with the Wu cultural remains in eastern Meicun and Hongshan, complement each other, laying a solid foundation for Wuxi as the ancient capital of Wu.

　　Although King Helu's reign was short, it represents one of the most glorious chapters in the history of the vast ancient kingdom. The ruins of Helu City stand as a testament to this turbulent and magnificent history, being the only definitively identified capital of the Wu Kingdom to date, and also an indispensable part of showcasing and researching Wu culture.

　　Taibo was the eldest son of Tai Wang, the leader of the Zhou tribe in the Central Plains, and the original heir to the throne. However, Tai Wang favored Ji Chang, the son of his third son, Ji Li, and intended to pass the throne to Ji Chang through Ji Li. To avoid causing his father distress and for the future of Wu, Taibo relinquished the throne and fled south to Jingman with his second brother, Zhongyong, establishing the Gou Wu tribe. After four leaders, Taibo, Zhongyong, Jijian, and Shuda, Gou Wu officially became a state under its fifth monarch, Zhou Zhang, during the time when King Wu of Zhou attacked and destroyed Shang, dividing the land and bestowing fiefdoms. Zhou Zhang was granted the title of Yu Hou, and Wu was thus elevated to the ranks of feudal states. Helu was the 24th King of Wu. During his reign, he diligently governed, appointed competent officials, strengthened the nation and its military, and with the planning and assistance of Sun Wu and Wu Zixu, he conquered Chu in the west, Yue in the south, and intimidated Qi in the north, becoming an invincible force and the overlord of the late Spring and Autumn period.