Lee Kuan Yew, former prime minister of Singapore, passed away on March 23, 2015 at the age of 91. During his political career, he contributed to the close cooperation between Singapore and China. His three trips to Wuxi in Jiangsu province had impact on the development of the city.

Lee paid his first visit to Wuxi in 1976, two years before China's reform and opening-up. During his trip, he visited the Wuxi Clay Figurine Factory and the Taihu Lake and watched an art performance.

Lee Kuan Yew and his wife Kwa Geok Choo (middle) visit the Wuxi Clay Figurine Factory in 1976. [Photo provided by Lu Bingrong of Wuxi Daily]

"He was nice and friendly," said Lu Bingrong, the photographer who took pictures of Lee's first visit to the city." During our visit to the Taihu Lake, the prime minister warmly asked all people to have a group photo."

The Lees visit the Taihu Lake in 1976. [Photo provided by Lu Bingrong of Wuxi Daily]