Due to its extensive canal system by the commercial roads, the city has always played an important role, and its streets have always been crowded with tradesmen and artisans. In the 14th century, it became China’s leading silk processing area, and more and more aristocrats, scientists, actors and painters settled down, and designed elaborate villas and gardens. By the turn of the 16th century, the number of smaller and larger gardens grew to well over a hundred, and they became important tourist attractions. Due to the large number and spread out nature of its canals, its white-walled houses and cobble-stoned streets, it is still referred to as the Venice of the East. An additional factor that contributed to the city’s claim to fame: its beautiful women, who are known to be the most exquisite in China. Marco Polo regarded the city as real Heaven on Earth.