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Chinese man and British soldier
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Chinese man and British soldier
A street in China (probably Peking, now Beijing) with a sign saying Hotel International. A Chinese man walks with a British soldier. Date: C.1911
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Media ID 14118423
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a moment of cultural exchange and interaction between China and the West during the early 20th century. The image, taken in the streets of Peking (now Beijing) around 1911, depicts a Chinese man in traditional clothing walking alongside a British soldier. The backdrop of the scene is the Hotel International sign, an iconic symbol of Western influence in China at the time. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, China experienced significant interaction with foreign powers, including Great Britain, as a result of the Opium Wars and subsequent treaties. The presence of foreigners, particularly in major cities like Peking, became increasingly common. The Hotel International, one of the first Western-style hotels in the city, catered to the needs of foreign travelers and diplomats. The Chinese man in the photograph appears to be going about his daily business, seemingly unfazed by the presence of the British soldier. The soldier, in full uniform, carries himself with the confidence and authority of a foreign occupier. Yet, the two men share a common street, a reminder of the complex and nuanced relationships that existed between Chinese and Westerners during this period. This photograph offers a glimpse into the rich and complex history of China's interaction with the West during a time of great change. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural exchange and understanding in fostering peaceful and productive relationships between different peoples and nations.
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