Scottish travel writer and photographer John Thomson was one of the first western photographers to travel to the Far East. In the latter half of the nineteenth century, he travelled extensively in China, recording what he saw for posterity.
From elaborately dressed brides to working fishermen, Thomson captured landscapes and city scenes, people and places. The result is a captivating insight into the everyday lives of Chinese people almost 150 years ago.
After touring the Far East, Thomson returned to the UK, where he gained fame for his street photography of London people. He is now regarded as one of the pioneers of photojournalism.
▼ A Boatwoman, (Guangzhou, Guangdong 1869–70)
All photos via vintage everyday
▼ The Veranda of a Chinese Teahouse, (Hong Kong, 1868–71)
In this next photo, a portrait artist looks away from the camera as he works on a painting. The artist’s hair is in the traditional queue (or cue) style, a long braid worn by men.
▼ A Chinese Portrait Artist, (Hong Kong 1869)
Sedan chairs were an early form of public transport in Hong Kong, and could be hired from stands found at hotels and major crossroads.
▼ Sedan Chair, (Hong Kong 1868–71)
▼ A Manchu Bride, (Beijing 1871–72)
▼ Pedder Street, looking north from the intersection with Des Voeux Road (Hong Kong, 1869-71)
▼ A Cantonese Schoolboy, (Guangzhou, Guangdong, 1869–70)
▼ Fishtail Rock (To Kwa Wan Island or Hoi Sham Island) off To Kwa Wan, Kowloon (Hong Kong 1869-71)
▼ Praya or Des Voeux Road, Hong Kong, and St John’s Cathedral. (Hong Kong, 1869-71)
▼ Cochrane Street with Lyndhurst Terrace slices across the background, Wellington Street crosses the middle and a pawn shop on the Northeast corner, Central (Hong Kong, 1869-71)
▼ A photograph taken on Lyndhurst Street in the Central District during H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh’s brief visit in 1869 (Hong Kong, 1869)
▼ Regatta at Victoria Harbour (Hong Kong, 1871)
▼ Cemetery in Happy Valley, with the gable end of the roof of the Chapel of Ease appears behind the bamboos on the left edge (Hong Kong, 1869-71)
▼ A Foreign Settlement, (Shantou, Guangdong 1871)
▼ Queen’s Road East, close to where the old Wanchai Market is (Hong Kong, 1869-71)
▼ Kellett’s Island, looking west or WSW across Wanchai towards Central and the Peak, with HMS Princess Charlotte (1858-1875)
▼ City Hall with two posed Chinese males at the base of the building’s near corner (Hong Kong, 1869-71)
▼ A Cantonese beauty holds an open painted fan and stands before a folding screen (Guangzhou, Guangdong, 1869-71)
▼ A Cantonese Family of Kowloon, (Hong Kong 1869)
▼ Racecourse, Happy Valley, from the south side of Morrison Hill looking ESE over the race course to Jardine’s Lookout (Hong Kong, 1869-71)
▼ An old woman on street (Guangzhou, Guangdong, 1868-70)
▼ A Cantonese Woman, (Guangzhou, Guangdong, 1869–70)
Source: vintage everyday via karapaia
All images: via vintage everyday
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
A visit to Sri Lanka’s knockoff knockoff Uniqlo (no, we didn’t stutter) to see its rare “Pikachus”
7-Eleven Japan releases chocolate cookies that taste like freshly baked melon bread
How to cook shiitake mushrooms like a Japanese manga character
The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
A visit to Sri Lanka’s knockoff knockoff Uniqlo (no, we didn’t stutter) to see its rare “Pikachus”
7-Eleven Japan releases chocolate cookies that taste like freshly baked melon bread
How to cook shiitake mushrooms like a Japanese manga character
The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
Japan moves to enforce language requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency
Udon pudding is about to shake up the noodle scene in Japan
Japan announces plans for twenty-fold increase in permanent residency fees, alongside higher visa costs
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
Japan moves to enforce language requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency
Udon pudding is about to shake up the noodle scene in Japan
Japan announces plans for twenty-fold increase in permanent residency fees, alongside higher visa costs
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
KFC Japan creates spicy summer fried chicken chips together with Calbee
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Sanrio collaborates with Sesame Street for adorable merch and sweets in Japan[Photos]
Taco Spaghetti appears in Japan, and our taco fan rushes to try it[Taste test]
Studio Ghibli brings Totoro Soot Sprites out of the anime shadows for a new bag and pouch collection