Hoi-How, the Proposed New Treaty Port, Island of Hainan c. 1868

This photograph by John Thomson, taken around 1868, depicts a panoramic view of Hoi-How, a proposed new treaty port on the island of Hainan. The image showcases a distant view of the coastline, dominated by a hazy sky and a calm expanse of water. The silhouette of buildings and masts on the horizon hint at the port’s potential development, captured with a striking clarity characteristic of Thomson's photographic style. The composition emphasizes the vastness of the landscape, highlighting the contrast between the bustling port and the tranquility of the surrounding waters. The image provides a glimpse into a historical moment of transition and modernization in China, offering insights into the impact of foreign influence on the region.