View from Koong-Yan-Shang Temple 1869

John Thomson's "View from Koong-Yan-Shang Temple" (1869) is a striking example of his photographic documentation of China. The photograph captures the serene landscape of a river winding its way through a valley, with a single boat moored on the riverbank, nestled amidst a backdrop of majestic mountains. Thomson’s work offers a unique perspective on the beauty and grandeur of China's natural scenery, reflecting the artistic style of 19th-century landscape photography. This albumen print, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to the photographer's keen eye for capturing the essence of a place and its people.