China's modernization viewed from an outside perspective

Seeing Perceiving, an exhibition that will conclude on Aug 23 at the National Museum of China in Beijing, reflects the country's course of modernization through the diverse perspectives of foreign artists, photographers and expatriates in other professions.

The exhibits comprise photographs, paintings, pictorials, and handicrafts bearing painted motifs, including narrative patterns on ceramics exported to European markets. Most are recent acquisitions by the National Museum of China.

These images reflect the romantic imaginings of China from different cultural perspectives, the views of outside observers on the country's modern transformations, and its vibrant pulse over the past four decades.

Through these unique angles, visitors can build their own diverse, multifaceted visual archive of the country.