Photographers at Magnum Photos have had a long-standing cultural engagement and fascination with China.
Co-founders Robert Capa and Henri Cartier-Bresson first covered the country on photography assignments in the 1930s and 40s, marking the beginning of a relationship with the country that has continued throughout the decades.
Magnum's photos provide a panoramic portrait of China and its people through the changes and upheavals in its recent history.
Here is a small selection from the archives.
Henri Cartier-Bresson, 1949
Henri Cartier-Bresson's photograph shows one of the last war lords, General Ma Hung-kouei.
At the time, Ma Hung-kouei reigned supreme over north-west China, but his personal army soon abandoned him.
Behind him are ancient sayings, such as: “A good general should play a beautiful role in history. He should be praised for a hundred generations. He should care for his troops and also for his people.”
