Thomson's China provides a written and photographic account of John Thomson’s journeys in nineteenth-century China. Unlike other explorers of his era, Thomson traveled with a camera, pioneering documentary photography in his expedition. The book showcases his photographic endeavors with the intent to document the country's landscapes and its people, offering a unique visual insight into the times. The book highlights the significance of Thomson's work as a groundbreaking effort in travel photography, marking a shift in how exploration was recorded and shared with the world.