This book thoroughly examines the publication of pictorial journalism in modern China spanning an 80-year period, conducting in-depth studies on significant pictorial news publications. It stands as the first comprehensive, systematic, and detailed work in the field of modern Chinese pictorial journalism history.

Employing images as a means of historical preservation, the book depicts, supplements, and verifies history through captivating visuals, enabling a vivid and graphic comprehension of Chinese history. Specifically, this book presents a comprehensive portrayal of the publication and social development of pictorial journalism in modern China. It unfurls a vivid panorama of Chinese modern customs and practices through the lens of visual communication. It intricately captures the scenes of the New Culture Movement, revolution, the interplay between Chinese and Western education, the fusion of traditional knowledge and new ideas, as well as the multifaceted dimensions of politics and social. This book holds great value and provides an insightful perspective for overseas scholars engaged in the study of Chinese journalism and modern Chinese history.

Congyao Han is a professor at Nanjing University’s School of Journalism and Communication/History Department, where he also serves as the director of the Institute of Chinese Image Culture. He is a member of the Theoretical Committee of the China Photographers Association and holds the position of vice chairman at the Jiangsu Literary Critics Association. Han has been recognized with the Second Prize for Outstanding Achievements in Scientific Research in Higher Education (Humanities and Social Sciences) during the 7th and 8th sessions, as well as the 4th Chinese Excellent Cultural Book Award. Notably, he has been honored with the highest personal artistic achievement awards in China, namely the 8th China Photography Golden Statue Award (Theoretical Commentary Award) and the 9th China Photography Golden Statue Award (Theoretical Commentary Award). Han has been awarded a national-level second prize for teaching achievements. He has published 45 books and 5 textbooks, both domestically and internationally, along with over 130 academic papers spanning the fields of journalism, communication, art, and photography. Han’s primary research areas encompass visual communication, image history, and the history of news communication technology.