The 1930s was a crucial decade for China, when the country was fighting its War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Over 140 works by war photographers Walter Bosshard and Robert Capa are on display at an exhibition in Beijing. The exhibition tells the history of China during the 1930s and depicts life in 10 different Chinese cities.  

The event is co-hosted by Tsinghua University Art Museum and the Swiss Photo Foundation. Divided into six sections, it shows China's people and cities during that period, from political leaders to ordinary people, from military training to the devastating aftermath of bombings.

"This exhibition is a showcase for some very important historical records of modern and contemporary history of China," said Su Dan, deputy director of Tsinghua University Art Museum. 

The Swiss correspondent Walter Bosshard lived and worked in China since 1931. Robert Capa, the most famous war photographer of his time, came to China in 1938 as a member of a film crew.  

The two photographers were friends, but also rivals in getting their images published in Life Magazine. They covered similar stories. This provides a unique chance for the exhibition to present a multi-layered narrative about the history of China seen through Western eyes and about the power of photography in wartime.  

"Through the camera of these two photographers, I get the chance to see China in the 1930s. I feel really impressed. It also lets me reflect on the history," said a visitor.

The exhibition runs until May 2020.