Black and white photograph of a shoreline with many sailing ships pulled up on the shore and in the water. In the left background there are several buildings. Photograph was taken by Robert Merrill in the Chinese coastal resort area of Beidaihe Qu.

Black and white photograph of Lena Merrill (right) and an unidentified Chinese (left) man standing in front of the steps to a Chinese building with sloped roofs.

Black and white photograph of Lena Merrill (left) and unidentified Chinese man (right) standing on either side of an arched doorway. In the far distance of the arch, a large stone building or temple is visible.

Black and white photograph of three people on an automobile parked on a dirt road next to a paifang flanked by statues of horses. Photograph was taken by Robert Merrill in the Chinese coastal resort area of Beidaihe Qu.

Black and white photograph of the Ching Ling Tien Tsih steamboat.

Black and white photograph of a steamboat moored to a crowded boardwalk. "Ching Ling Tien Tsih" is visible on the stern.

Black and white photograph of nine white men men standing next to the railing of a boat wearing suits and hats.

Black and white photograph of a steamboat filled with people sailing away from the coast. Photograph was taken by Robert Merrill in the Chinese coastal resort area of Beidaihe Qu.

Black and white photograph of a steamboat filled with people sailing away from the coast. A sign for the Asiatic Petroleum Company is visible in the background. Photograph was taken by Robert Merrill in the Chinese coastal resort area of Beidaihe Qu.

Black and white photograph of a pier buildings along the shore. Photograph was taken by Robert Merrill in the Chinese coastal resort area of Beidaihe Qu.

Black and white photograph of a small wooden tide gauge house under the end of the pier. Photograph was taken by Robert Merrill in the Chinese coastal resort area of Beidaihe Qu.

Black and white photograph of a small wooden tide gauge house under the end of the pier. Photograph was taken by Robert Merrill in the Chinese coastal resort area of Beidaihe Qu.