The Chinese version of Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim's diary Photo: Courtesy of Finnish Embassy in China

The Finnish Embassy in China will host a roundtable discussion on former Finnish president Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim's trip to China from 1906 to 1908 on Sunday as part of the ­ongoing photo exhibition Recollections in Dust at the Danish Cultural Center in Beijing. 

Mannerheim, born in 1867 in Finland, initially served in the Imperial Russian Army when Finland was under the Russian Empire. Following Finland's independence in 1917, he went on to become the head of the Finnish forces, and later, the Finnish president.

The exhibition, running from January 19 to March 3, aims to shed light on the early images of traditional life captured by Mannerheim during his exploration of Central Asia and China from 1906 to 1908.

During his journey, Mannerheim traveled over 14,000 kilometers on horseback, entering present-day Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from Central Asia, traversing much of China, and eventually reaching Beijing. 

He documented the vibrant cultures he encountered through his photographs and writings, capturing scenes ranging from the ferry on the Aksu River to the winding paths of Mount Wutai.

His collection of photographs provides valuable insights into the people and cultures of Central Asia and China, many of which have since disappeared or undergone significant changes. 

Mannerheim's prolific documentation, despite the monotony of daily tasks or the festivities of local events, offers a vivid snapshot of life over a century ago.

The roundtable discussion will focus on Mannerheim's Asian expedition and the multidisciplinary value of his photo collection. 

Scholars from the Institute of Chinese Border and Studies and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, will lead participants on a journey back in time to understand the man behind the lens and the socio-scientific significance of his photographs from anthropological and historical perspectives.

Additionally, scholars will introduce the latest findings from the international academic collaborative effort between scholars from Finland and China, highlighting the most advanced research on Mannerheim's exploration.