Explored how Britain and the United States adjusted their policies towards China during the tug of war between conservatism and reform from 1894 to 1901. The influence of Britain has weakened due to competition among major powers, leading to policy swings; After the Spanish American War, the United States attempted to break away from "follower diplomacy" and independently formulate policies towards China. By analyzing the Chinese research works of British and American visitors to China, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the Western attention to China issues at that time. The book "On Chinese Literature by Westerners" compiled by French sinologist Koudi is an important reference for foreign research, and the Chinese academic community has also collected and translated related books. Universities such as the University of Macau and the University of Hong Kong have relevant databases, and the Internet has also facilitated research. However, existing research mostly focuses on Sinology, religion, and the image of China, lacking a comprehensive analysis of the overall situation of books during this period. The author has sorted out about 116 related books through multiple publication catalogs, providing a new perspective for research.

1、 Overview of Book Publishing

Between 1894 and 1901, British and American visitors to China published a total of 116 English works on China, mainly in London, New York, and Shanghai. The authors of these works include missionaries, businessmen, politicians, etc. Their works reflect the high demand for information about China in the West, and China has become a hot topic of concern for the West. The works of British and American visitors to China not only have an impact in their home country, but also become important references for the business and political circles. Before and after the First Sino Japanese War and the Boxer Rebellion, the number of published works reached its peak, demonstrating the sensitivity of British and American people to changes in the current situation in China. The research scope of British authors is extensive, while the United States focuses more on evangelism and general introductions. The existence of reprinted works demonstrates their authority and recognition of the English speaking world.

2、 Overview of Works by British and American Visitors to China

Between 1894 and 1901, the works of British and American visitors to China were extensive, including informative introductions to China, observations of the current situation, market research, traditional culture, and missionary issues. These works aim to provide information for the general public in the West, as well as for British and American authorities and businesses, but often carry the author's biases and stereotypes.

3、 The dissemination effect and impact of related works

The works of modern British and American visitors to China have played an important role in the Western world's understanding of China. These works, due to their systematic, complete, and independent perspectives, have had an impact on the policies of Britain and the United States towards China. The books of missionaries became an important source for the United States to understand Asia, while Coelhon proposed the establishment of an independent institution to provide objective information on China. Against the backdrop of a lack of extensive Chinese information, these books have become an important source of information for the West to understand China, supporting the formation of various interest groups' perceptions of China.

4、 Conclusion

The works of British and American visitors to China aim to satisfy the curiosity of readers in the English speaking world, provide business information, and serve as references for government decision-making. These works have diverse contents, including travel records, general history summaries, character descriptions, political observations, and missionary issues. They have had a profound impact both domestically and internationally, becoming important information resources for building China's image. These works reflect the Western thinking on the current situation, reasons, and future direction of China, as well as the pursuit of a new nation, new government, new economy, and new culture.