French photographer captures Beijing in the '80s

Bicyclists wait for traffic on Changan Avenue, Beijing, in 1985. [Photo provided by Inter Art Center/Gallery]

The late 20th century witnessed China's reform and opening up. The country was obsessed with the desire for change and addiction to new things. In 1979, China began to issue tourist visas to foreigners and on hearing the news French photographer Yann Layma was inspired to start his first trip to China in 1985 as a freelance photographer. Layma traveled across the country, to even the most remote areas. Here are some photos taken in the 1980s from Yann Layma's latest book China Yesterday.