A harbour scene near the French Concession in Shanghai with many rigged junks and smaller sampans moored alongside each other off the shore. Some of the larger junks have striped awnings rigged over the booms and yards.

The un-masted sampans in the foreground are full of goods, such as pots and pans, timber, and the tradesmen are busily engaged on board. In the background to the top left of the image a few vessels can be seen plying the river, and in the foreground on the right, the muddy river bank can be seen.

The original negative envelope was labelled: 'Junks Shanghai 1900' and the reverse of the accompanying contact print is labelled: 'Men of war & other junks near the French concession Shanghai. Men-of-war junk have striped canopies 1900'