On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong declared the foundation of The People's Republic of China, following a 20-year civil war.

In the decades that followed, China experienced an intense cultural and political revolution from 1966 to 1976 that transformed the country and left millions dead.

The "Cultural Revolution" resulted in the destruction of old customs, culture, habits, and ideas in order to make way for the spread of Zedong's brand of communism.

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Beginning in 1966, a decade-long Cultural Revolution sought to eradicate old ideas and customs in order to make way for a new, revolutionary China.

Radical youths known as Red Guards were encouraged to rid China's cities of "class enemies," eliminate western ties, and destroy outdated traditions. In a matter of decades, the country was transformed from an Imperialist nation to an atheist, communist society.

As the People's Republic of China attempted to erase their own history, religious texts were destroyed, places of worship shut down, and traditional garments demonized.

Old texts and art objects were vandalized in the streets, and Mao's "Little Red Book" became a staple in Chinese homes.

But what did China look like before this?

From traditional braids to smoking opium, photos reveal a look into Chinese culture during the Qing Dynasty, and the rise of communism in 1949.