"It's amazing, you met somebody and to meet them 34 years later. I like to photograph people. I like to create a connection when I photograph," Fouss said. "She’s the first person from my pictures to contact me. Next time I go to Beijing, I plan to meet her."

Recalling his trip 34 years ago, which also took him to Guangzhou, Yangshuo, Guilin, Kunming, Emei Mountain and Xi'an, Fouss said he had a wonderful experience.

Fouss, now Consul General of the US in Wuhan, said he often looked at the photos to remember those days.

"The thing that really struck me is how many people rode bicycles. There were very few cars, a lot of buses, but mostly bicycles," Fouss said.

"The people mainly wore dark suits, like grey, green or dark blue. Nobody was colorful, except children."