Chongqing - A three-floor western building covered by traditional Chinese roof ridges glimmers in Chongqing's Opening Port Heritage Park on the south bank of Yangtze River in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.

This photo shows the site of the former Little firm in Chongqing's Opening Port Heritage Park in southwest China's Chongqing, June 10, 2023. (Photo/Huang Wei, Xinhua)

Built in 1896 by British businessman Archibald John Little, the structure once operated as a renowned foreign firm in Chongqing. The Little firm was also the first foreign firm in Chongqing when Chongqing opened its port.

This aerial photo shows the site of the former Little firm in Chongqing's Opening Port Heritage Park in southwest China's Chongqing, June 10, 2023. (Photo/Huang Wei, Xinhua)

Little spoke Chinese and was well versed in China's culture. He played an important role in promoting commercial and cultural exchanges between China and the West more than 100 years ago.

This aerial photo shows the site of the former Little firm in Chongqing's Opening Port Heritage Park in southwest China's Chongqing, June 10, 2023. (Photo/Huang Wei, Xinhua)

The old site of the foreign firm has been listed as cultural relic under municipal protection by Chongqing. In October 2020, the local government decided to restore the site to refresh the century-old structure. With the building successfully repaired, the local government has developed it into a history museum.