This article represents a pioneering study within Russian literary scholarship focusing on the travel notes book by Serbian writer Milan Jovanović (Marine) (1834–1896), titled “Wanderings in the East” (1894–1895). The author examines these travel notes against the backdrop of Sino-Serbian relations at the turn of the nineteenth to twentieth centuries. The primary objective is an analysis of how China and its people are perceived through this work as part of Serbian literature. Specifically analyzed chapters include “Chinese Sea” and “Hong Kong.” Employing artistic perception as a central category of imagology, the author investigates representations of China, Chinese individuals, and their culture within Jovanović’s text. These findings contribute significantly towards understanding cultural connections between Serbia and China. Additionally, the article discusses depictions of the Chinese compared with other nationalities, foreigner perspectives, particularly European views, religious beliefs among the Chinese, notions of homeland, and perceptions of Chinese women. Ultimately, it concludes that Jovanović made substantial contributions toward dispelling myths about China’s stagnation created by European literature, while also contributing positively to shaping future public consciousness transformations and ideological shifts in China.