A method and system for allowing a client to carry out image surfing. After connecting with a server, the client can select an image category of images to surf from. Upon request by the client, the server sends a set of thumbnails of images to the client, allowing the client to specify one of them for surfing. The client has a GUI interface by which the client can move a selection box to select a portion of the specified image for viewing. If the client wishes to zoom in, zoom out, or enhance the quality of the viewed area, the client sends a request to the server so that the server can send the client the necessary image sub-component to achieve the zoomed or enhanced image portion.