Explore China's architectural history through 'The Liang' exhibition
2025-01-23 to 2025-04-18
2025-01-23 to 2025-04-18An exhibition, "The Liang: A Documenta of Liang Sicheng & Lin Huiyin," from January 23 to April 18 will showcase the remarkable lives and outstanding contributions of two prominent figures in Chinese architecture and cultural preservation.
It is the inaugural exhibition of the newly established Q-Can Art Museum.
Featuring nearly 400 documents, from handwritten notes to architectural drawings, the exhibition provides an intimate look at the lives and works of Liang and Lin, as well as an insight into the history of Chinese architecture.
Liang and Lin have etched their names indelibly on the canvas of Chinese architectural history with profound contributions spanning the realms of ancient architecture research, cultural heritage preservation, urban planning, architectural design, and architectural education.
Together, they traveled extensively, documenting ancient buildings and creating detailed drawings and surveys that have become invaluable resources for understanding China's architectural history. The couple were also the principal designers of the national emblem and The Monument to the People's Heroes.
In 1936, Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin conducted a field study of the Xinglong Pagoda in Yanzhou.
The exhibition has five themed sections, including precious manuscripts, historical photographs, personal letters, and casual illustrations of the two architectural giants. There are 19 sets of core exhibits. The exhibition also uses modern technology to create an immersive light and shadow display.
Precious manuscripts
The exhibition features a collection of Liang and Lin's architectural drawings, displaying their excellence in blending technical precision and artistic flair in architectural design.These include survey drawings of historical architecture such as the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and the Foguang Temple on Mount Wutai.
A survey drawing of the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (designed by Liang Sicheng and Mo Zongjiang).
North elevation drawing of The Monument to the People's Heroes.
Historical photographs
In addition to the drawings, the exhibit includes a series of photographs that bring Liang and Lin to life. The images offer a more intimate look at their personal lives, from candid shots of their travels to formal portraits, providing a vivid and authentic portrayal of the couple.
Liang and Lin pose with friends.
Liang at the Puxian Pavilion of Shanhua Temple in Datong, 1933.
Personal letters
The exhibit also includes a selection of letters exchanged between Liang and Lin and family members. The letters, spanning generations, reveal the deep connections and shared values within their family. Among these, there are also their earnest teachings to their descendants, which exemplify the principles of a free and sincere family education.
Liang Qichao, a prominent Chinese intellectual, reformer, and Liang Sicheng's father wrote a message to Liang and Lin on the title page of a copy of Yingzao Fashi (Tao edition) in 1925.
In her letter to her daughter, Liang Zaibing, Lin wrote: "I believe that as Chinese people, we should be exceptionally brave right now."
Casual illustrations
Beyond their architectural contributions, Liang and Lin were also talented artists. The exhibition displays Lin's watercolor paintings of her hometown in Fujian and Liang's sketches from his travels. These artworks show how they captured beauty and expressed their thoughts creatively about their life.
A Christmas card Lin designed for the University of Pennsylvania's Department of Fine Arts.
One of Lin's watercolor paintings of her hometown in Fujian.
Light and shadow show
A major highlight of the exhibition is an immersive light and shadow show that recounts the architectural exploration journey of Liang and Lin. The four-part narrative delves into four milestones in their architectural research. By transporting visitors into a stunning world of light and shadow, they can traverse time and space, following in the footsteps of Liang and Lin to explore the beauty of ancient Chinese architecture.
Some display screens for the light and shadow show.
No matter if you're enthusiastic about historical architecture or a foreigner with a deep interest in Chinese culture, this exhibition will be worth a visit. It will take you on a journey of historical and cultural cultivation, retracing the path of master architects and exploring a century of Chinese architectural heritage.
Tickets can be purchased through ticketing platform Damai's app or its WeChat mini-program.
Scan to book tickets through Damai's WeChat mini-program.
If you go
Date: January 23-April 18
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:30am-9pm; Last entry at 8pm
Venue: Q-Can Art Museum
Admission: 68 yuan (early bird all-access pass), 98 yuan (early bird family all-access pass)
Address: 6/F, Life Hub @ Bund Central, 939 Sichuan Rd N.
滨港商业中心六楼,四川北路939号