Lin Huiyin

Author: Chen Xinhua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Although the Lin family of Minhou was not a wealthy aristocratic family, they were known for their optimistic and progressive spirit, embracing innovation in both family management and academic pursuits. Their pioneering spirit of "opening new trends" set them apart in the scholarly world, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. From Lin Xiaoxun's official career through the system to the Lin family members of the "Min" generation—Lin Yinmin, Lin Juemin, and Lin Changmin—who sacrificed their lives for social reform and saving the nation from peril, to the talented and beautiful Lin Huiyin. Over a century of family history, three generations of brilliance, culminating in the exceptionally gifted Lin Huiyin. From the "literary talent" in the literary circles to the "pioneer of modern Chinese architecture," Lin Huiyin left her mark in various fields—poetry, fiction, prose, stage design for theater and fine arts, and architecture—with her natural talent and refined insight. The esteemed background and family ethos nurtured a literary genius—Lin Huiyin, whose life was deeply intertwined with her family's heritage. The family is a key to unlocking Lin Huiyin's inner world. Viewing Lin Huiyin from this perspective can inspire deeper reflection in later generations.
Lin Huiyin (1904–1955) was born in Hangzhou, Fujian Province, Minhou. Named Huiyin according to the Book of Songs. In 1912, she moved with her grandfather to Shanghai, and in 1916, the family relocated to Beijing. In 1916, she attended the British-run Peiwa Girls' School. In July 1920, she accompanied her father, Lin Changmin, to Europe, traveling to London, Paris, Geneva, Rome, Frankfurt, Berlin, and Brussels. That same year, she was admitted to St. Mary's College in London with outstanding academic performance. In 1921, she returned to China and continued her studies at Peiwa Girls' School. In 1922, she began a romantic relationship with Liang Sicheng. In 1923, she joined the Crescent Society. In 1924, she welcomed Tagore to China and played the lead role in his play Chitra. That same year, in June, she traveled to the United States with Liang Sicheng for graduate studies, enrolling in the Department of Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1927, she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. That same year, she entered the Yale School of Drama, studying stage design under Professor G. P. Parker. In March 1928, she married Liang Sicheng in Ottawa, Canada, and the couple later traveled to Europe to study architecture. In 1929, she taught History of Sculpture and professional English at the Department of Architecture of Northeastern University. That year, when Zhang Xueliang offered a prize for designing the university's emblem, Lin Huiyin's design, "White Mountains and Black Waters," won the competition. In 1930, due to her tuberculosis, she sought treatment at Xiangshan in Beijing. In 1949, she participated in the design of the national emblem of the People's Republic of China. In 1951, she designed the decorative patterns and bas-reliefs for the pedestal of the Monument to the People's Heroes on Tiananmen Square. In addition to her architectural papers, Lin Huiyin also wrote numerous literary works, including Ninety-Nine Degrees Centigrade.