Sun Yonglin: The Major Woodwork of Rebuilding Tiananmen: The Major Woodwork of Rebuilding Tiananmen

Author: CCTV "People" Program
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: On December 15, 1969, the people of Beijing suddenly discovered that the Tiananmen Gate Tower had been completely covered by a large tent measuring 66 meters long, 37 meters wide, and 32 meters high, constructed with wooden frames and reed mats in just three days. This towering reed tent remained in place for over a hundred days, until April 1970, when it was finally removed, and the magnificent and solemn Tiananmen Gate Tower was once again revealed to the world. This piece of history from thirty years ago is little-known: the magnificent Tiananmen Gate underwent reconstruction during this period. The reconstruction of Tiananmen was spearheaded by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council, with the participation of relevant departments such as the General Staff, Beijing Garrison, and the Revolutionary Committee of Beijing Municipality, forming the "Tiananmen Reconstruction Leading Group." The project was undertaken by the Fifth Housing and Repair Construction Company of Beijing Municipal Housing Bureau, with construction personnel organized according to military standards, forming five teams: the carpentry team, the tile team, the painting team, the scaffolding team, and the mixed team. The Maintenance Department of the Fifth Housing and Repair Company borrowed a large number of traditional ancient architecture craftsmen from other units, including a group of highly skilled and technically proficient master craftsmen from the "Five Elements and Eight Trades." Sun Yonglin was one of the participants in the reconstruction of Tiananmen and a very key figure—a master carpenter.