Sun Yonglin (Major carpenter for the reconstruction of Tiananmen Square)

Author: Ahang, the chief editor of the "People" program at China Central Television, wrote this article
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-01-01
Features: On December 15, 1969, the people of Beijing suddenly discovered that in just three days, Tiananmen Tower had been completely covered by a large tent made of wooden frames and reed mats, measuring 66 meters long, 37 meters wide, and 32 meters high. This towering reed tent remained for over a hundred days, and it was only removed in April 1970, allowing Tiananmen Tower to once again reveal its majestic and solemn grandeur to the world. This piece of history from three decades ago is little-known: the magnificent Tiananmen was rebuilt during this time. The reconstruction of Tiananmen was led by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council, with the General Staff Department, Beijing Garrison, and the Revolutionary Committee of Beijing City participating in the formation of the "Tiananmen Reconstruction Leading Group." The project was undertaken by the Fifth Housing and Repair Construction Company of Beijing's Housing Management Bureau. The construction workers were organized according to military standards, forming five teams: the carpentry team, the tile-laying 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 old masters 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.