In 2024, Beijing Institute of Architectural Design celebrated its 75th anniversary. On February 26, the premiere event of "Zhu Qiqian and Beijing" was held, where dozens of experts in architecture, literature, and geography from all over the country gathered to discuss the issue.

Compiled by the 20th Century Architectural Heritage Committee of the China Cultural Relics Academy, "Zhu Qiqian and Beijing" was based on the oral narration of Zhu Yanqi, the great-grandson of Zhu Qiqian, introducing in detail the achievements and trajectory of Zhu Qiqian (1872-1964), the ancient architect of China, in the urban construction and transportation planning of Beijing. As early as in the early years of the Republic of China, Zhu Qiqian pioneered a series of major events in the modernization of Beijing. In particular, he was the first to advocate "repairing the old as the old" in the sense of urban planning, which makes him "the first person to plan for the capital city" and "the first creator of urban renewal". He founded the Society for Research in Chinese Architecture at the age of 58, which became an enormous contribution to the innovation of preserving Chinese architecture in the 20th century.

Zhu Yanqi, the great-grandson of Zhu Qiqian, combed through the experiences of his great-grandfather who built up industries and revitalized the social economy; founded the Society for Research in Chinese Architecture, where there were such Chinese architectural giants as Liang Sicheng and Liu Dunzhen cultivated; presided over the renovation of the urban areas of Beijing, such as the organization of the construction of Zhongshan Park, the renovation of the Zhengyangmen Gate and the Tiananmen Square; he fought against the foreign powers and protected the ancient buildings of the Central Axis, and so on. This event is co-organized by the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design Co. Ltd., the 20th Century Architectural Heritage Committee of the China Cultural Relics Academy, and the Zhejiang Photographic Press.

Translator: BAI Jing

Reviewer: TANG Yuxin