obituaryreport

Founding director of the Chinese Yuanmingyuan Society, professor, doctoral supervisor and famous architect of the School of Landscape Architecture of Beijing Forestry University, Mr. Bai Rixin died peacefully at his home in Beijing at noon on November 24, 2024 at the age of 90.

Professor Bai Rixin, a native of Xichong, Sichuan, was born in Changchun on February 10, 1934 (the 28th of the twelfth lunar month). He was well educated in Chinese studies, cultural relics, calligraphy and painting, and had a strong interest in traditional Chinese culture. He studied in Beijing and Chongqing as a teenager. In 1954, he was admitted to the architecture department of Chongqing Institute of Construction and Engineering, majoring in architecture. After graduation in 1958, he was assigned to teach in the industrial and civil architecture department of Baotou Iron and Steel Institute. In 1981, he was transferred to the Department of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry College, and engaged in the teaching of landscape architecture design.

Bai Rixin has long been committed to the research, teaching and practice of ancient Chinese architecture and traditional gardens. His research on Yuanmingyuan enjoys a high reputation in the field of ancient architecture and landscape architecture. The huge scroll "Yuanming Changchun Qichun Three Gardens" drawn in 1979 is recognized as the most exquisite panoramic aerial view of Yuanmingyuan so far. It has been highly praised by Shan Shiyuan, Hou Renzhi, Wang Juyuan and other senior scholars. It has been publicly exhibited and published in many cultural institutions. He worked hard all his life and continued to write in his later years. In 2018, he published his monograph "Notes on 108 Scenes of the Prosperity of the Old Summer Palace", which provided an empirical basis for the restoration of the Old Summer Palace. In terms of teaching, Professor Bai Rixin initiated the ancient architecture teaching branch of the School of Landscape Architecture of Beijing Forestry University, trained a large number of professionals engaged in the research and design of ancient landscape architecture, and made outstanding contributions to the cultural heritage of Chinese gardens. In terms of practice, he cooperated with Mr. Meng Zhaozhen and Mr. Huang Jinqi to design a large number of excellent landscape architecture projects such as Shenzhen Xianhu Botanical Garden, and won various awards such as the Excellent Survey and Design Award of the Ministry of Construction. He is responsible for architectural design, turning a beautiful vision into reality, and creating a fairyland on the land of China.

Professor Bai Rixin has been indifferent to fame and wealth all his life, and has a strong sense of family and country. His research on the restoration of the Old Summer Palace, the design of ancient architecture and the creation of traditional Chinese painting all come from his firm belief in Chinese culture and deep feelings for the Chinese people. Even in the era of historical nihilism, he has never shaken his confidence in Chinese culture. I believe that one day it will be reborn and shine in the world again!

The death of Professor Bai Rixin is a great loss to the Chinese Yuanmingyuan Society! In accordance with Mr. Bai's last wish, the funeral was simple and no farewell ceremony was held. Beware of this obituary.

mourn and deeply cherish the memory of Professor Bai Rixin! Mr. White through the ages!

China Yuanmingyuan Society

25 November 2024