I recently saw a set of old photos of Lin Huiyin and Liang Sicheng, and I truly understood what it means to support each other through thick and thin.

In 1929, Lin Huiyin had just given birth to her daughter Liang Zaiyin, and her body had not fully recovered, but Liang Sicheng kept holding his camera and taking photos. At that time, there were no mobile phone filters or retouching software; all there was was Liang Sicheng’s appreciation for this moment in her life. Three years later, their son Liang Zongyi was born, and he did the same again. Many people think this was inconsiderate, but in fact, quite the opposite — it was Lin Huiyin herself who proposed the idea. She believed that childbirth was the most important turning point from girlhood to motherhood, and those authentic postpartum moments deserved to be preserved forever.

The story of this couple goes far beyond that. Lin Huiyin was born in 1904 in Hangzhou. Her father, Lin Changmin, had a very good relationship with Liang Sicheng’s father, Liang Qichao, and the two children knew each other from a young age. Later, through Liang Qichao’s connection, they studied together at Songpo Library, and their bond grew stronger. In 1925, Lin Changmin suddenly passed away, and Liang Sicheng accompanied her through the darkest days. In 1928, they married in Canada, and their honeymoon was even spent exploring European ancient architecture.

After marriage, the two dedicated themselves to the Chinese Architectural Society, beginning decades of exploration of ancient buildings. In 1932, they visited Dule Temple in Jizhou, Hebei, and in 1933, they went to the Yungang Grottoes in Shanxi. The most impressive discovery was in 1937, when they found Tang Dynasty inscriptions at Foguang Temple on Mount Wutai, directly overturning the Japanese scholars’ claim that “there are no Tang wooden structures in China.” After the outbreak of the war, despite difficult conditions and Lin Huiyin’s severe lung illness, they still moved south with Liang Zaiyin and other children to Kunming and Lijiang, never giving up their research.

After the war ended and they returned to Beijing, they continued their work at Tsinghua University’s Department of Architecture. When New China was founded, Lin Huiyin, despite her fragile health, participated in designing the national emblem, with elements like the jade disc and five stars ultimately adopted. She also contributed to the relief design of the Monument to the People's Heroes and promoted the transformation of Jingtailan craftsmanship. In 1955, Lin Huiyin passed away from tuberculosis at the age of 51. Liang Sicheng personally designed her tombstone, carving her own floral wreath pattern into it.

In 1972, Liang Sicheng also passed away. Those postpartum photos, those years of studying ancient architecture together, and their daughter Liang Zaiyin all stand as the best proof of their love. They not only pioneered the exploration of China’s ancient architecture but also dedicated their lives to protecting cultural heritage. Looking at these stories, you will understand what it truly means to be a companion on the journey.