China: Lin Huiyin (1904-1955), Chinese architect and writer

Lin Huiyin (林徽因, by birth 林徽音; known as Phyllis Lin or Lin Whei-yin when in the United States; 10 June 1904 – 1 April 1955) was a noted 20th century Chinese architect and writer. She is said to have been the first female architect in China.

She was born in Hangzhou though her family had roots in Minhou, Fujian province. From a rich family, Lin Huiyin received the best education a woman could obtain at that time, studying both in Europe and America. She attended St Mary's College in London, and was loved by the well known Chinese poet Xu Zhimo.

She studied at the University of Pennsylvania as an undergraduate, and Yale University as a graduate student. She was involved along with her husband Liang Sicheng in the design of the National Emblem of the People's Republic of China and the Monument to the People's Heroes located in the Tiananmen Square.

Lin Huiyin wrote poems, essays, short stories and plays. With her husband she wrote a history of Chinese architecture. She also translated English works into Chinese.

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