Biography
In 2007, Xu Changlin founded Beijing Tongxing Ancient Architecture Engineering Co., Ltd., bringing together decades of experience in traditional Chinese construction, architectural conservation, and project management. His career spans several important phases in the preservation of China’s architectural heritage, including work on significant historic sites and a sustained commitment to the practice and transmission of traditional building knowledge.
A career devoted to architectural heritage
Xu Changlin is a practitioner and project leader in traditional Chinese architecture and historic-building conservation. Beginning with specialist architectural training and site practice in the 1970s, his career has extended across heritage restoration, construction management, traditional building methods and the training of younger practitioners. Nearly five decades of field experience inform an approach grounded in craftsmanship, technical judgement and the realities of construction.
Professional career
Professional training in traditional architecture
Studied traditional building techniques at a specialist school established by the former Beijing Municipal Real Estate Administration.
Joined Beijing Housing Repair No. 2 Company
Joined the company’s historic-building team and began working on the conservation and repair of historic structures.
Project and team management
Held successive positions as team leader, foreman, project manager, head of the historic-building team and company manager, with responsibilities in site operations, project coordination and team management.
Further study in historic architectural engineering
Selected by his employer to attend a college-level programme in historic architectural engineering organised by the Beijing Municipal Real Estate Administration.
Established Beijing Tongxing Ancient Architecture Engineering
Founded Beijing Tongxing Ancient Architecture Engineering Co., Ltd., continuing his work in historic-building conservation and related construction projects.
Technical procedures and staff training
Participated in drafting the Technical Procedures for Historic-Building Repair and organised training for younger technical staff.
Selected project experience
Xu Changlin has worked on the conservation of palatial, ceremonial and religious buildings, as well as other historic structures. His work has included building repair, project management, specialist structural strengthening and technical consultation.
The projects listed below are a selection, not a complete project record.Palatial and imperial architecture
- Donghua Gate, Yuqing Palace and Meridian Gate complexes, Forbidden City
- Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests complex, Temple of Heaven
- Eastern Qing Tombs
- Yangyuan Studio and Qinglutang complex, Diaoyutai State Guesthouse
Religious and civic heritage
- Yonghe Temple, Baiyun Temple and Tanzhe Temple
- Peking University Sackler Museum of Archaeology and Art
Specialist works and consultation
- Foundation and underground wall strengthening, Potala Palace complex, Tibet
- Technical consultation concerning the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Forbidden City
Knowledge grounded in practice
Xu Changlin’s expertise has developed through sustained engagement with construction sites, traditional building crafts and project management. His practice brings together decisions about materials, structure, craft processes and the coordination of specialist teams. He has also supported the training of younger practitioners. Beijing Tongxing’s involvement in drafting technical procedures for historic-building repair illustrates the connection between practical experience and professional standards.
Project dates, precise responsibilities and participating organisations will be documented in individual project records.