International China's Demolition Derby Turns History Into Rubble By Louisa Lim Published February 8, 2012 at 2:05 PM PST This story was published more than 12 years ago. Facebook WhatsApp Email Listen • 4:59 Louisa Lim / NPRLiang Sicheng, known as the father of modern Chinese architecture, lobbied Mao Zedong to preserve ancient buildings in Beijing. Despite efforts to have his former courtyard home in Beijing preserved as a cultural relic, it was recently demolished. Louisa Lim / NPRYan Lianke is one of China's most famous authors, known for his absurdist stories about sensitive subjects. He moved into a new house in 2008, and a year later was told it would be knocked down to make way for development. Copyright 2012 NPR