Sphere of influence
By Patrick Whiteley | China Daily | Updated: 2009-04-22 08:02
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Danish architect Jorn Utzon, designer of the landmark Sydney Opera House. File photo |
Young architect Jorn Utzon was backpacking through China in the 1950s finding inspiration in the Buddhist temples in Datong and the imperial buildings in the Forbidden City. One day a serious-looking policeman stopped the young Dane demanding to see his travel papers. "Oh I'm sorry," said the charming man. "I have a personal invitation from Chairman Mao to visit China."
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