Top scholar has spent life protecting nation's past

After a life dedicated to protecting China's greatest relics, 85-year-old Luo Zhewen would be forgiven for thinking about taking it easy. But that is the last thing on his mind.

"At my age, there are not many things you can do with your life. Thankfully, working to preserve the Grand Canal is one of them," said one of the nation's leading scholars of ancient architecture.

A student of late architect Liang Sicheng, Luo has for many years been associated with China's historical landmarks, especially its "two grand ancient projects" - the Great Wall and the Grand Canal.