A bridge that spans time

Konstantin Silin's gravestone features the image of the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge. [Photo provided to China Daily]

He died in 1996, and the image of the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge was carved on his gravestone.

"My parents traveled around China together to fix broken bridges, even when they were expecting me," says Elena Silina, Silin's daughter.

She recently came to Beijing to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation as an expert representative from Russia.

Silina is a professor of the engineering ecology and technological safety department at the Moscow State University of Railway Transport.

"My father's participation in the construction of the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge was a very important thing for our whole family," she says.

On the walls of their home were many photos of the bridge and Chinese artworks. Family members used chopsticks.

They'd occasionally go to Chinese restaurants to celebrate, says Silina.