I believe [the architecture firm] Herzog and de Meuron and our collaboration made the product the best it could be.

If we all say the same thing, then I think the government has to listen. But because no one is saying it, I become singled out, even though what I'm saying is common sense. It's very essential values that we all have to protect. But in Chinese society, people are giving up on protecting these values.

I'm not a writer, but today I think you have to be everything. As an artist you have an obligation to let people know what is on your mind and why you're doing this.

I always admire writers. My father was a writer, a poet. I always admire people who can clearly state their mind.

My mother became much older when I came out (ed's note: of detention). She had problems with her hearing and high blood pressure. But they still support me.

This so-called fame or being better off doesn't really attract me at all.

Life is art. Art is life. I never separate it. I don’t feel that much anger. I equally have a lot of joy.