Cultural China Tour丨The center of Beijing’s central axis is the center of China

In July of this year, the “Beijing Central Axis – A Masterpiece of China’s Ideal Urban Order” officially joined the World Heritage List. This landmark achievement not only highlights China’s ingenuity but also provides invaluable lessons for the global community focused on heritage preservation. As part of our “Cultural China Journey,” let’s dive into the significance of the Beijing Central Axis together.

Stretching 7.8 kilometers, the Beijing Central Axis begins at the Bell and Drum Towers in the north and flows southward, passing through landmarks such as Wanning Bridge, Jingshan, the Forbidden City, Duanmen, Tiananmen, and Zhengyangmen, all the way to Yongdingmen. Along this remarkable axis lie important cultural sites, including the Tai Miao, Sheji Altar, Temple of Heaven, and Agricultural Ancestors’ Altar, underscoring its status as the longest urban axis in the world. This National Day holiday, the newly recognized heritage site has welcomed a surge of tourists from both China and abroad, with attractions along the axis enhanced by upgraded lighting and vibrant floral displays, quickly transforming into favored spots for photos.

One visitor shared, “The sights along the Central Axis are spectacular and beautifully showcase our cultural richness.”

The history of the Beijing Central Axis dates back to the 13th century, with construction reaching its peak in the 16th century. It has been meticulously refined over the years, creating a grand and harmonious urban architectural collection. This design reflects over 2,000 years of ideal urban planning traditions in China, emphasizing the significance of ceremonies and order. It stands as a powerful testament to the historical evolution of China, showcasing its ceremonial culture alongside traditional urban management practices.

LV Zhou, Director of Tsinghua University’s National Heritage Center, noted, “The Beijing Central Axis is an integrated whole that has evolved over 700 years and has shaped the urban form of Beijing. It embodies our understanding of territory, national order, and everyday life. The core value of the Central Axis is that it crystallizes the concept of ideal urban order.”

The ancient timekeeping provided by the Bell and Drum Towers regulated urban life, while the opening and closing of city gates established order. The sacrificial buildings reflected a unity between family and country, expressing the traditional ceremonial values and cultural heritage of Chinese civilization.

GUAN Qiang, Deputy Director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, emphasized, “The Beijing Central Axis is a material representation of traditional Chinese concepts, architectural principles, and philosophical thoughts. It witnesses the formation of a multifaceted unity within the Chinese nation and stands as a masterpiece of ideal urban order. Its successful inclusion on the World Heritage List fills a notable gap in the heritage of Eastern civilized urban forms.”

Cultural heritage serves as a significant conduit for the exchange and appreciation of civilizations. The Beijing Central Axis is not only a vital cultural legacy but also a cherished space for local residents, providing venues for work, leisure, and entertainment. During the National Day holiday, a grand flower basket commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China was displayed in Tiananmen Square along the Central Axis, expressing heartfelt wishes for the nation’s prosperity and flourishing. Today, many national and diplomatic ceremonies take place along the axis, breathing new life into its historical significance.

LV Zhou further commented on the enduring concepts represented by the Beijing Central Axis, saying, “If we refer to records in the ‘Book of Rites’ about that era, this 3,000-year legacy of urban construction reflects people’s understanding of cities, territories, and order along this axis. I believe it provides an excellent case study.”

“If we do not recognize China through its long historical continuity, we cannot truly understand ancient, modern, or future China.” As a recent addition to the World Heritage list, the Beijing Central Axis narrates the story of China’s civilization and its contributions to humanity, showcasing its unique heritage and revitalizing its significance through thoughtful preservation and promotion.