In January 2023, the application text of "Beijing Central Axis" was officially submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Center. At the 2024 World Heritage Conference, 21 member countries of the World Heritage Committee will decide whether to include the "Beijing Central Axis" in the The World Heritage List. If the application for World Heritage is successful, the "Beijing Central Axis" will become the 8th World Heritage Site of the capital Beijing, and Beijing will still be the city with the highest number of World Heritage Sites in the world. Zhe'm
Beijing, a city with a sense of direction in its name, accurately reflects its characteristics. Its street planning is square and orderly, neat and uniform, demonstrating the Beijing people's reverence for norms and order.
Old Beijing people are accustomed to using east, west, south, and north to express direction, but few people know that this habit is closely related to the history of the Yuan Dynasty's capital establishment. This habit is rooted in the central axis that runs through the city center, winding through the entire Beijing, with a total length of 7.8 kilometers.
The existence of Beijing's central axis is not only a road, but also a representative of Beijing's urban culture. It witnesses the history and civilization of Beijing, carrying people's pursuit of traditional values and order. Whether in ancient or modern times, the central axis is an indispensable part of Beijing, showcasing its unique charm.
The north and south ends of Beijing connect many iconic buildings and landscapes, becoming outstanding representatives of traditional Chinese urban planning.
The central axis starts from the southern part of the Forbidden City and extends in a north-south direction. It starts from the magnificent Tiananmen Square, winds upwards through the five architectural complexes of the Forbidden City, continues northward along Jingshan Park, and finally reaches Beihai Park. This route divides the core area of Beijing into two, creating a sense of hierarchy of northern extension and southern return, showcasing the accumulation and inheritance of traditional culture.
Along the central axis, we can see numerous historical buildings and cultural sites. The Forbidden City, as a royal palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, has always been a model of Chinese palace architecture. Its design and layout are full of ancient and solemn charm. The structural systems of the inner and outer cities, the rigorous layout of gatehouses and ceremonial gates, and the magnificent atmosphere of palaces and halls all showcase the essence of Chinese architectural art.
Pass through the Forbidden City and enter Jingshan Park along the central axis. Here is a royal garden with a thousand years of history, unique landscape and temple architecture, adding a sense of tranquility and spirituality to the central axis. At the final point in the north, Beihai Park, we can enjoy the perfect combination of artificial lakes and traditional gardens, forming a unique complementarity and symmetry with the Forbidden City.
In addition to historical buildings, there are also many important cultural landscapes and streets along the central axis. For example, the Drum Tower and Bell Tower, as iconic buildings of ancient Chinese cities, have witnessed the historical evolution of Beijing. There are also Nanluoguxiang and Houhai, traditional hutongs and lake areas that preserve the authentic style of old Beijing, leaving a lasting impression on people.
The central axis, as a model of urban planning, not only showcases the charm of traditional Chinese architecture, but also embodies the construction methods of understanding and borrowing in the Six Books of Chinese Characters. It creates a unique visual effect and cultural atmosphere by organically combining architecture and landscape. This route is not only a part of the daily life of Beijing citizens, but also a desirable destination for tourists from all over the world.
Walking along the central axis of Beijing feels like time is flowing backwards, immersed in ancient history and culture. It brings us not only appreciation, but also respect and inheritance of traditional culture. As a cultural treasure of China, the central axis will continue to play an important role as a link between the past and the future, bringing endless artistic enjoyment and thinking space to people.
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