The Central Axis is the best preserved core area of the old city of Beijing. Starting from Yongdingmen Gate in the south tothe Bell Tower in the north, the axis stretches over 7.8km and passes through Qianmen (Zhengyangmen), Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Jingshan Hill, Di’anmen Gate, the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower.

The Central Axis of Beijing was first built in the Yuan Dynasty (mid-13th Century), and further developed and perfected in the Ming and Qing dynasties (early 14th century to early 20th century). Today the Central Axis is still intact with many of its original buildings and gates. It is on the tentative list for UNESCO cultural heritage, which was submitted in Sept 01, 2013.

The axis can be divided into the following urban landscape areas: the place of worship in the Outer City between Yongding Gate and Zhengyang Gate; the area from Zhengyang Gate to Tian'anmen Square; the "Halls and Palaces" from Forbidden City to Jingshan Hill; the "Market" area around the Drum Tower and Bell Tower; and the "Six Lakes" water area.