Every city has its collective memories. Long-standing and transcendent, they have become the roots of the city over time.

The Central Axis, with a total length of 7.8 kilometers, is the world's longest city central axis as well as the best-loved icon of the ancient capital, stretching from Yongding Gate through Zhengyang Gate to the Bell and Drum towers. This south-north axis has been the backbone of Beijing for over 700 years. It runs from south to north; the buildings in the east and the west were constructed along the axis in a symmetrical pattern and a royal architectural order. The magnificent urban development of Beijing lies at the root of the Central Axis. Over the course of history, the 42 buildings along the axis may not survive intact, but they remain as gorgeous as ever.

The Central Axis encapsulates the long history and Chinese essence of the ancient capital, and exemplifies the Chinese artistic imagination and the wisdom of Chinese labor. The Central Axis is now on the tentative World Heritage List. This brilliant city axis is expected to be the 8th World Heritage site of Beijing.

Not only is the Central Axis of Beijing a line of symmetry, wisdom, and aesthetics, it is philosophy and a symbol of prosperity. As the capital city, Beijing is at the hub of the vast land of China, with her buildings along the Central Axis going through mountains and rivers in both the south and the north. This oriental country is indeed a symbol of centrality.