Reading warms our hearts and encourages us to forge ahead on a new journey. Recently, the Beijing "Reading Station" entered Houshisanli Village in Yancun Town, Fangshan District, to carry out a thematic reading activity on "Appreciating the Charm of the Central Axis and Inheriting the Cultural Heritage of the Ancient Capital."

During the reading event, Gao Xiaolong, a researcher at the Capital Museum and author of Roaming the Central Axis, shared the fascinating content of the book with the audience. It told the historical stories and cultural significance of the Central Axis in a popular and vivid language and depicted a panoramic ink painting of it.

Combining his more than 30 years of experience in cultural relic protection, Mr. Gao led the audience to "roam the Central Axis" with pictures, texts, and videos. The historical journey started from Yongding Gate to the south, passing through Zhengyang Gate, Tian’anmen Gate, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Wanning Bridge, to the Bell and Drum Towers to the north, presenting the audience with the magnificent and ever-changing spirit of the Central Axis, the essence of ancient and modern buildings in the area, and the daily lives of ordinary people.

During the interactive session, the audience enthusiastically shared their reading experiences and expressed that the reading activity had further deepened their understanding of the past, present, and future of Beijing’s Central Axis. By appreciating various buildings along the Central Axis, they have gained a profound understanding of the urban lifestyle nurtured by the historical and cultural heritage of Beijing. They have deeply felt the infinite charm of Beijing as a famous historical and cultural city and were proud of it.

It is reported that since the beginning of this year, relying on the Cultural and Ethical Advancement Station in the new era, Houshisanli Village has carried out a variety of cultural and sports activities deeply loved by the public, such as "learning and promoting Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese characteristics," "popularizing the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress for all Chinese people," "cultivating and practicing the core socialist values," and "inheriting fine family traditions." In this way, it aims to advocate new trends of civilization of the times, further improve the social public cultural services and villagers’ civility, and constantly enhance the sense of happiness and gain of the public.

Translator: LI Xiaochun

Reviewer: LIU Siqi