Central Axis, 中轴线 zhōng zhóu xiàn

Beijing Central Axis is located at the heart of Beijing’s old city, stretching from south to north. It begins at Yongdingmen in the south and extends to the Drum and Bell Towers in the north, covering a length of 7.8 kilometers and encompassing a total area of 51.3 square kilometers. This axis has passed 15 heritage sites like Wanning Bridge, Jingshan Park, and the Forbidden City, which demonstrates the ancient planning concepts and ceremonial culture of Chinese capitals.

Originating in the 13th century and taking its definitive shape in the 16th century, Beijing Central Axis has been continuously refined for more than seven centuries, becoming a grand and orderly architectural ensemble. It reflects the ideal urban order that has influenced Chinese capital construction for over two thousand years.

On July 27th, the Beijing Central Axis — "A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital" — was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of strengthening the protection, inheritance, and utilization of cultural and natural heritage. He noted that this achievement should be seen as an opportunity to enhance the systemic protection of our heritage, significantly improving our capacity to preserve the country's cultural and natural treasures.

The successful inscription of the Central Axis not only adds a world-class cultural landmark to Beijing but also creates a new platform for global cultural exchange and mutual learning.