On July 27th, the Beijing Central Axis was successfully inscribed on the World Heritage List. So, what specific heritage sites does the Beijing Central Axis include, and what other attractions are there around it?
Day 1: Bell and Drum Towers - Wanning Bridge - Prince Kung's Palace Museum
Bell and Drum Towers
The Bell and Drum Towers at the northern end of the Beijing Central Axis served as the city's timekeeping center during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. In the history of urban bell and drum tower construction, the Bell and Drum Towers in Beijing are the largest in scale and highest in formality.
Located between the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower is the Bell and Drum Towers Square, which harbors the leisurely time of Beijing residents. Today, the area around the Bell and Drum Towers has become a comprehensive place integrating culture, art, and tourism, where visitors from other places can feel the profound history of Beijing.
Surrounding attraction: Hong'en Temple
This year, Hong'en Temple, located at the northern end of the Beijing Central Axis and with a history of over 700 years, has been opened to the public.
Hong'en Temple is situated to the north of the Bell and Drum Towers and is known as the "Essential Dragon's Tail" on the Central Axis, having undergone multiple functional transformations. Today, through protective restoration and revitalization, Hong'en Temple has become a civic cultural space that includes digital art exhibitions, historical exhibitions of Hong'en Temple, a Central Axis-themed post office, bookstores, and cultural and creative shops.
Wanning Bridge
At the intersection of the Beijing Central Axis and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, there is a Wanning Bridge that has continued from the Yuan Dynasty to the present, known as the "First Bridge of the Central Axis," and is the oldest existing ancient bridge in the Beijing section of the Grand Canal.
Today, after multiple restorations and protections, Wanning Bridge has been revitalized with new vitality and energy.
Surrounding attraction: Prince Kung's Palace Museum
Established on the site of Prince Gong's Mansion, the Prince Kung's Palace Museum is a museum with the historical culture of the princely mansion as its core for research, display, and dissemination, and was rated as a first-class national museum in 2017. Prince Kung's Palace is the most complete and only Qing Dynasty princely mansion complex open to the public in Beijing, witnessing the entire historical process from the rise to the decline of the Qing Dynasty, hence the saying "One Prince Kung's Palace, half of Qing Dynasty history."
The Prince Kung's Palace Museum has many attractions, including the Grand Theater, the Blessing Character Stele, the Western-style Gate, the Rear Screen Building, the Silver Peace Hall, the Jiale Hall, the Baoguang Room, and the Xijin Studio. Go and have a look.
Currently, the "The Dedicated Work of Master Craftsman The Grinding and Polishing of Eternal Time—— Construction techniques of official Architectural Techniques (Prince Kung's Palace) Tile Making Special Topic · Linqing Tribute Brick Firing Skills Boutique Exhibition" is on display at the Jiale Hall.
Day 2: Jingshan Park - The Forbidden City - Nanchizi Museum
Jing Shan
During the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty, to build Beijing, the debris from the demolition of the old imperial city and the soil dug from the new Forbidden City's moat were piled up here, forming the original "Long Live Mountain." In the Qing Dynasty, this mountain was named "Jingshan" and has been used ever since. Today, Jingshan has become an important place for residents to rest and entertain. Standing at the highest point of Jingshan Park, the Wanchun Pavilion, one can feel the charm of the Beijing Central Axis and the unique majestic order of Beijing city.
Surrounding attraction: Beihai Park
Located in the center of Beijing, Beihai Park is the oldest, most completely preserved, and most culturally sedimented classical royal garden in Chinese history.
On the east bank, there are several garden-style gardens such as Haopujian, the Painted Boat Studio, and Silkworm altar, which are hidden among the pine and cypress, full of natural interest and the charm of Jiangnan private gardens. On the north bank, from east to west, there are Jingxinzhai, Xitian Fanjing, Chengguantang, Jiulongbi, Chanfusi, and Jileshijie. The Wulongting is dotted along the lake, skillfully integrated with the natural landscape, forming a landscape painting that does not show traces of artificiality and seems to be naturally formed.
The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City covers an area of about 720,000 square meters and is one of the largest and best-preserved wooden structure ancient architectural complexes in the world. It is not only a gem of ancient Chinese architectural art but also a symbol of China's long history and culture. The layout of the Forbidden City is centered around a central axis, with a strict and symmetrical design, showcasing the symmetry and sense of order typical of ancient Chinese architecture.
Nearby attractions: Nanchizi Museum
The Nanchizi Museum is located next to the Eastern Gate of the Forbidden City. The main building of the museum is a Su-style garden, with a total exhibition area of about 1,500 square meters. The architecture inherits the traditional Chinese aesthetic features and is also an art space meeting international exhibition standards.
The museum's courtyard is exquisitely designed, embodying the essence of Su-style gardens. In the center of the courtyard, there is a pond surrounded by traditional Chinese-style pavilions, corridors, and pavilions, with plants and Taihu stones scattered throughout, creating changing scenes as you walk.
The Duanmen Gate
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Duanmen Gate was used to store the emperor's ceremonial items and was also a place where ceremonial preparations were made. The areas on both sides of the Duanmen Gate, known as the Chaofang, were used for officials to rest before entering the palace. The Duanmen Gate forms part of the ceremonial building sequence leading to the imperial palace and was an integral part of the imperial court.
Nearby attraction: The Imperial Archives (Huangshicheng)
The Huangshicheng (Imperial Archives) was established during the Ming and Qing dynasties to preserve the royal records. It is also the best-preserved ancient royal archive in China and plays a significant role in the cultural heritage of Beijing Central Axis.
The Huangshicheng is built entirely of brick and stone, without the use of any nails or wood, earning it the title of the "Stone Hall". The floor of the main hall is raised 1.42 meters with a stone platform. On top of this platform are the "Golden Caskets", copper-bound wooden boxes used for storing documents, intricately designed and gilded. Each casket measures 1.35 meters in length, 0.75 meters in width, and 1.3 meters in height. The main hall houses 32 golden caskets, with an additional 120 golden caskets moved to the new China National Archives for preservation. Each casket is carefully managed as a precious artifact.
As a key part of the cultural heritage of Beijing Central Axis, the Huangshicheng is increasingly attracting visitors who come to experience the rich historical and cultural significance of this ancient building.
Day 3: Tian'anmen - The Imperial City Wall Ruins - Outer Jinshui Bridge - Tai Miao (The Imperial Ancestral Temple) and The Altar of Land and Grain - Zhongshan Park
Tian'anmen
Tiananmen is the main gate to the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. As a key structure along Beijing Central Axis, it is located in the center of the city and is surrounded by the Outer Jinshui River to the south, facing Tian'anmen Square. For many Chinese people, taking a photograph in front of Tian'anmen is a deep-seated part of their cultural identity when visiting Beijing.
Nearby attraction: The Imperial City Wall Ruins
The Imperial City Wall Ruins are located on the east and west sides of Tian'anmen and are the remnants of the walls surrounding the Ming and Qing imperial cities in Beijing. Inside the Imperial City, there were various governmental offices and workshops serving the royal family.
The construction of the Imperial City Wall began in the 5th year of the Yongle reign (1407) and was completed in the 18th year (1420). The southern gate was originally named "Daming Gate" (later renamed "Daqing Gate" during the Qing dynasty). Inside the gate was a "T-shaped" plaza, where two gates, Chang'an Left Gate and Chang'an Right Gate, were set up at both ends. The main entrance of the Imperial City was the Chengtian Gate, later renamed Tian'anmen during the Qing dynasty. The Imperial City's east and west gates were named Dong'anmen and Xianmen respectively, with the northern gate known as Beianmen.
During the reign of Emperor Shunzhi of the Qing Dynasty, the Chengtian Gate was renamed Tian'anmen, and the Beianmen (Northern Gate) was renamed Di'anmen. During the reign of Emperor Qianlong, the Imperial City was renovated, and walls were added outside the Chang'an Left and Right Gates. A gate was opened at each end, named Dong Chang'anmen (East Chang'an Gate) and Xi Chang'anmen (West Chang'an Gate). Between 1926 and 1927, the Beiyang Government's Ministry of Internal Affairs demolished most of the Imperial City Walls.
According to the original design, the Imperial City Wall was made of large bricks, with a slight taper. The wall was 6 meters high, the foundation was 2 meters thick, and the top thickness was 1.73 meters. The top of the wall was adorned with an "ice tray" eave, covered with yellow glazed tiles. The 900-meter-long sections of the Imperial City Wall on the east and west sides of Tian'anmen, which have been repaired, remain well-preserved. The northern, eastern, and western Imperial City Walls were demolished in 1926 and 1952, with only the names of their locations remaining today.
In 2001, the Dongcheng District Government relocated the residents of the Eastern Imperial City and built a linear public green space. Through archaeological excavation, the precise location of the Eastern Imperial City Wall and Dong'anmen (Eastern Gate) was discovered. A 25-meter-long section of the wall was restored in the northern section, and two sunken exhibition areas were built to display part of the ruins of Dong'anmen. The Imperial City Wall is more than 500 years old and serves as an important historical witness to the changes in the Imperial City.
Outer Jinshui Bridge
The Jinshui Bridge consists of two bridges: the Inner Jinshui Bridge and the Outer Jinshui Bridge. The Inner Jinshui Bridge is located in front of the Taihemen inside the Forbidden City, while the Outer Jinshui Bridge spans the Outer Jinshui River to the south of Tiananmen. From the Outer Jinshui Bridge, one can view the Tiananmen Gate Tower up close, which is truly magnificent and awe-inspiring.
Nearby Attraction: Beijing Ancient Observatory
The Beijing Ancient Observatory, renowned both domestically and internationally, served as the royal astronomical observatory during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is now under the administration of the Beijing Planetarium. The observatory has a long history, with complete architecture and courtyards, and is equipped with a full range of instruments. It was an important venue for Sino-Western cultural exchange during the late Ming and early Qing periods.
On the observatory platform, large copper astronomical instruments are displayed on the south, west, and north sides, including the celestial globe, equatorial and zodiacal astrolabes, quadrant, armillary sphere, horizon sextant, and other Qing Dynasty-era astronomical instruments. These are considered national treasures and are classified as first-class cultural relics. This site is also a great place to visit with children, especially during the summer vacation!
Imperial Ancestral Temple and Altar of Land and Grain
The Imperial Ancestral Temple and Altar of Land and Grain are two symmetrical and important buildings on Beijing Central Axis. Imperial Ancestral Temple, also known today as the "Labor People's Cultural Palace", is located within the vicinity. Altar of Land and Grain, which is opposite to Imperial Ancestral Temple, is located in Zhongshan Park in Beijing.
Attraction: Zhongshan Park
Zhongshan Park covers an area of 23.8 hectares and is a classical, commemorative temple garden. The park features famous attractions such as Liaobei (Liao Cypress), Zhongshan Hall, the Peacekeeping Monument, Lanting Pavilion, the Geyan Pavilion, Huifang Garden, and Tanghua Wu.
If you're in the mood for tea, don't miss the century-old tea house on the west side of Zhongshan Park—Lai Jin Yu Xuan. In the past, it was a favorite spot for the famous Chinese writer Lu Xun. According to his diary, Lu Xun visited Zhongshan Park 82 times and Lai Jin Yu Xuan 60 times, where he would translate, write, enjoy tea, have meals, and meet friends. If you're interested in performances, the Zhongshan Park Music Hall is definitely worth a visit!
Day 4: Tian'anmen Square Complex - China National Museum of Currency - Zhengyang Gate - China Railway Museum
Tian'anmen Square Complex
Tiananmen Square and its surrounding buildings are located at the core of Beijing Central Axis. The square features two monumental structures: the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao, as well as two important public buildings, the National Museum of China and the Great Hall of the People.
Nearby attraction: China National Museum of Currency
The China National Museum of Currency, a national-level museum directly under the People's Bank of China, is located in two historical buildings that were formerly the Beiyang Commercial Bank and the Beijing branch of the former Central Bank. These buildings are now national heritage sites, serving as physical evidence of the development of modern Chinese finance.
The museum has permanent exhibitions, including the "Chronicle of Chinese Currency History" and a special exhibit titled "The Thousand-Year Anniversary of Paper Money." The former exhibit follows the chronological development of Chinese currency, showcasing over 2,000 items. Using multimedia techniques, it presents a comprehensive history of the evolution of currency in China over thousands of years. The latter focuses on paper money, displaying over 200 precious artifacts, including Jin dynasty banknotes, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasty paper currency, highlighting the significant role of paper money in advancing human civilization.
Zhengyangmen Gate
Zhengyangmen Gate, located at the southern end of Tian'anmen Square on the central axis of Beijing, is the highest and most magnificent gate of the nine gates of the inner city during the Ming and Qing dynasties, known as the "First of the Nine Gates".
Zhengyangmen Gate consists of the Zhengyangmen Gate Tower and the Zhengyangmen Gate Arrow Tower, symbolizing the architectural structure of Beijing's old city wall. Today, Zhengyangmen Gate is open to the public as a museum.
Nearby Attraction: China Railway Museum (Zhengyangmen Gate Branch)
The China Railway Museum (Zhengyangmen Gate Branch) is located to the southeast of Tian'anmen Square, housed in the former Zhengyangmen Gate East Railway Station of the Beijing-Fengtian Railway. This station was built in 1903 and completed in 1906, witnessing more than a century of history. As a key entrance to Beijing, it has recorded many significant events in modern Chinese history and holds deep cultural significance.
The museum's permanent exhibition, "The History of China's Railways," is divided into four sections: the early struggles, the difficult development, the vigorous progress, and the bold advancements of China's railways. Through abundant historical photographs, physical exhibits, and advanced exhibition techniques, it vividly and systematically showcases the 140-year development of China's railways from their inception to their modern-day achievements.
Southern Section Road Archeological Sites
The Southern Section Road Archeological Sites of the Central Axis, which served as a major route for royal ceremonial activities during the Ming and Qing dynasties, includes the relics of the stone road north of Yongdingmen Gate, the historical road relics within the gates of Yongdingmen Gate, and the drainage system of the Central Axis road south of Zhushikou.
Nearby attraction: Yongdingmen Park
Yongdingmen Park (Dongcheng District) is an important part of Beijing's "cross-axis landscape" and is honored as the "Dragon's Vein" or "Heavenly Street". The park stretches 1,240 meters from Nanwei Lu (Rd) in the north to Yongdingmen Square in the south. It is nestled between the cultural landmarks of Xian Nong Tan and Temple of Heaven, with the park's widest section reaching 285 meters. The park is divided by the central axis into east and west parts.
The park covers 67,000 square meters of green space and features a series of landscape axes. The main axis follows the central line, with tall locust trees planted on both sides of the straight road. The surrounding open spaces are adorned with ginkgo trees, evergreen trees, and a rich variety of flowers and shrubs. Landscape lighting further enhances the axis, creating an atmosphere that beautifully complements the surrounding historical structures. The park, along with the southern part of the central axis, forms a cohesive and immersive historic landscape.
Day 5: Temple of Heaven - National Natural History Museum of China
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven, located in the southeastern part of Beijing's old city, lies to the east of the central axis and is symmetrically positioned with Altar of the God of Agriculture. The Temple of Heaven is the largest and best-preserved royal sacrificial building complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. Its architectural design and construction reflect ancient Chinese worldviews and represent the best of ancient Chinese sacrificial architecture. It holds the cultural and ceremonial traditions of the Ming and Qing dynasties' state rituals of heaven worship.
Nearby Attraction: National Natural History Museum of China
National Natural History Museum of China
is located to the south of the central axis, adjacent to the World Heritage site of the Temple of Heaven. It is China's only national, comprehensive natural history museum, dedicated to the protection, research, collection, and exhibition of natural heritage and the history, science, and art of human society's development.
The museum's basic exhibits follow the theme of biological evolution and include permanent exhibitions on ancient reptiles, mammals, invertebrates, and "The Wonders of Africa," showcasing the biodiversity of life and the relationship between humans and the environment. This museum is a great place to visit with children to explore the natural world.
Day 6: Altar of the God of Agriculture - Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum - Yongdingmen Gate - Capital Grain Museum
Altar of the God of Agriculture
Altar of the God of Agriculture, the largest surviving ancient royal sacrificial site for the god of agriculture, reflects traditional Chinese society's reverence for farming culture and carries the ceremonial traditions of the Ming and Qing dynasties for sacrificial rites dedicated to the agricultural deity.
Nearby Attraction: Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum
The Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum is located within the Altar of the God of Agriculture, a royal temple from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The museum's most treasured exhibit is the intricate celestial coffered ceiling from the main hall of Longfu Temple, featuring finely sculpted cloud patterns and a star map with 1,427 stars.
This year, the "World's First Granary" has been opened to the public for the first time, unveiling this historic building complex after more than 200 years and attracting numerous visitors.
Yongdingmen Gate
As the southern endpoint of the traditional central axis, Yongdingmen Gate is an important landmark of the southern central axis. It is the largest and most exquisitely crafted city gate among the many gates in Beijing's outer city. Originally called "Zhengyang Outer Gate," it was renamed Yongdingmen Gate during the Ming dynasty to symbolize "eternal peace".
Climbing to the top of the Yongdingmen Gate Tower, one can see the Beijing Central Axis stretching 7.8 kilometers north, with the Zhengyangmen Gate Tower visible in the distance.
Nearby Attraction: Capital Grain Museum
Do you know how grain originated? Do you know what ancient grain processing tools like the fan-powered mills or stone grinders were used for? What did Beijing's old grain shops and taverns look like during the Ming and Qing dynasties? The Capital Grain Museum is the only museum dedicated to the grain industry in Beijing, where you can find answers to all your questions about grain.
The museum uses physical artifacts, photographs, miniature models, and interactive technologies like touch screens and projections to explain the origins, cultivation, storage, processing, and supply of grain. For city dwellers who rarely have the chance to experience agricultural knowledge firsthand, this museum offers both education and a deeper appreciation of the food that nourishes us.
