The memory of Ni Biao, deputy chief of the Comprehensive Renovation Section for Old Residential Areas of the Xicheng District Housing and Urban-Rural Development Commission, is still fresh about the scene he witnessed three years ago when he first stepped into Qingcheng Palace in Xiannongtan: the southern courtyard was crowded with dozens of illegally built houses, some residents in the central courtyard grew vegetables, a warehouse was built in the western courtyard, and the gateway and palace wall of the eastern courtyard were occupied.

Xiannongtan, located in the southern section of Beijing Central Axis and adjacent to the Temple of Heaven, is the largest existing site for ancient Chinese imperial sacrifices to the god of agriculture.

With Beijing Central Axis being nominated for World Heritage status, Xiannongtan has been rejuvenated. The former imperial farm, known as "one mu and three cents of land," has become a popular destination for the public to experience farming culture; over 1,500 square meters of office buildings have been demolished, the Shencang complex has been repaired, exhibited, and opened to the public; and after evacuation, repair, and environmental remediation, the courtyards of Qingcheng Palace have regained their magnificent historical appearance.

During his inspection tour in Beijing, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, "Historical and cultural heritage is the soul of a city. We should protect the city's historical and cultural heritage as we cherish our own lives."

From being included in China's Tentative List of World Heritage in 2012 to being inscribed on the World Heritage List this July, Beijing Central Axis has gradually regained its vitality and shone with new brilliance.

This central axis, initiated in the 13th century and formed in the 16th century, spans 7.8 kilometers and is the longest surviving urban axis in the world, earning it the title of "the soul and backbone of the old Beijing."

"In the next 3 to 5 years, the open area of Xiannongtan will be expanded from the current 7 hectares to 20 hectares," according to Xue Jian, curator of the Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum. Better protection and utilization will truly and comprehensively showcase the ancient building complex of Xiannongtan and better transmit its cultural value.

General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized, "We should seize the opportunity of this successful World Heritage nomination to further strengthen holistic and systematic conservation of cultural and natural heritage, effectively enhance our heritage conservation capacity and standards, and safeguard the cultural treasures and natural jewels of the Chinese nation."

Not only Xiannongtan but also the Bell and Drum Towers, the Altar of Land and Grain, the Imperial Ancestral Temple, the Temple of Heaven, and many other sites along Beijing Central Axis have undergone over 100 heritage conservation projects in recent years.

A 3D digital map demonstrates the meticulousness of Beijing Central Axis conservation efforts.

Inside the Beijing Central Axis Heritage Protection Center, 221 heritage conservation units, 33 historic and cultural districts, over 1,000 hutongs, and more than 8,000 ancient and famous trees can be viewed on a large screen.

"This is the first heritage monitoring platform in China that uses 3D digital twin technology," explained JinXibin, director of the Beijing Central Axis Heritage Protection Center. By clicking on the icons, information such as the cultural relics, surrounding natural environment, and real-time visitor counts in the heritage areas of the 15 heritage components along the central axis can be viewed.

A WeChat mini-program documents public participation in Beijing Central Axis conservation.

"The ancient building is in good condition!" As she spoke, the platform received an inspection report – a 10-year-old girl took a photo near the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City and attached a message.

This is the "Digital Night Watchman" feature of the "Cloud Central Axis" WeChat mini-program. Using boundary markers along Beijing Central Axis, anyone can record the conservation status of cultural relics and ancient buildings by scanning the QR code and taking a photo. Citizens, tourists, men, women, old, and young – everyone can become a guardian of Beijing Central Axis. Since the project was launched in 2023, over 90,000 inspection photos have been received.

Efforts to inherit and utilize Beijing Central Axis historical and cultural heritage will continue to be strengthened to better meet the needs of the people for a better life.

The seven arched openings on the first floor of the Drum Tower have been restored to their historical appearance, and a digital immersive exhibition titled The Story of Time has been unveiled. The fridge magnets featuring celestial vault cauldrons launched by the Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum are exquisite in design and craftsmanship, and they are selling out due to popular demand.

Neighboring historical and cultural heritage, the homes of Beijing's old city residents are becoming increasingly beautiful.From environmental remediation and upgrading of back alleys to orderly progress in rental evacuation applications and hutong micro-renewal plans, the texture of Beijing's old city streets and alleys has been better protected.

"The hutongs are bright and open, and there are beautiful scenes everywhere when I go for a walk. Life is very pleasant," said Fan Laiyou, a nearly 70-year-old citizen who has lived near the Bell and Drum Towers for most of his life and became one of the first Beijing Central Axis Cultural Heritage Protection Supervisors this year. "I will not only be a good supervisor but also a good promoter, telling the story of the central axis to more people."

At the northern end, the Bell and Drum Towers stand vertically north and south, with evening drums and morning bells inscribing the ancient time order. At the southern end, Yongding Gate stands majestic, embodying the beautiful wish of "national prosperity and eternal stability." After more than seven centuries of accumulation, today's Beijing central axis reflects the history and new charm of the ancient capital, showcasing the infinite charm of Chinese civilization to the world.

Zhang Lixin, director of the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau and director of the Beijing Central Axis World Heritage Application and Protection Office, said, "We will continue to make efforts in the conservation management, monitoring and early warning, value interpretation, exhibition, and display of Beijing Central Axis heritage and persevere in promoting the overall protection of Beijing's old city."