Beijing Central Axis, a World Heritage Site

The Beijing Central Axis is a remarkable example of ancient Chinese urban planning. Stretching 7.8 km from Yongdingmen in the south to the Bell and Drum Towers in the north, it connects the core architectural complexes of the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. In 2012, it was added to the Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in China. This axis, laid out according to the ritualistic principles of "the imperial court in the front, the market in the back, ancestral temples on the left, and altars of land and grain on the right," embodies the philosophical concept of "harmony between heaven and man" and the political ideal of "ruling from the center." The Central Axis is home to a diverse range of cultural heritage sites. Yongdingmen showcases the city wall system, while the Circular Mound Altar and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the Temple of Heaven symbolize the reverence for heaven and ancestors. Qianmen Street preserves the bustling atmosphere of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Forbidden City, centered around the Three Great Halls, displays imperial majesty. The five pavilions of Jingshan Hill form the city's highest point, and the Wanchun Pavilion offers a panoramic view of the entire axis. The Bell and Drum Towers, the ancient timekeeping center, have continued their tradition of morning bells and evening drums for millennia. On either side of the axis are ritualistic buildings such as the Imperial Ancestral Temple, the Altar of Land and Grain, and Tiananmen, forming a symmetrical and rigorous spatial sequence. Today, the Central Axis is undergoing a revitalization through preservation efforts. The Yongdingmen Gate Tower has been reconstructed, and the Zhengyangmen Gate Tower has been repurposed. Ecological symbols, such as the Beijing swift, coexist with ancient architecture. This "historical backbone" not only carries the wisdom of city planning but also serves as a living testament to the continuity of Chinese civilization. Its application for World Heritage status is driving the protection of the ancient city's charm and the inheritance of its cultural heritage.