eijing Central Axis—A Well-Deserved World Heritage Site

On July 27, 2024, the UNESCO World Heritage Center announced new additions to the World Heritage List at the World Heritage Conference. The Beijing Central Axis, as the most complete existing traditional central axis architectural complex of a capital city in China and a treasure of world culture, was officially declared a World Heritage Site at this conference!

The most magnificent sight in Beijing is a north-south axis that traverses ancient and modern times. Along this axis, one can see the Wanchun Pavilion at the highest point of Jingshan Park. On both sides of the axis, one can enjoy the scenery of the old city with its green tiles and gray bricks. The central axis of the ancient capital upholds an expansive spatial pattern. Stretching 7.8 kilometers in length, boasting over 700 years of history, featuring a complete and advanced planning concept, and rich in elements of mountains, water, and roads, it encapsulates profound aesthetic and cultural significance. Each aspect is unique to China and represents a valuable heritage for the people of the world.

In the tapestry of world civilizations, the axes of various cities each possess their own unique beauty. The famous Champs-Élysées in Paris is its central axis, created in the 17th century, running east-west through several city landmarks for a total length of 4.5 kilometers. Berlin’s traditional central axis, Unter den Linden, initially a narrow equestrian path, was established in 1573 and is approximately 1.5 kilometers long. The central axes of Barcelona, Washington D.C., and Canberra are similar in length to Beijing's traditional central axis but were completed in the 19th or 20th centuries.

Looking at the central axis systems of world cities, their lengths correspond to the scale and grandeur of their capitals. The concepts reflect the wisdom and ideals of the Chinese people, and their forms demonstrate the inclusive and unified nature of Chinese civilization. The Beijing Central Axis is clearly not just a simple physical concept or a static architectural marker. It is an ancient yet vibrant history, a symbol of urban culture, and a spiritual coordinate for the people. With the continuous evolution of civilization, the series of buildings along Beijing's central axis have become a unique testament to the construction of ancient capitals, the order of national impressions, and the development of social culture.

The Beijing Central Axis is a carrier of Chinese culture and history and is also a shared treasure and memory of humanity. This central axis, like a vital artery full of energy, nourishes the old city's enduring life and connects the diverse lives of its citizens. It also showcases to the world the historical framework of a great capital city and its ever-renewing beauty. It perfectly integrates a city and harmoniously blends the past, present, and future.

The application for World Heritage status is an opportunity to showcase the historical stories behind the Beijing Central Axis, allowing more people around the world to understand China’s rich history and culture. The process of applying for World Heritage status is not only about protecting cultural heritage but also about promoting cultural inheritance and heritage protection. Being included in the World Heritage List can increase awareness of the Beijing Central Axis, and this attention can be translated into efforts to preserve and inherit cultural heritage. As an outstanding example of ancient Chinese architecture and urban planning, the successful listing of the Beijing Central Axis can help more people learn about the characteristics of ancient Chinese culture and architecture, thereby enhancing the importance placed on traditional culture and fostering a sense of responsibility for the protection of cultural relics. The application also promotes the protection and revitalization of the old city. By revitalizing and utilizing historical heritage, even centuries-old heritage can keep pace with the times, allowing contemporary people to reflect on the past while embracing the present.

World Heritage sites are rare and irreplaceable treasures, recognized globally for their outstanding significance and universal value. They are not only witnesses to history, carrying the brilliance of civilizations, but also living testimonies to human development and progress, belonging to our generation and future generations. Protecting World Heritage sites is a timeless effort that benefits the present and the future, playing a crucial role in promoting exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations. This should not be hindered by the political biases of certain countries. By protecting, inheriting, and making good use of these precious assets, we can better understand human history and culture, laying an important foundation for promoting the inheritance and development of culture.