Exploring theheritage of Beijing Central Axis to createdistinctive diplomatic settings

“The Backbone of Beijing” offers greater space for international exchanges

Ascending to the Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower for a panoramic view of the ancient capital, listening to the “echoes of time” in the Bell and Drum Towers, and tracing agricultural civilizations at the Altarof the God of Agriculture… Since the successful inscription of Beijing Central Axis as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city has been actively exploring itsheritage to develop distinctive diplomatic settings. This ancient “backbone”is now serving as a new space for international exchanges, supporting major-country diplomacy and mutual learning among civilizations through innovative approaches.

The Central Axis is not only a cultural heritage that embodies centuries of architectural ingenuity, but also an inspirational landmark that hashosted major national ceremonies and witnessedhistoric moments. Beijing puts “building a high-quality lounge for international exchangesand developing the capacity for receiving foreign guests” high on its agenda of enhancing the city’s role as the center for international exchanges. Focusing on the city’s core areas, Beijing Foreign Affairs Office, in collaboration with Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau and relevant cultural and museumdepartments, has not only engaged in the adaptive reuse of historical buildings, thematic museums, traditional courtyards, and distinctive hutongs, but also in their scenario reinvention. These efforts were carried out as part of broader initiatives such as urban renewal, the conservation of the Central Axis, and the development of “a city of museums.” A series of new diplomatic venues, deeply rooted in the heritage of theCentral Axis, are emerging rapidly at majorsites including the Altar of the God of Agriculture, the Temple of Heaven, the Bell and Drum Towers, and Zhengyangmen.

Through targeted outreach to central authorities, these historic venues have been repurposed as “new stages” for high-level diplomatic events. In July this year, António Costa, President of the European Council, and his delegation made a special visit to the Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower. They toured the thematic exhibition of the Central Axis and learned about the achievements in its heritage conservation and adaptive reuse, while experiencing the grandeur of Beijing’s urban spatial order. In recent years, important international events at sites such as the Bell and Drum Towers and the Temple of Heaven have enabled Chinese and foreign participants to build cooperation and friendship while explore in person the richness of China’s fine traditional culture.

The Central Axis is not just a distinctive “lounge”for international exchanges, but also an important window for telling Chinese stories and conveying the warmth of the Chinese civilization to the world. In July last year, officials from 12 sister cities of Beijing, including those from Cambodia and France, joined a “Citywalk” along the Central Axis, experiencing the new charm of the ancient city amid its grey bricks and tiled roofs. In October, diplomats and cultural envoys from more than 50 countries took part in cultural and tourism activities at the Altar of the God of Agriculture, gaining a deeper understanding of China’s rich farming culture. In April, the first 17 venues for the Beijing Culture Forum were unveiled, 10 of which are located in the Central Axis heritage area and buffer zone, serving as a golden hallmark of Chinese culture.

According to the official of Beijing Foreign Affairs Office, the Office will work closely with Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau and relevant cultural and museum departments to further tap into the heritage values of the Central Axis, and to create more venues for international events that blendcultural legacy with contemporary features. Through unique design of settings and activities, this grand axis, which carries the genes of Chinese civilization and memory of Beijing, will become an axis of openness and friendship, conveying goodwill and fostering mutual learning among civilizations.