On July 27, at the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, the capital of India, “The Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital” from China was included on the World Heritage List.
With a total length of 7.8 kilometers, the Beijing Central Axis was first constructed in the 13th century, and took shape in the 16th century. With over seven centuries of continuous development, the Central Axis has evolved into an orderly and majestic urban architectural complex. It embodies the ideal order that has influenced the construction traditions of China’s capital for more than 2,000 years.
Bird’s eye view of Beijing Central Axis
In recent years, the Central Axis has garnered wider attention from foreign friends, becoming a trendy photogenic spot.
A high-frequency word in the “Beijing in the Eyes of Ambassadors” series
Irish Ambassador to China Ann Derwin visits the Forbidden City with her families
Multiple ambassadors being interviewed have expressed their love for the Beijing Central Axis in the “Beijing in the Eyes of Ambassadors” series launched by the WeChat Official Account of Beijing Foreign Affairs Office (ID: bjszfwb).
Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, Nepal’s Ambassador to China is quite familiar with the world cultural heritage sites in Beijing. He said he had been to the Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square, Lama Temple, Miaoying Temple, among other historical and cultural sites. Irish Ambassador to China, Ann Derwin, loves to stroll in Jingshan Park in the evening, where she can overlook Beijing under the beautiful sunset glow and appreciate the magnificent scenery along the Beijing Central Axis. Turkish Ambassador to China, İsmail Hakkı Musa, has visited most of the historical and cultural landmarks along the Central Axis, including the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven during his over-one-year incumbency, among which the Temple of Heaven has sparked a deep cultural resonance for him.
Irish Ambassador Finds a Sense of Home in Beijing
Foreign diplomats overlook the Central Axis at Longfu Temple
Foreign diplomats overlook the Central Axis at the Longfu Cultural Center
In May 2023, nearly 200 ambassadors, senior diplomats, and representatives of foreign chambers of commerce in China from over 50 countries, including Cameroon, Switzerland, Italy, and Luxembourg, ascended the observation deck on the 9th floor of the Longfu Cultural Center to overlook the Beijing Central Axis. Accompanied by the gentle summer breeze, the Central Axis at night unfolded like a magnificent painting, inspiring awe in the diplomats. They highly praised the beauty of Beijing as a historical and cultural city while busy taking photos.
Mayor of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, visits the Capital Museum
Mayor of Baku observes the Yongding Gate Stone Plaque
In July 2023, Eldar Azizov, Mayor of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, led a delegation to Beijing for the first time. During his stay, Azizov visited the Capital Museum and was particularly intrigued by the “Beijing Central Axis” exhibition, a special edition marking the 870th anniversary of Beijing becoming China’s capital. Gazing at the Yongding Gate Stone Plaque, he said, “Beijing’s excellent work in protecting cultural relics has brought precious historical pieces back to life.”
Officials from Beijing’s sister cities have a city walk at Zhengyangmen Gate
Participants of the 2024 Workshop for Officials from Beijing’s Sister Cities tour the Central Axis
In July 2024, participants of the 2024 Workshop for Officials from Beijing’s Sister Cities from 12 countries, including Cambodia, France, Cuba, Côte d’Ivoire, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and New Zealand, visited the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall to learn about the implementation of the Master Plan of Development for Beijing (2016-2035). As they traveled along the Central Axis, moving north from Beijing Fun and the Zhengyangmen Gate to the Forbidden City, they experienced both the past and present of Beijing, savoring its profound history and splendid culture.
Officials from Beijing’s Sister Cities Highly Praise the Capital’s Development in the New Era
Foreign journalists experience the story of time at the Bell and Drum Towers
Foreign journalists tour a bilingual exhibition themed “The Story of Time”
In May 2024, a group of 60 journalists from 55 countries, including Hungary, India, Malaysia, Cameroon, and Nigeria, visited the Central Axis. As they ascended the Drum Tower to see the bilingual exhibition “The Story of Time”, they delved into the profound history of the Beijing Central Axis, observing the interplay of time and space that has enriched its history.
Foreign Journalists Visit Dongcheng District to Explore Emerging Finance and Digital Technology
