Beijing Central Axis: The backbone of the millennia-old capital

First established in the 13th century during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis spans 7.8 kilometers through the core of the old city, making it the longest surviving urban axis in the world. This axis links 15 key heritage sites, including the Bell and Drum Towers, Jingshan Park, the Forbidden City, Tian’anmen, and Yongdingmen Gate. Beyond being a physical structure, it symbolizes the philosophical concepts of centrality and harmony that are fundamental to Chinese civilization. On July 27, 2024, the Beijing Central Axis was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming China’s 59th World Heritage site.

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