Beijing's Central Axis celebrates with 'Magical Cats Night'

An immersive night tour experience titled Everlasting Central Axis: Jingshan's Magical Cats Night was officially unveiled on July 27 to mark the second anniversary of the inscription of the Beijing Central Axis on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The project was jointly created by Beijing Artists Management Corp and Jingshan Park. Centered around the Shouhuang Hall Square in Jingshan Park, the event combines an original theatrical story, live performances and augmented reality interactive experiences, allowing visitors to explore the unique cultural charm of the Central Axis through an immersive journey.

The story follows Lin Huannian, a frustrated court musician, and five magical cats with distinct personalities as they embark on a fantastical adventure. Visitors will take on the role of members of a "cat alliance" and join the characters on a journey through a world of mystery and imagination.

"Jingshan Park has been continuously enriching its nighttime cultural activities and improving the night-tour experience," said Lyu Linlin, deputy director of Jingshan Park.

"This project moves beyond the traditional model of static cultural displays in museums and heritage sites, allowing the millennia-old cultural legacy to come alive beyond the boundaries of ancient architecture," Lyu said. "While ensuring the absolute safety of cultural relics, we aim to further enhance visitors' experiences."

According to Tang Yun, the producer of the project, the night tour builds on an original theatrical production and incorporates various performance elements, including live-action drama, dance, magic and martial arts.

In addition, hidden story elements are placed throughout the venue. Visitors can unlock exclusive side stories through AR interactions, adding an element of exploration and discovery to the nighttime experience.

The night tour will begin trial operations in August.

The year 2026 also marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of Beijing Artists Management Corp. The company said it will use Everlasting Central Axis: Jingshan's Magical Cats Night as an example of integrating culture and tourism, and continue developing high-quality performing arts to make the capital's traditional culture more accessible, interactive and engaging, while bringing new vitality to the city's nighttime cultural scene.