BEIJING, July 18,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Among attractions of
Beijing, the Beijing Central Axis
is a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage and historical
significance. The 7.8 km axis extends from the Bell and Drum Towers
in the north to Yongding Gate in the south. It's the longest
and greatest axis in the world. Just begin a fascinating journey
along the axis to explore Beijing's splendor and evolution.
A historical backbone
The axis dates back to the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368). During the
Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties, it became the
city's central spine. The axis was designed based on China's traditional philosophy that
highlighted harmony among humanity, buildings and the world.
From north to south, the axis consists of a number of landmarks
including the Bell and Drum Towers, Wanning
Bridge, Jingshan, Palace Museum, Altar of Land and Grain,
Imperial Ancestral Temple, Tian'anmen, Tian'anmen Square Historical
Architecture Complex, Zhengyang Gate
and Arrow Tower, Temple of Agriculture, Temple of Heaven, and
Yongding Gate.
Now, the north end of the axis has extended to Beijing Olympic
Park from the Bell and Drum Towers. The "Bird's Nest" and "Water
Cube" are symmetrically on two sides of the axis' north end.
The axis is more than a physical line. It's the political,
cultural, and ceremonial axis of ancient Beijing and a symbol of modern Beijing. It boasts the most rigorous spatial
logic and abundant connotations.
Major landmarks along the axis
From north to south, you may find a number of fascinating sites
along the axis:
(1) Bell and Drum Towers
They were used to tell the time in ancient China
(2) Wanning Bridge
It's an ancient bridge at the north of the Di'an Gate, which is
the back gate of the imperial city.
(3) Jingshan Park
It's the imperial garden of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
(4) Palace Museum
Also known as the Forbidden City, it's the imperial palace of
China's Ming and Qing dynasties.
It's the largest and best-preserved ancient wooden building complex
in the world.
(5) Imperial Ancestral temple
It's a place for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to
worship their ancestors. Now it's "Beijing Working People's
Cultural Palace".
(6) Altar of Land and Grain
It's a place for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to
offer sacrifices to the gods of land and grain.
(7) Tian'anmen Square
The 440,000m2 square
can hold 1 million people. It's also the place to visit the
National Flagpole, Monument to the People's Heroes, Chairman
Mao Memorial Hall and Zhengyang Gate.
(8) Monument to the People's Heroes
It's a monument to commemorate the revolutionary martyrs in
China's modern and contemporary
history.
(9) Zhengyang Gate
It's also called Qianmen Gate. It's the front gate of
Beijing's inner city during the
Ming and Qing Dynasties.
(10) Temple of Heaven
It's a place for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to
offer sacrifices to Heaven at the winter solstice and pray for
grain harvests on the 15th day of the first lunar month.
(11) Temple of Agriculture
It's a place for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to
worship Emperor Yandi (2,900 BC-2,800 BC). Beijing Ancient
Architecture Museum is also there.
(12) Yongding Gate
The two-story gate tower is 24m
wide and 10.5m deep. It's the front
gate of Beijing's outer city in
the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Protection of the axis
In 2011, the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's
Political Consultative Conference suggested starting the
legislative process to protect the axis.
In 2011, Beijing began to apply
to list the axis in the world cultural heritage sites.
In 2013, the axis was included in UNESCO's Tentative List for
World Cultural Heritage Site nominations.
The axis is also in Beijing's
Protection and Development Plan for the Historical and Cultural
City in the 14th Five-Year Plan.
A modern-day attraction
Today, the Beijing Central Axis is a major attraction for both
tourists and locals. Walking along the axis is like taking a step
back in history and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the
grandeur of ancient Beijing.
In summary, the Beijing Central Axis is a monumental testament
to the city's rich history and cultural heritage. From the imposing
Yongding Gate to the Bell and Drum Towers, the axis offers a
captivating journey through Beijing's past. As a world-famous site, it
stands as a global symbol of China's historical and cultural achievements.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or
simply a curious traveler, the Beijing Central Axis promises an
unforgettable experience that connects the past with the
present.
For more information, visit UNESCO International Center for
Creativity and Sustainable Development (ICCSD) to explore the
Beijing Central Axis.
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SOURCE Beijing Juzhi Technology Co., Ltd