Capital receives recognition for its preservation of history and culture

At the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India, on Saturday, "Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital" was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming China's 59th World Heritage Site.

The Beijing Central Axis (BCA) runs through the north and south of the city's heart, with its origins dating back to the 13th century. It has evolved continuously over time, resulting in what is today the longest, completely traditional imperial city axis in existence worldwide, spanning 7.8 kilometers in length.

The BCA presents an imperial city paradigm as described by ancient Chinese scholars. It embodies the Chinese civilization's philosophy of "middle" and "harmony", demonstrating the imaginative and creative capabilities of Chinese civilization in urban planning and construction. Hence, the BCA is hailed by many as the "soul and spine of Beijing".

To better protect and develop the BCA, in 2011, the Beijing Municipal Government proposed applying for World Heritage status, and in 2012, the BCA was included in the Tentative List for China's World Cultural Heritage. After a journey of 12 years, the bid for World Heritage status has been successful.

In protecting its heritage sites, the nation has not only safeguarded the historical context but also been improving people's livelihoods. In the process of applying for World Heritage status, the BCA was taken as a focal point to drive the comprehensive restoration of time-honored buildings in Beijing, while the residential houses nearby have also been renewed and upgraded so as to make them more comfortable for the inhabitants, which provided a Chinese approach and experience for ancient city conservation to the whole world.

For instance, the renovation project for the Bell and Drum Towers region followed a principle of "restoration as if untouched", which greatly enhanced the visual corridor of the Bell and Drum Towers landscape and revived their distinctive old city charm. But it also made living conditions more convenient and comfortable for residents, thereby attracting more supporters and participants to join in the preservation efforts of the area that's part of the BCA.

With World Heritage status as a new starting point, the BCA will continue to shine with renewed vigor through further protection efforts and better support cultural heritage preservation.

CHINA MEDIA GROUP