BEIJING CENTRAL AXIS

Beijing Central Axis, running north-south through the heart of the old city of Beijing and leading the overall layout of the capital, is an ensemble of building complexes and archaeological sites, comprising 15 historical heritages. It contains imperial palaces and gardens, imperial sacrificial buildings, ancient city management facilities, national ceremonial and public buildings, and central axis roads remains. Initially constructed in the 13th century and took shape in the 16th century, Beijing Central Axis had kept improving over past seven centuries, and finally became a well-ordered magnificent architectural complex. Beijing Central Axis is a reflection of ancient China’s ideal capital architectural order that had a dominant influence over the planning and construction of Chinese capital cities over the past 2,000 years.