Beijing Central Axis Bridge Exhibition Opens

On the morning of September 22, the "Viewing from the Bridge" Beijing Central Axis Bridge Exhibition was unveiled for the first time at the Tai'anli Cultural and Art Center in Xicheng District, Beijing. A meticulously crafted Tiananmen Gate Tower model by the China Red Sandalwood Museum also made its official debut. The event was guided by the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau, hosted by the Beijing Central Axis Protection Foundation (BCAPF), organized by Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture and Riverine China, with the collaboration of the Publicity Department of Xicheng District Committee of the CPC.

Mei Song, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Beijing Central Axis Protection Foundation; Chen Lihua, Chairwoman of Fu Wah International Group and Curator of China Red Sandalwood Museum; Li Junqi, Vice President of Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, along with representatives from the Publicity Department of Xicheng District, Tianqiao Subdistrict of Xicheng District, Xicheng District Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Riverine China, and other relevant personnel were present to witness this cultural celebration.

On July 27 this year, the "Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital" was officially inscribed on the World Heritage List, marking the successful recognition of the Beijing Central Axis on the World Heritage List. In his speech, Mei Song stated, "Following the successful UNESCO World Heritage listing of the Beijing Central Axis, we bear an even greater mission. We will continue to strengthen integrated and systematic protection, inheritance, and utilization of the Beijing Central Axis, optimize the achievements of its World Heritage listing, further explore the depths and values of the Central Axis cultural heritage, narrate its story effectively, provide more high-quality cultural products, and better meet the needs of the people for a better life."

"Viewing from the Bridge" centers on the bridges along the Beijing Central Axis, showcasing representative structures such as Wanning Bridge, Jinshui Bridge, Zhengyang Bridge, and Tianqiao Bridge. Through four sections — "Bridges Anchoring the Capital", "Bridges of Imperial Ceremony", "Bridges Overlooking the North", and "Bridges Facing the Southern Sky" — the exhibition comprehensively highlights the magnificence and significance of the bridges along the Beijing Central Axis, explores the profound cultural impact of ancient Beijing's bridges, and showcases the city's rich cultural connotations.

The China Red Sandalwood Museum donated the Tiananmen Gate Tower model to BCAPF to celebrate the successful UNESCO World Heritage listing of the Beijing Central Axis. Mei Song, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of BCAPF, presented Chen Lihua with a collection and donation certificate. Ms. Chen Lihua stated at the donation ceremony, "The red sandalwood Tiananmen Gate Tower model was specially crafted using small-leaf red sandalwood with golden specks. It was created through the collaborative efforts of a hundred artisans, employing the intangible cultural heritage skill of 'red sandalwood carving.' After hundreds of days and nights of effort, it perfectly presents a 1:30 scale model."

Since 2024, the Beijing Central Axis Protection Foundation has launched a series of public initiatives, including "Beijing Central Axis Imprints – Public Seal Carving Works Exhibition" and the "Beijing Central Axis Online Marathon". They have also collaborated to created trains for Beijing Metro Lines 8 and 2 dedicated to the Central Axis. Through diverse activities, they have enhanced the promotion and awareness of the cultural heritage value of the Beijing Central Axis, allowing it to better integrate into public life.