Beijing Central Axis Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List

Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 27, 2024 during the 46th session of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India. This latest inclusion brings the total number of China's World Heritage Sites to 59.

The Beijing Central Axis, running north to south through the heart of historical Beijing, originated in the 13th century, took shape in the 16th century, and got improved continuously with the passage of time, and it has become the world’s longest city axis today with a length of 7.8 km. The Central Axis consists of former imperial palaces and gardens, sacrificial structures, ceremonial and public buildings, and central axis road remains. The location, layout, urban pattern, roads and design showcase the ideal capital city as prescribed in the Kaogongji, an ancient text known as the Book of Diverse Crafts which was part of the Rites of Zhou. Together they bears testimony to the evolution of the city and exhibits evidence of the imperial dynastic system and urban planning traditions of China. The Beijing Central Axis consists of 15 key heritage sites: the Bell and Drum Towers, Wanning Bridge, Jingshan Hill, the Forbidden City, Duanmen Gate, Tian'anmen Gate, Outer Jinshui Bridges, the Imperial Ancestral Temple, Altar of Land and Grain, Tian'anmen Square Complex (Tian'anmen Square, the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, the National Museum of China and the Great Hall of the People), Zhengyangmen Gate, Southern Section Road Remains, Temple of Heaven, Altar of the God of Agriculture, and Yongdingmen Gate. The property area of the Beijing Central Axis covers 589 hectares, with a buffer zone of 4,542 hectares.

The UNESCO's World Heritage Committee recognizes that the Beijing Central Axis meets World Heritage List selection criteria (iii) and (iv), and commended the Chinese government's significant efforts and remarkable achievements in protecting and sustaining the cultural heritage of historical Beijing. The World Heritage Committee believes: the Beijing Central Axis which embodies the planning theories of traditional Chinese capital and philosophical concepts of "Zhong" (centrality) and "He" (harmony) has made significant contributions to the world history of urban planning (Criterion iii); as an outstanding example of the mature stage of the central axis of traditional Chinese capital, the Beijing Central Axis represents a unique type in the history of world cities (Criterion iv). The Committee acknowledges its integrity, authenticity, and protection and management status. The Committee said that the authenticity of the Beijing Central Axis is manifested in its continuity as the core of the capital, with Tian'anmen Square Complex being integral to its development. The Committee recognizes the necessity of maintaining the current form of the Central Axis.

In his speech at the conference, Li Qun, Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism and Director General of National Cultural Heritage Administration, expressed the joy and excitement of the Chinese people for the successful inclusion of the Beijing Central Axis on the UNESCO World Heritage List. He also expressed gratitude to UNESCO, the World Heritage Committee, and the International Council on Monuments and Sites. He said that the inclusion of the Central Axis marks a new starting point. He reaffirmed China's commitment to fulfilling the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (the World Heritage Convention) with constant efforts to protection and repair of cultural heritage, natural disaster mitigation, community participation, tourism development under scientific guide, and capability building for interpretation and exhibition, ensuring that Beijing Central Axis is well protected and sustained. He said that China will continue to coordinate the protection and management of World Heritage properties in the country and further enhance exchange and cooperation with international organizations and state parties to the World Heritage Convention on the platform of Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia, thus making contributions to fostering cultural exchange and mutual learning and building a community with a shared future for mankind.