“Seal Cutting of Beijing Central Axis” -- the 2024 Seal Cutting Art Festival for the Public kicked off

Under the guidance of the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau and the Beijing Central Axis Heritage Protection Office, and organized by the Beijing Central Axis Protection Foundation, “Seal cutting of Beijing Central Axis”-- the 2024 Seal Cutting Art Festival for the Public kicked off on March 11, 2024.

Yu Ping, counsellor of the Counsellors’ Office of Beijing Municipal Government and former deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau, said at the opening ceremony that the cultural heritage of the Beijing Central Axis has been protected and developed in an unprecedented way. This activity vividly tells the story of the Beijing Central Axis with the condensed language of seal carving and shows the history and features of times of the axis.

Li Danyang, art director of Beijing Gehua Media Group, said that the 2024 Seal Cutting of China , with the theme of Seal Cutting of Beijing Central Axis for the public, rolled out three major thematic activities: “Seal Cutting and Stories of the Beijing Central Axis” held at Beijing Children’s Palace, the opening ceremony of " Seal Cutting Exhibition of Beijing Central Axis" and the awarding ceremony of "Seal Cutting of the Beijing Central Axis". These activities cover a wide range of events, such as elaboration of Chinese seal culture, experiencing program of seal cutting, seals collection, and exhibition in subway, which encourages the public to actively participate, reviving the culture of the axis, and creating a favorable atmosphere for the protection of the cultural heritage of the Beijing Central Axis.

During the event, the cultural connotation of the magnificent order of the Beijing Central Axis was interpreted through a rich variety of cultural programs, including the evening drums and morning bells indicating the time of Beijing, and the young artists singing the song "This is Beijing".

Outside of the site, an exhibition area consisting of 15 heritage sites was prepared from south to north along the axis, symbolizing the spirit of Beijing Central Axis, which is based on "heaven and earth, neutrality and harmony, rituals and music". There was stamp service of beautiful seals in each site, with the whole set of 15 seals designed by the Central Academy of Fine Arts. Visitors holding the "passport" with stamps of the Beijing Central Axis will have an immersive experience of the history and culture of each heritage site.

The official stamps and passport of the Beijing Central Axis can be collected in some of the heritage sites, Beijing Metro Line 8 stations, Beijing Central Axis Protection Foundation, and the China Millennium Monument, so as to appeal more people to participate the activities and promote the protection of the cultural heritage of Beijing Central Axis.