The Beijing Central Axis was added to the United Nations' cultural heritage list on Saturday, marking a prestigious recognition for the 700-year-old line of historical and cultural landmarks that traverse the heart of the Chinese capital.
During the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India, both China's Beijing Central Axis and the Badain Jaran Desert were added to UNESCO's World Heritage List. This brings the total number of World Heritage sites in China to 59, making it one of the countries with the most World Heritage sites, alongside Italy.
Upon the announcement, session chairperson Vishal Sharma exclaimed in Chinese, "Congratulations, China!"
The Beijing Central Axis, the best-preserved example of traditional central axis architecture in China, extends 7.8 kilometers from Yongding Gate in the south to the Bell and Drum Towers in the north.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee recognizes the Beijing Central Axis for its integrity and authenticity. The committee stated that the north-south axis illustrates the traditional Chinese philosophy of the relationship between man, city, heaven, and nature. It is a typical and well-preserved example of the thousand-year development of Chinese capital planning.
The Central Axis dates back to the 13th century during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), and its length was extended during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911).
Several attractions along the axis, such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, have already been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Efforts to get the entire Central Axis recognized by UNESCO began in 2011. Since then, over 100 cultural heritage restoration projects have been carried out along the axis.
Lyu Zhou, director of the National Heritage Center at Tsinghua University, said that the line reflects the Chinese people's approach to constructing order.
"In China, we are constantly discussing how to tell a compelling story of Chinese civilization through our world heritage. We think that Beijing Central Axis is an excellent medium for telling China's story, as it reflects the Chinese people's approach to constructing order," said Lyu.
According to Lyu, the Beijing Central Axis is a great example that demonstrates the essence of Chinese history and culture, as well as their development trajectory.
"For China and also the city of Beijing, the process of applying for World Heritage status is a social communication process. It helps people understand our history and culture, which are the roots of our nation, and attracts more people to get to know China. The axis answers questions like 'What is China?' and 'Why is China the way it is?' The Beijing Central Axis embodies a variety of concepts that address these questions," said Lyu.
UNESCO designates Beijing Central Axis as World Heritage Site
Grassroots officials and students who teamed up with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the voluntary tree planting activity in Beijing on Thursday morning said afterwards they would commit more energy to protecting their country's natural heritage and greening efforts.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, was accompanied by other Party and state leaders as they joined residents and local officials on the bank of the Yongding River in Beijing’s Fengtai District to plant saplings.
Xi waved to the crowd as he arrived at the site before picking up a shovel to help plant saplings of several different types of tree.
Xi took time to ask students from local schools about their studies, life and participation in labor and sports.
"We came here today to participate in this tree planting activity. What surprised us was that President Xi also took part. He worked alongside us, digging and building up the soil around the saplings. He has always been concerned about our lives and studies, and he encouraged us to work and study hard," said Lyu Shuochen, a student from the Fifth Primary School in Fengtai District.
"President Xi is very knowledgeable and understanding. He also encouraged us plant more trees to improve the air quality and the environment," said Gu Weichen, another student from the school.
During the event, Xi also talked with local grassroots officials, discussing the importance of preserving the nation's natural heritage.
"Every year, [the general secretary] takes part in the tree planting activity in the capital. He shovels the soil and waters the trees, which are truly touching. As environmental builders, we are determined to work together to make areas along the Yongding River greener and make the water clearer, so that local people can safely enjoy the riverside and truly understand the significance of ecological preservation," said Ding Hongwei, deputy director of the Fengtai District Yongding River Management Office.
"For us, participating in the tree planting activity with the general secretary is a vivid practical lesson in grassroots governance. Today, the general secretary also stressed that [environmental efforts should focus on] improving quality, boosting industry and benefiting the people. For us as community workers, it means we must deeply engage in the grassroots affairs. We need to strive for growth and do practical things to provide support for the residents and the people around us," said Qian Cheng, Party secretary of Tianlun Jincheng community in Beijing's Fengtai District.
"In addition to building the capital into a garden city, we also integrate the concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature into our daily life and work. We hope to create a better environment for everyone," said Lin Qiaoling, a Party committee member in Caoqiao Village, Yuquanying Subdistrict in Fengtai District.
Encouraged by Xi, the environmental champions at the site pledged to actively engage in public welfare activities, joining forces to contribute to the building of a Beautiful China and making the country even greener.
"President Xi told us while we were watering the saplings that watering the trees is like nurturing us children. I will follow what President Xi said. I want to become a teacher to educate and nurture others, and sow the seeds for them to grow their talents," said Wang Nanbixuan, another student from the school.
"As a primary school student in the capital, I am committed to planting more trees, working harder, and adding more green spaces to make our capital even more beautiful," said Chang Yuyang, another student from the school.
"With the personal involvement and leadership of the general secretary, the greening efforts in the capital will reach a new level, and citizens will be able to more directly enjoy the results of ecological civilization development," said Ding.
"As the general secretary said, we will continue working, one generation after another, to improve the greening efforts for the people, and contribute our own strength to ecological preservation in the capital and the whole country," said Lin.
Planting trees with President Xi inspires new generation of environmental champions
