The renovation projects aiming to restore the historical appearance of the centuries-old Beijing Central Axis have also improved the living conditions of residents in vicinity.
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 Zhonglouwan Community, located at the north end of the central axis, is home to the Bell and Drum Towers.
Zhang Yinxi used to live in the community. Longing for a bigger residence, he applied for returning the right to use the house in exchange for compensation and relocation in 2021.
In 2020, Beijing started a voluntary relocation program. Those who live in a bungalow publicly owned in the name of the municipal and district housing administrative authorities or units authorized by the government, can return the right to use the house according to their own will and will be compensated and relocated.
Those who choose to stay will be given voluntary choices to renovate the main structure of their residences at their own expense.
"At that time I lived here, my residence was only 17 to 18 square meters," said Zhang.
Though living in a larger apartment far away from the community, Zhang would always come back to visit his old neighbors who chose to stay.
One of the neighbors is Fan Laiyou who is satisfied with the upgraded infrastructure and his renovated residence.
"The streets were always water logged in rainy days. After renovation, the streets are now paved with permeable bricks, there is no water-logging after raining, the surface is much drier than before, it's really good," said Fan.
"The renovation project in fact restored the original appearances of the old hutong and the old Siheyuan (quadrangle) in the ancient town. The Beijing Central Axis stands for a deep integration of nation rites and order with people's everyday life," said Zhang Zhe, head of design of the Bell and Drum Towers operated by Tsinghua Tongheng Urban Planning and Design Institute.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Saturday announced the inclusion of the Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital, into its world heritage list. The heritage area of the Beijing Central Axis covers 589 hectares, with a buffer zone of 4,542 hectares. Its location, layout, urban form, and design reflect the ancient Chinese tradition of urban planning, serving as an important emblem that highlights the distinctive characteristics of Chinese civilization.
The announcement signifies prestigious recognition for the 700-year-old line of historical and cultural landmarks traversing the heart of the Chinese capital.
Beijing Central Axis' renovation improves living conditions for residents in vicinity
