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
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
