This photo taken on June 21, 2023 shows the Drum Tower as seen from the Jingshan Park in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 kilometers between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis. Gates, palaces, temples, squares and gardens of the old city are all linked up to the axis. As they witnessed the folk activities along the line from old days to new ones, they themselves are a joy to behold at all times. [Xinhua/Li Xin]

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has included the Beijing Central Axis in its world heritage list, recognizing its integrity, authenticity, and protection and management status.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee believed that the Beijing Central Axis represented a unique type in the history of world cities, embodied traditional Chinese philosophical concepts of "Zhong" (centrality) and "He" (harmony), and made significant contributions to the history of urban planning worldwide.

The organization also highly praised the Chinese government's tremendous efforts and outstanding achievements in protecting and preserving the cultural heritage of the ancient city of Beijing.

The Beijing Central Axis, initially established in the 13th century and formed in the 16th century, runs through the old city of Beijing from north to south. It has become the longest urban axis in the world today, spanning 7.8 km.

At a themed event named "Reception: One Night in Beijing Central Axis" held here late Saturday, Li Qun, China's deputy minister of culture and tourism, said the Beijing Central Axis is one of China's most important world cultural heritages.

Li noted that the successful inclusion of the Beijing Central Axis in the World Heritage List further highlights the overall value of Beijing's history and culture.

The event also witnessed the launch of the Digital Central Axis Weixin Mini Program, which offers users an immersive guided tour of the landmark on their smartphones.

Also at the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, China's Badain Jaran Desert -- Towers of Sand and Lakes and five nominated sites of the migratory bird sanctuaries along the coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China has also passed the review process to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The latest inclusions brought the total number of World Heritage sites in China to 59. 

Jingshan Park sits next to the Palace Museum along the Central Axis in downtown Beijing. It was the imperial garden during the Ming and Qing dynasties and the backyard of the Forbidden City. [Photo by Yuan Fang/China.org.cn]

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