Beijing Central Axis

A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal
Order of the Chinese Capital

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No.1

Overview

Beijing Central Axis, running north-south through the heart of the old city of Beijing and governing the overall layout of the capital, is an ensemble of building complexes and archeological sites, comprising 15components.

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No.2

Value

Beijing Central Axis bears the outstanding universal value underpinned by criteria (iii), (iv) and (vi).

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No.3

Comprising Sections

Cityscape sequence

The 7.8-kilometer-long cityscape sequence of Beijing Central Axis contains contrasts and variations in a harmonious and unified order. The layout is symmetrical with proportional modal relationships.

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No.3

Comprising Sections

Northern section

The Wanning Bridge, the towering Bell and Drum Towers, and commercial streets with a dazzling array of shops are combined to form the first spatial ensemble of Beijing Central Axis that extends from north to south.

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No.3

Comprising Sections

Northern-central section

The north part of the middle section concentrates the highest-ranking buildings of Beijing Central Axis, with shining glazed roof tiles and splendid building colors, to form the second spatial ensemble of Beijing Central Axis.

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No.3

Comprising Sections

Southern-central section

The flat and extensive Tian’anmen Square Complex in the south part of the middle section harmonizes with the overall traditional cityscape of Beijing Central Axis, forming the third spatial ensemble of Beijing Central Axis.

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No.3

Comprising Sections

Southern section

The southern section from the Zhengyangmen Gate to the Yongdingmen Gate forms the fourth spatial ensemble of Beijing Central Axis. In its north is a bustling commercial quarter, while in its south is the core area for emperors’ sacrificial and ceremonial activities during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

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Central Axis Heritage

A cityscape sequence of magnificent buildings extending
from north to south

Central Axis Heritage

Core order line of the Central Axis

Component sites

Northern section

Northern-central section

Southern-central section

Southern section

No.4

Component Sites

Bell and Drum Towers

钟鼓楼南北排列坐落于北京中轴线的北端，位于北京老城商贸街区之中，位置与天安门、端门、故宫等朝堂建筑构成《考工记》所载“面朝后市”的都城规划范式。位置与天安门、端门、故宫等朝堂建筑构成《考工记》所载“面朝后市”的都城规划范式。

Ancient Central Axis

Beijing Central Axis is an accumulation of more than seven centuries of urban remains from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties as well as newer development in the modern times. It is an outstanding example of the central axis of traditional Chinese capital cities at a mature stage of development.

Siting

Beijing Central Axis embodies the traditional concept of site selection for capital cities. The location of Beijing Central Axis reflects a high degree of integration between the built environment and the regional mountain and water system.

Planning and Construction

The symmetrical layout of Beijing Central Axis demonstrates the ideal capital planning paradigm prescribed in the Kaogongji, linking urban spaces of various functions.

Historical evolution

Beijing Central Axis is a cumulative product of more than seven centuries of history since the Yuan dynasty and has been a continuous urban lineage, presenting a well-ordered urban ensemble of built heritage.

Historical events

Beijing Central Axis is a testimony to a great variety of major historical events of worldwide impact. It has stood witness to the gradual historical transformation of the Chinese society from a dynastic system into a modern state.