Beijing's Central Axis takes center stage with World Heritage bid

The Altar of the God of Agriculture stands near Beijing's Central Axis as a testament to China's rich farming culture.

At a small farm field in this temple, emperors once attended solemn rituals to offer sacrifices to the God of Agriculture, and pray for favorable weather, bountiful harvests and prosperity for all.

Today, this sacred space has transformed into a hub of enlightenment, where throngs of eager students immerse themselves in China's agricultural heritage.

Public activities, such as spring planting and autumn harvests, have been regularly held in the temple since 2018. And after two centuries of seclusion, the Divine Granary Complex, which was used for storing grain harvested from the ceremonial field, has also been renovated and opened to the public.

"In the future, we will use modern exhibition methods to systematically explain the historical changes and cultural connotations of the Divine Granary Complex, making this time-honored compound more accessible," Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum staffer Zhang Min says.

Beijing has served as the Chinese capital for 870 years of its three-millennium history, and consequently became a treasure trove of cultural heritage. The Central Axis is the best-preserved core area of its historical downtown. It extends 7.8 kilometers from the Yongding Gate in the south to the drum and bell towers in the north. Most of the essential buildings from ancient times stand along the axis.

In 2011, Beijing launched a campaign to have its Central Axis inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Altar of the God of Agriculture, located on the western side of the axis' southern section, is a microcosm of the city's efforts to preserve this heritage. The axis also contains Qianmen, which has remained a bustling commercial district since the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and retains much of the old-time charm of its hutong (traditional alleyways), which draw visitors from around the world.

The layouts of the axis' streets and lanes have been preserved while residents' amenities have been upgraded. And several ancient guild halls and residences of historical figures have been opened to the public after renovations.

Qianmen's 200-year-old Tianleyuan Theater offers Peking Opera experiences with modern elements.

Stage art and lighting have been introduced while screens showing Chinese and English subtitles make the performances accessible to diverse audiences. The performances have also introduced immersive and interactive elements, such as enabling patrons to don opera costumes and other experiences that appeal to younger guests. Tianleyuan's visitor numbers returned to pre-pandemic levels this summer.

A growing number of Beijingers are expressing support for the World Heritage nomination, says a report on the axis published in April.

"More people are exploring these sites, tapping into the city's past and recognizing its identity," says Beijing Institute of Surveying and Mapping expert Chen Pinxiang, who creates 3D models of destinations along the axis.

Xinhua