BEIJING, July 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Among attractions of Beijing, the Beijing Central Axis is a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The 7.8 km axis extends from the Bell and Drum Towers in the north to Yongding Gate in the south. It's the longest and greatest axis in the world. Just begin a fascinating journey along the axis to explore Beijing's splendor and evolution.
A historical backbone
The axis dates back to the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368). During the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties, it became the city's central spine. The axis was designed based on China's traditional philosophy that highlighted harmony among humanity, buildings and the world.
From north to south, the axis consists of a number of landmarks including the Bell and Drum Towers, Wanning Bridge, Jingshan, Palace Museum, Altar of Land and Grain, Imperial Ancestral Temple, Tian'anmen, Tian'anmen Square Historical Architecture Complex, Zhengyang Gate and Arrow Tower, Temple of Agriculture, Temple of Heaven, and Yongding Gate.
Now, the north end of the axis has extended to Beijing Olympic Park from the Bell and Drum Towers. The "Bird's Nest" and "Water Cube" are symmetrically on two sides of the axis' north end.
The axis is more than a physical line. It's the political, cultural, and ceremonial axis of ancient Beijing and a symbol of modern Beijing. It boasts the most rigorous spatial logic and abundant connotations.
Major landmarks along the axis
From north to south, you may find a number of fascinating sites along the axis:
(1) Bell and Drum Towers
They were used to tell the time in ancient China
(2) Wanning Bridge
It's an ancient bridge at the north of the Di'an Gate, which is the back gate of the imperial city.
(3) Jingshan Park
It's the imperial garden of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
(4) Palace Museum
Also known as the Forbidden City, it's the imperial palace of China's Ming and Qing dynasties. It's the largest and best-preserved ancient wooden building complex in the world.
(5) Imperial Ancestral temple
It's a place for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to worship their ancestors. Now it's "Beijing Working People's Cultural Palace".
(6) Altar of Land and Grain
It's a place for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to offer sacrifices to the gods of land and grain.
(7) Tian'anmen Square
The 440,000m2 square can hold 1 million people. It's also the place to visit the National Flagpole, Monument to the People's Heroes, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall and Zhengyang Gate.