Initiative takes aim at ancient central axis
Beijing is ramping up efforts in protection and restoration to get the central axis of the ancient city included on the UNESCO world heritage list.
The city government unveiled a long-term plan earlier this month to boost Beijing’s standing as a national cultural center in the next 15 years. As a major part of the plan, the capital will continue to protect and restore heritage sites along its central axis and regenerate old city areas.
With a history of more than 750 years, Beijing’s central axis stretches around 7.8 kilometers, connecting numerous renowned historical spots such as the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City and the Bell and Drum Towers.
“The axis is a masterpiece of urban planning. It witnessed the city’s development and reflects Chinese culture,” said Ling Ming, vice-director of the Beijing Administration of Cultural Heritage. Protecting the valuable heritage sites is an important responsibility of Beijing, Ling added.
Preparation of the central axis being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site started in 2011. Over the past few years, municipal authorities have hosted seminars on heritage protection, carried on on-site investigations and pushed forward the renovation, Ling said.
So far, 400 square meters of heritage buildings have been cleared for restoration in parks along the central axis. Shouhuang Palace in Jingshan Park reopened its doors in 2018 after a four-year restoration, marking all complexes along the axis open to the public.
According to the plan, Beijing will continue its restoration of heritage sites on the central axis, build relevant museums and public facilities, and enhance the axis’ international influence.
As for old areas inside Beijing’s second ring road, the plan details an array of protection and restoration measures. These include restoring the natural landscape, preventing excessive commercialization, stopping street widening and evaluating historical buildings regularly.
The restoration work should avoid demolition to keep the old city authentic and intact, said Zhang Jie, vice-director of the National Heritage Center at Tsinghua University.
Considering old city areas feature massive or narrow alleys, with a long history, the city will build modern facilities based on local needs while maintaining the hutong structure and characteristics. By doing so, not only can the living conditions of residents in the old city be improved, but
can be well protected, said local officials.
Authorities also plan to integrate heritage protection and ecological protection by building a range of community parks and small greenbelts in the old areas of the city to reflect local culture.
In the future, the preserved historic and cultural areas are expected to become a more vibrant and orderly land mixing history, culture and modernity, according to the plan.