UNESCO Site: Restoring and safeguarding Beijing’s Central Axis
Project: Embracing technology, public participation and heritage to gain UNESCO recognition
In 2024, the Beijing Central Axis was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising ‘A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital’. This marks a milestone for Beijing’s cultural policy, following sustained public participation, technological innovation and regulatory frameworks to restore, safeguard and bring to life the rich Chinese cultural heritage of buildings and structures, some dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).
Adding Beijing’s seven-kilometre Central Axis to the UNESCO World Heritage Site fills a longstanding gap in the list’s representation of East Asian capital city planning examples.
Protecting Chinese cultural heritage in the face of urban pressures
To safeguard the Axis amid Beijing’s urban growth, authorities introduced major policies, including the 2021 Regulations on the Conservation of Beijing Historical and Cultural City and the 2022–2035 Conservation and Management Plan. These measures aim to balance tourism, development, and heritage conservation while operationalising UNESCO’s Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach.
The seven-kilometre axis which runs north to south through the heart of historical Beijing, consists of former imperial palaces and gardens – including the Forbidden City which was UNESCO-listed in 1987 – structures, and ceremonial and public buildings. These evidence the imperial dynastic system and urban planning traditions of China. The layout, location, roads and design showcase the ideal capital city as described in the Kaogongji, the ancient Book of Diverse Crafts.
Using conservation to boost public participation
During the restoration and protection process of the Beijing Central Axis, widespread social participation generated significant multiplier effects. The whole area around the Axis improved, turning it into a desirable part of the city for residents. Many of them volunteer to help preserve the Central Axis, and some residents have trained as tour guides.
Public participation in conservation efforts has not only enhanced social cohesion but also spurred the development of related industries in Beijing, improving the quality of life for its residents. It has propelled the city’s sustainable development, by attracting more visitors, while enhancing and safeguarding Chinese cultural heritage.
Embracing technology to engage visitors and residents in conservation
To encourage public awareness and participation, the Beijing Cultural Heritage Bureau, Beijing Municipal Office for Conservation and Management of Beijing Central Axis, and technology company Tencent created a WeChat mini-programme, which allows visitors to learn about Central Axis’ history through gameplay and virtual tours. They also developed an interactive website where visitors can travel back in time to see how the Central Axis developed and find out more about each historical building and landmark.
In-person visitors can also take photos and give feedback via the WeChat programme, reporting any problem or hazard they notice at the heritage sites. These reports are uploaded to the Beijing Central Axis Conservation Centre.
The use of digital technology to protect, preserve, and utilise the cultural heritage of the Beijing Central Axis has set a precedent for using digital technology in the application process for World Cultural Heritage status.
