Along the historic Beijing Central Axis, revitalization has taken flight since its recognition as a World Heritage site in July 2024. The Arrow Tower of Zhengyang Gate recently reopened to an eager public, with 800 complimentary tickets disappearing quickly as visitors flock to capture the essence of this ancient marvel. A worker at the Tourist Information Center hints at the bottleneck: securing tickets has become a challenge amid the high demand for this cherished attraction.
As local cultural and urban landscapes bloom, new venues like the Qingcheng Palace have emerged. Lü Zhou, director of Tsinghua University’s National Heritage Center, acknowledges that appreciation for the Beijing Central Axis is on the rise, ignited by its World Heritage triumph. This recognition marks not just a milestone but the beginning of a greater mission: enhancing conservation and promoting cultural significance in the area.
Veteran tour guide Dou Junjie describes the Central Axis as an entity that continues to expand. Through careful preservation and innovative heritage utilization, he notes that historical areas like Dashilan are being revitalized and intertwined with modern technology, offering visitors a richer experience. Digital innovations, such as the light displays at historic sites, enchant visitors and spotlight the era’s passage.
The Qingcheng Palace, with a history stretching over 500 years, showcases successful restoration and public opening efforts. Dou highlights that the Central Axis now intertwines historic attractions with contemporary landmarks while constantly evolving. The recent World Heritage designation has fostered relocation efforts for residents and bolstered the preservation of surrounding environments, reinvigorating the capital’s cultural identity.
Liu Zheng from the China Cultural Relics Academy emphasizes the importance of public engagement in these preservation efforts. Rather than solely focusing on architectural restoration, integrating cultural activities into urban life is vital. Local resident Fang Zhe reflects on the vibrancy generated by these initiatives; he recounts a recent art event themed around intangible cultural heritage, which attracted the interest of the youth and inspired social media sharing.
Fang believes that true value comes from the Central Axis being interwoven into daily life. Inspired by this vision, he has launched a theater program featuring microfilm productions that explore the cultural tapestry of the Beijing Central Axis, inviting more engagement and interaction with its rich heritage.
The Beijing Central Axis has seen revitalization after receiving World Heritage status, leading to increased public interest in its attractions. Features like the Arrow Tower of Zhengyang Gate and Qingcheng Palace exemplify the efforts to enhance conservation. Experts emphasize public involvement and the integration of cultural activities into urban life to enrich the value of the heritage site.
The revitalization of the Beijing Central Axis underscores the importance of blending historical preservation with contemporary cultural engagement. The successful designation as a World Heritage site has sparked significant public interest and initiated various conservation efforts. Through innovative programs and community involvement, the historical narrative of the axis continues to thrive, integrating seamlessly with the vibrancy of modern Beijing.
The article discusses the revitalization of the Beijing Central Axis following its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It highlights the influx of visitors eager to explore attractions like the Arrow Tower of Zhengyang Gate and the Qingcheng Palace. Experts and locals express their perspectives on the cultural significance of the area and emphasize the importance of integrating heritage into modern urban life.
Original Source: www.globaltimes.cn
