Beijing Central Axis added as World Heritage Site

The Beijing Central Axis was added to the United Nations’ cultural heritage list on Saturday, marking a prestigious recognition for the 700-year-old line of historical and cultural landmarks that traverse the heart of the Chinese capital.

During the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India, both China’s Beijing Central Axis and the Badain Jaran Desert were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. This brings the total number of World Heritage sites in China to 59, making it one of the countries with the most World Heritage sites, alongside Italy.

The Beijing Central Axis, the best-preserved example of traditional central axis architecture in China, extends 7.8 kilometers from Yongding Gate in the south to the Bell and Drum Towers in the north.