The event which involved various aspects of cultural heritage related to the Beijing Central Axis, including seal carving, held in the capital on March 11, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of the event

 The event involved various aspects of cultural heritage related to the Beijing Central Axis, including seal carving, to showcase the historical and contemporary panorama of the axis.

The Beijing Central Axis is a 7.8-kilometer-long area that runs through the center of the city from the Drum Tower and Bell Tower north of the Forbidden City to Yongding Gate in the south.

Yu Ping, former deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage, said that in recent years, with the deepening of the protection work for the Beijing Central Axis heritage site, the cultural heritage of the Beijing Central Axis has received unprecedented protection and development.

During the event, splendid cultural programs interpreted the majestic traditions of the Beijing Central Axis, including striking of the evening drum and morning bell, which marked the time of day. There were also dance performances to demonstrate the integration of rites and music. Various young artists sang the song Here is Beijing, portraying themselves as time travelers, bringing the warmth of the ancient city to the venue with their voices.

Outside the event venue, an exhibition area consisting of 15 heritage sites spread from south to north, symbolizing the spirit of the Beijing Central Axis, and the connection between heaven and earth, harmony and unity, where rites and music blend.

Exquisite stamps were created for the event by designers from the Central Academy of Fine Arts, who were specially invited by the organizing committee. Visitors immersed themselves in the historical and cultural connotations of various heritage sites.

The official seal of the Beijing Central Axis launched during the event will be available, and the public can collect stamps at heritage sites along the Central Axis, as well as Beijing Subway stations and the China Millennium Monument.

Global Times