The Central Axis of Beijing (Tips, Photos & Map)

Now you are kindly reminded that the Central Axis of Beijing is worth your exploring for a few hours' walking if you have strong legs.

Now the Central Axis of Beijing is on the tentative list for UNESCO cultural heritage, which was submitted in Sept 01, 2013 by National Commission of the People's Republic of China for UNESCO .

This central axis is also flanked by many most important pieces of architecture in the city such as Temple of Heaven,  The Temple of Agricultural God,  Imperial Ancestral Temple and  Altar of the Land and Grain.

Beijing central "axis", which is interpreted  as a royal line. The emperors in ancient China believed that they were the center of the world, so all of their palaces should be built on the axis or along the center from south to north of Beijing.

As the core of old Beijing city, the  Central Axis of Beijing also show us the ingenious urban planning in the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as China today.

The Central Axis of Beijing was first laid out in 1403 in Ming Dynasty that can be traced even further back to the Mongol that Beijing was served as the capital Dadu. Today the Central Axis is still intact though some original buildings and gates are non-existent.

Last week, I had a 3-hour walking tour of the Central Axis of Beijing from Yongdingmen Gate to Bell Tower.  Below are some of the pictures I took  on my walk tour.

The Imperial Path north of Yongdingmen Gate Tower

Immaculate Conception Cathedral (South Church), Beijing along the Central Axis of Beijing

Qianmen Street

Zhengyangmen Gate ( Arrow Tower )

The Turret of Forbidden city and the moat

The north entrance to Forbidden City on the central axis of Beijing

The Drum Tower along the central axis of Beijing

Bell Tower, the northern end of the Central Axis of Beijing.

Tip:  Hassle-free Beijing Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours,  here are some options for guided tours to Beijing:

Further Readings