Along Beijing's 7.8-kilometer historic axis

The 7.8-kilometer Central Axis runs through the heart of Beijing, linking many of the city's best-known historic sites. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2024. Since then, work to protect the area has continued, with more historic sites opening to the public.

New tools are also being used to protect the historic sites. At the Temple of Heaven, cameras and monitoring devices track changes to historic structures. A digital system covers 15 heritage sites and more than 200 protected buildings along the Central Axis. Traditional restoration work is also continuing. At the Bell Tower, the support structure for a 600-year-old bell was reinforced in June, its first major reinforcement since 1747.

Several sites have also reopened or added new public spaces. The Temple of Heaven now has a new museum with digital displays about imperial rituals and music. The Drum Tower now hosts film screenings and music events.

The work also extends into the old neighborhoods. Hutongs around the Bell Tower have been repaired, with overhead wires moved underground. The Sanlihe waterway near Qianmen has also been restored.