First built in the 13th century, the Central Axis runs through the historic region of Beijing, from north to south, stretching some 7.8 kilometers. It connects imperial palaces, and architecture, public facilities and relic sites of ages, showing the philosophy of the construction of Beijing as the imperial capital. Also it reveals an aesthetic emphasis on the symmetric structure, the importance of order and the beauty of balance.

A painting exhibition now ongoing at the China National Academy of Painting centers on the Central Axis' rich history and cultural legacies.

The 120-odd paintings on show were made by artists from across the country who visited and sketched those landmark sites along the route, such as the Palace Museum and Yongding Gate.

It is a journey of the views of the old and new Beijing evolving throughout centuries and also, it shows the ideas of building an imperial capital in a way to reflect the Chinese take on the relations between men and the universe.