1. Beijing Central Axis listed as a World Heritage Site

"Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital" was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 27, becoming China's 59th World Heritage Site.

With its roots dating back to the paradigm of ideal capital planning in traditional Chinese culture, the Beijing Central Axis shows an ensemble of building complexes and archaeological sites that governs the overall layout of Beijing's old city.

Stretching 7.8 kilometers north-south through the heart of Beijing, the inscribed property comprises 15 components, with the Bell and Drum Towers at its northern end and Yongdingmen Gate at the southern end.

The complex encompasses imperial palaces and gardens, imperial sacrificial buildings, ancient city management facilities, national ceremonial and public buildings, and the remains of central axis roads.