CENTRAL AXIS OF BEIJING

 Memory and the imagination of humanity in space and time.



Annotation

This article discusses the inscription of "Beijing Central Axis" in the UNESCO cultural heritage list. On July 27, 2024, at the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, "China - Beijing Central Axis" was inscribed on the list of World Cultural Heritage Sites, and I believe this is a very wise and meaningful decision.


Introduction


In the historical and cultural stream, the "central axis" as an independent and complete concept appeared perhaps not so long ago, but in the traces of human activity, the concept of the "median axis" accompanies the entire development of mankind.
Modern science tells us that temperature, oxygen and water are essential conditions for the existence of life, so the "mysterious 30th parallel of northern latitude" became the chosen "central axis" in the initial stage of life. The Mississippi, Nile, Yangtze and other rivers intersect at this latitude, and four great ancient civilizations originated here. Nature seems to have arranged this poetic arrangement arbitrarily, but in fact it is a carefully considered order. If the geographical "central axis" is a vivid explanation of "natural selection" in the theory of evolution, the "central axis" in human history is the light of the wisdom of rational choice of ancestors. From Jaspers' "axial time" of human civilization to Stefan Zweig's "starry hours of humanity," great moments and great people who created great ideas still fascinate us.




It is a respect for history.


Beijing's central axis was formed during the Yuan Dynasty, developed during the Ming and Qing, and has existed for over seven hundred years. Perhaps Khubilai did not expect that the axis he defined would remain unchanged for several centuries and become even richer and more encompassing through constant additions and changes. The majestic order and power of Beijing emerged from this axis, which has captured the development of human society, preserved the memory of the people and witnessed historical events, so it is worthy of attention and preservation. In the process of listing the "Beijing Central Axis" as a World Heritage Site, we have also heard different opinions from some media or organizations, even with clear ideological biases, trying to politicize Chinese heritage listing actions. I believe this is an insult to the important cultural heritage of humanity.

It is respect for culture.


The central axis of Beijing is symmetrical on the sides and harmonious. The Chinese believe that all things should be unified and harmonious, and symmetry gives them a sense of "calm" seriousness, encapsulating the beauty of balance and stability. Therefore, symmetry is important in everything from architecture, calligraphy, painting, poetry and prose to paired inscriptions, objects, jewelry and interiors. The ancient oriental wisdom and unique aesthetics of life are especially expressive, free and romantic on the central axis of Beijing. This is the gene of Beijing and the gene of China. Chinese architect Liang Sicheng said that no nation loves and respects the central axis as much as the Chinese, he also praised Beijing's central axis, calling it "the longest in the world, eight kilometers long, and the greatest north-south axis running through the whole city."

This is the praise of the era.


Today's China is embracing the world with great perspective, broad-mindedness and openness, displaying the image of a responsible, wise and great power. More and more people are coming to China to experience the grandeur of architecture on the central axis of Beijing, touch the "culture code", feel the pulse of development and experience the synthesis of Western and Eastern cultures, honoring and contemplating the heritage of Chinese culture. It reminds me of the grand concept of "One Belt, One Road", which closely links East and West. Perhaps in the future, this will become the next "middle axis" in the history of human civilization.
According to Wittgenstein, the meaning of the world must be outside the world. The success of listing Beijing's "central axis" as a World Heritage Site is even more important, giving inspiration to other cities: in the era of rapid information development.
How can we continue the culture and build a spiritual and mental home along with the creation of physical space.

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