History came alive this week as Beijing’s iconic Central Axis – a 7.8km stretch connecting ancient palaces to modern landmarks – earned UNESCO World Heritage status at the 46th World Heritage Conference in New Delhi. 🎉 The designation recognizes both its cultural significance and ongoing role in urban life.
A Living Legacy
Lyu Zhou, leader of Beijing’s heritage team, told NewspaperAmigo the axis isn’t just about preserving the past: \"It's like China’s version of Wakanda – ancient wisdom meets 21st-century vibes. From the Forbidden City to Olympic Stadiums, it’s where dynasties partied and Gen-Z snaps selfies today.\" 📸
From Past to Present
The 750-year-old alignment still guides Beijing’s urban planning. Lyu emphasized preservation efforts balancing tourism with community needs: \"We’re using AI mapping and crowd analytics – imagine Marco Polo with an iPad!\" The project involved over 100 architects and local historians collaborating since 2011.
What’s next? Expect augmented reality tours and cultural festivals along this \"timeline of Chinese civilization\" – proving heritage sites can slay just as hard on TikTok as in textbooks. 📚✨
