Two projects from China and Italy are vying for UNESCO recognition. The Beijing Central Axis, encompassing the historic Forbidden City, aims to achieve World Cultural Heritage status by 2024. Meanwhile, Italy's rich culinary traditions may also soon receive international acclaim. 

Both China and Italy boast ancient civilizations that have significantly shaped the world. Despite being geographically distant, the two civilizations have shared numerous cultural elements, fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of each other's traditions. Italy's contributions to art, literature and music have garnered worldwide acclaim, with masterpieces like the works of Leonardo da Vinci captivating viewers for centuries. Meanwhile China's rich history spans thousands of years, with its profound philosophy, artistic traditions and intricate calligraphy leaving an indelible mark on global culture. 

The Beijing Central Axis, often regarded as the backbone of old Beijing, represents the pinnacle of planning, design and construction of an ancient Eastern civilization. Spanning an impressive 7.8 kilometers, this historic axis encompasses three World Heritage sites – the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.

Professor Lyu Zhou from Tsinghua University, who is leading the axis's world heritage bid, said that the central axis embodies significant content of Chinese culture. "We delve into the cultural significance of the Beijing Central Axis, exploring how it serves as a testament to the rich tapestry of Chinese civilization and the remarkable journey that led to the 'diversity in unity' of the Chinese nation." 

Lyu added harnessing modern technology is the key to preserving cultural heritage and bringing it to life. In addition, digital satellite images enable a fascinating exploration of the central axis's evolution, tracing its development alongside the growth of the capital. 

In the past centuries, Beijing has gone through lots of changes, yet the central axis has been kept in good repair. It has remained a cultural symbol for generations.

Italy's gastronomic legacy also awaits international recognition. For both tourists and locals, Roscioli is a culinary institution. And like many Italian restaurants, it's a family business that boasts decades of traditions. 

Mattia Moliterni, co-owner of Roscioli Restaurant, said: "There are a lot of places in Italy like Roscioli where you still find a member of the family still working with passion, without opening tons of restaurants." 

On the menu are dishes that are internationally renowned but made from more than a recipe. It's this connection, craftsmanship and knowledge that are at the heart of Italy's endeavor to have its cooking recognized on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. 

The bid is a joint proposal from the ministries of culture and agriculture, and also underlines the "sustainability and biodiversity" of Italian cuisine. UNESCO will now evaluate the Italian government's latest proposal and decide by December 2025.