Unveiling the Beijing Central Axis: Temple of Heaven

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The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, is part of the Beijing Central Axis, which was recently added to UNESCO's World Heritage List. /CFP

The Beijing Central Axis was recently added to the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India. This latest inclusion brings the total number of China's World Heritage Sites to 59.

A file photo shows a night view of key cultural heritage sites sitting along the Beijing Central Axis, which was recently added to UNESCO's World Heritage List. /CFP

Running north to south through the heart of the Chinese capital, the Beijing Central Axis serves as the cultural and historical "backbone" of the city. It consists of former imperial palaces, gardens, sacrificial structures, and ceremonial and public buildings, all of which testify to the city's evolution and showcase evidence of China's imperial dynastic system and urban planning traditions.

An aerial view of the Temple of Heaven, a key part of the Beijing Central Axis. /CFP

One significant part of this imposing axis, located south of the Forbidden City, is the Temple of Heaven. Set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods, this majestic complex of imperial sacrificial buildings was where the emperors of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties prayed to heaven for favorable weather and abundant harvests.

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the largest building in the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. /CFP

Covering an area of more than 270 hectares, this architectural and landscape design masterpiece embodies the relationship between heaven and earth, a concept central to Chinese cosmology, through its overall layout and specific architectural elements.