In July 2024, the Beijing Central Axis was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Stretching 7.8 kilometers from the Bell and Drum Towers in the north to Yongding Gate in the south, the axis links some of China's most iconic landmarks, including the Palace Museum, Jingshan Park and the Temple of Heaven.

For international visitors, it offers a window into the architectural and planning wisdom of ancient China. For China, however, the recognition carries a deeper significance. The Central Axis raises a broader question: How has a civilization with more than 5,000 years of history remained vibrant in a rapidly changing modern world?

This question lies at the heart of a landmark meeting held three years ago. In June 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the Meeting on Cultural Inheritance and Development, describing the building of a modern Chinese civilization as a new cultural mission for the country. He emphasized the need to carry forward China's fine traditional culture through creative transformation and innovative development, while drawing on the defining characteristics of Chinese civilization.

Over the past three years, a series of developments, from the UNESCO inscriptions of the Beijing Central Axis and the Spring Festival to the rise of digital heritage projects and globally successful cultural products such as Black Myth: Wukong and Ne Zha 2, have demonstrated how traditional culture is being revitalized in contemporary China.

From heritage revival to cultural participation

The Beijing Central Axis offers a vivid example of that continuity. First established during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and further developed through the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, it has remained the organizing spine of Beijing for more than seven centuries. Yet it is not a relic frozen in time.

The Central Axis is not only preserved – it is actively used. In 2025, the Palace Museum received more than 17 million visits, making it one of the most visited museums in the world. During peak holiday periods, tickets are often sold out within minutes.

The Palace Museum and the Temple of Heaven have in recent years hosted visiting heads of state and international guests, highlighting how China's historic landmarks continue to serve as platforms for cultural exchange and diplomatic engagement.

Across Beijing, residents jog, visit, and gather along the axis, turning a former imperial spatial system into the setting of contemporary urban life.

This transformation is visible across China. Museums have become some of China's most sought-after cultural destinations. During major holidays, reservations at many leading museums are often fully booked days in advance, while young visitors have become a visible presence in exhibition halls across the country.

Traditional craftsmanship is also finding new audiences. In Quanzhou, the centuries-old hairpin flower tradition has become a cultural attraction for travelers. In Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, Song brocade weaving, once associated primarily with imperial garments, is being incorporated into contemporary fashion and design. Across the country, intangible cultural heritage workshops and traditional craft markets are attracting growing numbers of young participants.

Digital tools are expanding how cultural heritage is preserved and experienced. In Dunhuang, ancient murals are accessible to global audiences through virtual platforms, while immersive exhibitions are transforming how visitors engage with history. Chinese traditional stories are also reaching new audiences through popular culture.

Animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 became the highest-grossing film in Chinese box-office history, while video game Black Myth: Wukong sparked global interest in Chinese mythology and classical literature. Together, they illustrate how traditional cultural resources are being reimagined for contemporary audiences.

These developments reflect a broader process of cultural renewal. Rather than remaining confined to museums, archives or history books, traditional culture is increasingly becoming part of contemporary life. Ancient traditions are being reinterpreted through modern technology, creative industries and new forms of public participation.

A cultural transformation with global reach

In recent years, the rise of "China travel" trend has brought increasing numbers of international visitors to the country. Many choose to explore sites such as the Palace Museum, the Temple of Heaven and the Beijing Central Axis to better understand Chinese history and culture.

What they encounter is not only a collection of historical monuments, but also a society where cultural heritage remains embedded in everyday life. Ancient traditions continue to evolve through new forms of expression while retaining a strong connection to their historical roots.

This openness is also reflected in China's efforts to promote dialogue among civilizations. Over the past three years, China has actively advocated exchanges and mutual learning among cultures through initiatives and platforms including the Global Civilization Initiative, the Liangzhu Forum and the Nishan Forum on World Civilizations. These efforts are rooted in a belief that different civilizations can learn from one another and prosper together.

The story of the Beijing Central Axis is therefore about more than architecture or urban planning. Its inscription on the World Heritage List highlights the enduring value of China's cultural heritage, but its continued relevance speaks to something larger: the vitality of a civilization that has never ceased to adapt, innovate and grow. Its strength lies not only in preservation, but also in its capacity for renewal.

Today, the Central Axis still runs through the heart of Beijing. In many ways, it also symbolizes the path of Chinese civilization itself – rooted in history, renewed through innovation, and increasingly connected to the world.