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Inscribing "The Central Axis of Beijing" in the UNESCO World Heritage List 

Introduction

During the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India. The Committee inscribed 26 new cultural and natural properties on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The session concluded with Nauru ratifying the World Heritage Convention and becoming its 196th State Party.

The Committee inscribed 26 new properties, including making 2 major extensions to properties that are considered new inscriptions. The other inscriptions include 20 cultural properties, 5 natural properties and 1 mixed site. These properties thus benefit from the highest level of heritage protection in the world. Their managers will now have access to new opportunities for technical and financial assistance from UNESCO.

These inscriptions bring the total number of properties inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List to 1223, in 168 countries. The Committee also examined the state of conservation of 123 other properties already inscribed on the World Heritage List.

Briefing Note

The Central Axis of Beijing is a monumental urban planning achievement reflecting Chinese cultural, historical, and architectural values. Spanning 7.8 kilometers from Yongding Gate in the south to the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north, it includes significant sites such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven. This axis has been central to Beijing’s urban layout since the Yuan Dynasty, embodying the principles of feng shui and Chinese cosmology.

The consulting role of the UNESCO Chair aimed mainly to focus on, highlight, and communicate the unique cultural significance, historical value, and sustainability (threat assessment) of the Central Axis of Beijing.

The property is as of the above WHC session inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.