Axis is central to capital's appeal
China DailyAn ensemble of landmarks representing the backbone of Beijing was envisioned centuries ago and still plays vital role in modern life, Cheng Yuezhu reports. Those taking a trip to central Beijing are often recommended to ascend Jingshan Hill and be treated to a rare bird's-eye view of the capital's old city. This is the Beijing Central Axis, celebrated as "the backbone of Beijing".It denotes an ensemble of building complexes and archaeological sites that governs the overall layout of the capital, encompassing imperial palaces and gardens, imperial sacrificial buildings, ancient city management facilities, national ceremonial and public buildings, and central axis roads remains. Prominent Chinese architect and architectural historian Liang Sicheng once wrote: "Beijing's unique and magnificent order is created by this Central Axis. On Saturday, at the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India, "Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital" was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.