Routes

Beijing Central Axis Cultural Journey

Culture

Best Time:
May
Recommended:
2 days
Admission:
500-800 RMB 500-800 RMB

Features

In July 2024, Beijing's Central Axis was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking the capital's eighth UNESCO designation. Since then, this historic corridor has drawn global attention for its cultural significance. Qianmen Dajie (St) continues to thrive as a hub of time-honored Beijing brands and authentic local cuisine, while the iconic Daguanlou Cinema in Dashilar—now celebrating its 121st anniversary—stands as the birthplace of Chinese cinema, commemorating its pioneering role in the industry.

JIngshan Park
Daguanlou Cinema

Stop 1 Jingshan Park

Offering panoramic views southward over the Forbidden City and northward toward the Bell and Drum Towers.

Highlights:

Perched atop Jingshan Park, the Wanchun Pavilion stands as the highest point along Beijing Central Axis, offering panoramic views southward over the Forbidden City and northward toward the Bell and Drum Towers. Nearby, the Yuan Dynasty-era Wanning Bridge—still functioning as a vital thoroughfare for buses and vehicles—bridges past and present. At the axis' northern end rises the Bell Tower, marking the culmination of Beijing's 7.8-kilometer-long Central Axis.

Stop 2 Daguanlou Cinema

Exactly 120 years ago in 1905, China’s first film, Dingjun Mountain, premiered at Daguanlou Cinema, marking the birth of Chinese cinema.

Highlights:

Exactly 120 years ago in 1905, China's first film, Dingjun Mountain, premiered at Daguanlou Cinema, marking the birth of Chinese cinema. Remarkably, the theater has remained in its original location, preserving its historic charm to this day.

Stop 3 Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum

Situated within the Xiannong Altar—a Ming-Qing imperial sacrificial complex—the monumental Taisui Hall houses the museum's crown jewel.

Highlights:

Situated within the Xiannong Altar—a Ming-Qing imperial sacrificial complex—the monumental Taisui Hall houses the museum's crown jewel: the Celestial Well Ceiling from the Wanshan Zhengjue Hall of Longfu Temple, displayed atop its grand interior.