Routes

Off-the-Beaten-Path | Beijing’s 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 successfully inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, becoming the capital's 8th World Cultural Heritage property. Qianmen Street showcases time-honored Beijing brands and authentic local flavors, while the historic Da Guan Lou Cinema in Dashilar marks the birthplace of Chinese cinema's 120th anniversary. The Southern Central Axis' Imperial Pathway and Tianqiao area, once reserved exclusively for emperors, whisper tales of dynastic grandeur. At the axis’ southern terminus stands Yongdingmen Gate Tower—the majestic starting point of Beijing's 7.8-kilometer-long Central Axis.

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’s Central Axis, offering panoramic views southward over the Forbidden City and northward toward the Bell and Drum Towers. During the May Day holiday, the park’s peonies burst into vibrant bloom, adding splashes of color to this historic vantage point. 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... View attractions guide

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. Now under the management of Capital Cinema, Daguanlou continues to screen new cinematic stories, bridging a legacy of innovation across centuries.

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 Tian Gong Caisson (Celestial Well Ceiling) from the Wanshan Zhengjue Hall of Longfu Temple, displayed atop its grand interior. Revered as the "gold standard of Beijing fridge magnets," this intricate miniature replica of the caisson has become a viral hit and the city's most sought-after cultural souvenir, embodying Beijing's creative brilliance.