The Central Axis of Beijing is a monumental building ensemble that traverses the heart of the Chinese capital. Stretching 7.8 kilometers from Yongding Gate in the south to the Bell Tower and Drum Tower in the north.
北京中轴线是一座横跨中国首都中心的纪念性建筑群。长城南起永定门，北至钟楼和鼓楼，全长7.8公里。
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to UNESCO on the successful adoption of the Beijing Central Axis into the World Heritage List. This decision, made during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India, underscores UNESCO’s commitment to preserving and celebrating global cultural heritage, recognizing the Central Axis as a vital part of human history.
我们对联合国教科文组织成功将北京中轴线列入《世界遗产名录》表示衷心祝贺。这一决定是在印度新德里举行的第46届世界遗产委员会会议上作出的，它强调了教科文组织保护和弘扬全球文化遗产的承诺，承认中轴线是人类历史的重要组成部分。
The Central Axis of Beijing: An Introduction 北京中轴线:介绍
The Central Axis of Beijing is a monumental building ensemble that traverses the heart of the Chinese capital. Stretching 7.8 kilometers from Yongding Gate in the south to the Bell Tower and Drum Tower in the north, this axis is a remarkable testament to the city’s rich architectural and cultural legacy. Along this axis lie more than a dozen key cultural heritage sites, including the Palace Museum (Forbidden City), Jingshan Park, the Drum and Bell Towers, the Temple of Heaven, Qianmen Street, and the Tian’anmen Square complex.
北京中轴线是一座横跨中国首都中心的纪念性建筑群。从南面的永定门到北面的钟楼和鼓楼，这条轴线绵延7.8公里，是这座城市丰富的建筑和文化遗产的卓越证明。沿着这条轴线分布着十几个重点文化遗产，包括故宫博物院、景山公园、钟鼓楼、天坛、前门大街和天安门广场群。
Historical Background and Evolution 历史背景与演变
Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) 元朝(1271-1368)
The Central Axis of Beijing traces its origins to the Yuan Dynasty when Kublai Khan established the capital of Dadu (present-day Beijing) in 1267. The axis was designed to reflect the principles of traditional Chinese urban planning, which were deeply influenced by celestial and ritualistic considerations. The axis served as the backbone of the city’s layout, organizing imperial palaces, temples, altars, markets, and streets in a harmonious spatial order.
北京中轴线的起源可以追溯到元朝，忽必烈于1267年在大都(今北京)建立都城。中轴线的设计反映了中国传统城市规划的原则，这些原则深受天体和仪式考虑的影响。中轴线是城市布局的支柱，将皇宫、寺庙、祭坛、市场和街道组织在一个和谐的空间秩序中。
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) 明朝(1368-1644)
In 1420, Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty moved the capital to Beijing and undertook a massive reconstruction project. The Forbidden City, a highlight of the Central Axis, was built during this period, serving as the imperial palace for the Ming and later the Qing dynasties. The axis was further extended and refined, incorporating additional significant structures and enhancing its symbolic and functional importance.
1420年，明朝永乐帝迁都北京，并进行了大规模的重建工程。紫禁城，中轴线的一个亮点，建于这一时期，作为明朝和后来的清朝的皇宫。轴线进一步延伸和完善，纳入了额外的重要结构，增强了其象征意义和功能重要性。
Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) 清朝(1644-1911)
During the Qing Dynasty, the Central Axis continued to evolve. Emperor Qianlong made notable additions, such as the construction of the five pavilions along Jingshan Mountain and the symmetrical pools south of the overpass on the outer city’s central axis. These enhancements reinforced the axis’s role as a representation of imperial power and cosmic order.
清朝时期，中轴线继续发展。乾隆皇帝进行了显著的扩建，比如沿着景山建造了五个亭子，在外城中轴线上的立交桥以南建造了对称的水池。这些改进加强了轴心作为帝国权力和宇宙秩序的代表的作用。
Modern Era 现代
With the end of the feudal dynasty system in 1912, the Central Axis entered a new phase. The historical structures along the axis were transformed into museums, urban parks, and public spaces, forming the cultural core of the city. Renovations of Tiananmen Square in the 1950s and 1970s turned it into an open center for public celebrations and state ceremonies, continuing the tradition of adapting ancient principles to contemporary needs.
1912年，随着封建王朝制度的终结，中轴线进入了一个新的阶段。中轴线沿线的历史建筑被改造成博物馆、城市公园和公共空间，形成了城市的文化核心。天安门广场在20世纪50年代和70年代进行了翻修，使其成为公众庆祝活动和国家仪式的开放中心，延续了将古代原则与当代需求相适应的传统。
Preservation and UNESCO Recognition 文物保护及联合国教科文组织认可
Since preparations for UNESCO recognition began in 2011, the Beijing government has meticulously restored and preserved these historical sites, completing over 100 renovation projects. Notable examples include the reopening of Shouhuang Palace in Jingshan Park after a four-year restoration in 2018 and the completion of the Bell Tower’s year-long refurbishment in January 2022.
自2011年筹备联合国教科文组织承认以来，北京市政府对这些历史遗迹进行了精心修复和保护，完成了100多个修复项目。值得注意的例子包括景山公园的寿皇宫在经过四年的修复后于2018年重新开放，以及钟楼在2022年1月完成了为期一年的翻新。
Politicization Attempts 政治化的尝试
Despite this historic achievement, some international voices have attempted to politicize the inclusion of the Central Axis as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the light of ongoing anti-China campaigns aimed at containing, countering, and resisting the rise of China, these attempts have sought to undermine the cultural and historical significance of this recognition.
尽管取得了这一历史性成就，但国际上仍有一些声音试图将中轴线列入联合国教科文组织世界遗产名录政治化。
However, it is crucial to recognize that the Central Axis’s inscription was based purely on merit, reflecting its profound historical and cultural value. UNESCO’s decision to include the Central Axis stands as a testament to its integrity and commitment to preserving world heritage sites based on their intrinsic value. This achievement marks a significant political victory for China, highlighting its enduring legacy as an ancient civilization with a rich cultural heritage.
然而，重要的是要认识到，中轴线的铭文纯粹是基于功绩，反映了其深刻的历史和文化价值。联合国教科文组织将中轴线纳入世界遗产名录的决定，证明了中轴线的完整性和根据其内在价值保护世界遗产的承诺。这一成就标志着中国取得了重大的政治胜利，彰显了中国作为一个文明古国和丰富的文化遗产的不朽遗产。
The Importance and Significance of the Central Axis 中轴线的重要性和意义
Cultural Significance 文化意义
The recognition of the Central Axis as a UNESCO World Heritage site reaffirms its cultural significance. It stands as a symbol of China’s imperial history, architectural innovation, and urban planning. The Forbidden City, a highlight of the Central Axis, remains one of the largest and best-preserved wooden structures globally, housing an extensive collection of royal artifacts and ancient art. This acknowledgment preserves and honors the legacy of Chinese civilization.
中轴线被联合国教科文组织列为世界遗产，再次肯定了它的文化意义。它是中国帝国历史、建筑创新和城市规划的象征。紫禁城是中轴线上的一个亮点，它仍然是全球最大、保存最完好的木结构建筑之一，收藏了大量的皇家文物和古代艺术品。这种承认是对中华文明遗产的保护和尊重。
Tourism Boost 旅游促进
With UNESCO recognition, the Central Axis is poised to become an even more prominent tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. Increased tourism will provide a substantial economic boost to Beijing, enhancing the city’s global standing and fostering greater cultural exchange. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the grandeur of Beijing’s historical landmarks, deepening their appreciation of Chinese heritage.
随着联合国教科文组织的认可，中轴线将成为一个更加突出的旅游景点，吸引来自世界各地的游客。旅游业的发展将极大地促进北京的经济发展，提高北京的国际地位，促进文化交流。游客将有机会亲身体验北京宏伟的历史地标，加深他们对中国遗产的欣赏。
Geopolitical Impact 地缘政治的影响
On the geopolitical front, the inclusion of the Central Axis in the UNESCO World Heritage List highlights China’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and contributing to global cultural diversity. This recognition strengthens China’s cultural diplomacy, promoting a positive image and fostering international goodwill. It underscores the importance of cultural heritage in fostering mutual respect and understanding among nations.
在地缘政治方面，中轴线被列入联合国教科文组织《世界遗产名录》凸显了中国保护本国文化遗产、促进全球文化多样性的承诺。这种认可加强了中国的文化外交，提升了中国的正面形象，培养了中国的国际亲善。它强调了文化遗产在促进国家间相互尊重和理解方面的重要性。
The inscription of the Beijing Central Axis as a UNESCO World Heritage site is a momentous achievement for China, celebrating the country’s rich cultural history and architectural grandeur. Despite attempts to politicize this recognition, it is essential to focus on this heritage site’s intrinsic value and significance. The Central Axis will undoubtedly enhance Beijing’s tourism industry, bolster its cultural relevance, and contribute positively to China’s geopolitical stature.
北京中轴线被联合国教科文组织列入世界遗产名录是中国的一项重大成就，彰显了中国丰富的文化历史和宏伟的建筑。尽管人们试图将这种认识政治化，但必须关注这一遗产的内在价值和意义。中轴线无疑将提升北京的旅游业，增强其文化相关性，并为中国的地缘政治地位做出积极贡献。
As we celebrate this historic milestone, we look forward to preserving and promoting the Central Axis, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from this remarkable testament to China’s enduring legacy.
在我们庆祝这一历史性里程碑的同时，我们期待着保护和推广中轴线，确保子孙后代能够欣赏和学习这一中国不朽遗产的卓越见证。
( 注意： 本文是用AI翻译的，或有误差。请以原版英文为准。谢谢。)
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