China nominates ancient area of Beijing for inclusion on UNESCO World Heritage List

China has nominated the area known as Beijing's Central Axis or Zhongzhouxian, home to ancient buildings, as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

The relevant authorities have submitted a complete set of documents to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The committee will take a final decision on the matter at its meeting in 2024.

The central axis has been considered the 'backbone of Beijing' for over 700 years and extends for 7.8 kilometres from Yundingmen Gate in the south of the city to Zhonggulou (Bell and Drum Tower) in the north.

The area is home to dozens of ancient buildings and illustrates the history of the capital's urban development. In 2003, its size was increased in connection with Beijing's preparations for the Summer Olympics.

Last January, the municipal authorities approved a conservation plan that calls for the area to be subdivided to better protect the structures. The programme includes training restoration specialists and promoting educational strategies on the importance of cultural relics. It also involves reducing road traffic and expanding forest cover.

This plan was one of the requirements in the portfolio accompanying the nomination of Beijing's Central Axis as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as reported by Prensa Latina, a partner of TV BRICS network.

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