Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital


Publications

A Post-Evaluation Study on the Renewal of Public Space in Qianmen Street of Beijing’s Central Axis Based on Grounded Theory

2024 — Article — WHE5171E27271

Renewal efforts for Qianmen Street, part of Beijing's Central Axis, should prioritize historicity and cultural uniqueness while adopting sustainable, small-scale approaches to enhance tourist satisfaction. This finding emerges from a study that analyzed both spatial significance and subjective perceptions using space syntax and kernel density analysis, revealing the street's underutilized potential as a tourist attraction. The research developed an evaluation system based on grounded theory, identifying four primary indicators—space creation, architectural style conservation, locality, and business management—and 15 secondary factors. Importance-performance analysis (IPA) highlighted that tourists prioritize locality and business management but remain dissatisfied with current levels. These insights underscore the need for targeted, gradual renewal strategies to preserve historical integrity while improving visitor experience.

Research on the Changes of Beijing Central Axis and the Construction of Temples and Altars in the Ming Jiajing Period

2024 — Article — WHE611338406A

The Beijing Central Axis, alongside its surrounding temples and altars, embodies the ancient Chinese reverence for heaven and ancestors, fostering a harmonious urban space between humans and nature. This study reveals that the axis's historical evolution during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, particularly its development in the Ming Jiajing period, significantly influenced Beijing's urban layout. By analyzing the construction and renovation of temples and altars, researchers demonstrate how these elements collectively reflect the core of traditional Chinese culture. The findings underscore the axis's role as a symbol of ideal order and cultural continuity, offering insights into the interplay between architectural design, spiritual beliefs, and urban planning in historical Chinese capitals.

A model approach for post evaluation of adaptive reuse of architectural heritage: a case study of Beijing central axis historical buildings

2023 — Article — WHE36FC45BDB6

A comprehensive post-evaluation framework for adaptive reuse of architectural heritage, tailored to specific cultural contexts, has been developed. This model identifies the most effective strategies for preserving authenticity, integrity, and sustainability while integrating heritage into contemporary development. Using Beijing's Central Axis as a case study, researchers analyzed 9 heritage sites—ranging from single buildings like Meridian Gate to complexes such as the Forbidden City and districts like Qianmen Street—by evaluating 25 factors across three categories: existing fabric, spatial character, and policy/value. The study employed analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation to quantify reuse potential, revealing that Meridian Gate excelled in single buildings, while the Forbidden City led in architectural complexes and Qianmen Street in historical districts. This approach enables real-time assessment of heritage reuse, guiding decision-making before and after implementation.

Study on the Historical Changes in the Central Axis of Beijing Based on Modern Technology

2023 — Article — WHEA1D17FFFE9

A comprehensive analysis of the Beijing Central Axis reveals its dynamic historical evolution, providing critical insights for its potential UNESCO World Heritage status. Using modern technologies such as POI data and spatial analysis with ArcGIS, researchers identified shifts in the axis's location across different dynasties through kernel density and linear regression analyses. This study clarifies long-standing ambiguities about the axis's definition and scope, offering a systematic framework for understanding its cultural and architectural significance. Findings underscore the importance of integrating advanced spatial methods to preserve and interpret this iconic corridor, which embodies China's imperial order. The research serves as a foundational reference for future conservation efforts and World Heritage applications.

The Influence of Politics in Different Chinese Dynasties on the Central Axis of Beijing

2023 — Article — WHE98D0979CF7

The Beijing Central Axis, stretching from the Drum Tower to the Forbidden City, reflects the profound influence of political dynamics on urban planning across Chinese dynasties. Research reveals that imperial power, particularly during the Ming and Qing dynasties, drove the axis's development and expansion, notably through the construction and enlargement of the Forbidden City. This study highlights how political factors shaped Beijing's urban landscape, emphasizing symmetry and continuity from the Yuan dynasty onward. Modern planning efforts now balance historical preservation with contemporary development, showcasing a harmonious integration of past and present. The analysis employs a narrative approach centered on dynastic transitions to assess both the advantages and drawbacks of this political influence on the city's structure.

Post Evaluation of Adaptive reuse of Architectural Heritage: A Case Study of Beijing Central Axis Historical Buildings

2022 — Preprint — WHE10DB28CECC

A novel post-evaluation framework for adaptive reuse of architectural heritage emerges from analyzing nine Beijing Central Axis sites, revealing critical factors that influence successful integration into contemporary development. This study breaks new ground by applying literature retrieval, analytic hierarchy process, and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation to assess reuse strategies, moving beyond traditional static frameworks to capture the dynamic nature of heritage conservation. The findings provide actionable insights for decision-making and optimization in preserving cultural value while adapting to modern needs.

Inheritance and Development: Study on the Overall Management and Control Strategies of the North–South Extension of Central Axis of Beijing

2021 — Article — WHE179FD85094

A proposed extension of the Beijing Central Axis, a UNESCO-listed symbol of ancient Chinese capital planning, offers new strategies for balancing heritage preservation with urban development. Researchers analyzed the axis's historical evolution, ecological integration, and urban relationships using a 'Historical Urban Landscape' framework. They developed a comprehensive management system addressing control scope, spatial expansion, traffic, water systems, green spaces, and governance—aiming to harmonize cultural legacy with modern urban needs. This approach could serve as a model for sustainable development in historic cityscapes.

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