On August 28, 2024, to celebrate the successful inclusion of Beijing Central Axis in the UNESCO The World Heritage List, this major milestone achievement shows the unique charm of the Central Axis cuisine. Dr. Li Ruohong, Chairman of the China World Peace Foundation and President of the Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation, jointly organized and attended the online and offline joint promotion event of the "Central Axis Food Map" with the Beijing Culinary Association, Meituan, and others. Wang Xiaofeng, former Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and President of the China Association for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Chu Jianjian, member of the Party Group and Deputy Director of the Municipal Cultural Relics Bureau, and full-time Deputy Director of the Beijing Central Axis Application and Protection Office, Lu Huiling, member of the Party Group and Deputy Director of the Municipal Bureau of Commerce, H.E,Mr.Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO in East Asia, Yun Cheng, Vice President of the China Cuisine Association and President of the Beijing Cuisine Association, leaders of the Party Group and government departments of Dongcheng District, as well as representatives from Meituan, attended the event together.
In their speeches, all guests unanimously expressed that the selection of Beijing's central axis is a powerful proof of Beijing's hundreds of years of history and cultural heritage, fully reflecting the city's profound contribution to human civilization. The central axis of Beijing, with a total length of 7.8 kilometers, extends from the Bell and Drum Towers in the north to Yongdingmen in the south. It is a masterpiece of urban planning and an extraordinary example of traditional Chinese urbanism. The principle of "neutrality" it embodies is deeply rooted in the core values of Chinese culture. This great achievement is not only a high recognition of the past, but also a solemn commitment to the future - to ensure that this priceless cultural heritage can be well preserved and leave valuable wealth for future generations.
Along the central axis of Beijing, this city has been a melting pot of culture and ideas for the past seven centuries. From the royal dishes served in the magnificent hall of the Forbidden City to the street snacks in the busy markets around the Bell and Drum Towers, Beijing's cuisine is like a vivid historical painting, vividly depicting the changes and development of the city. It is not only a delicacy that satisfies the taste buds, but also an important carrier of historical memory and cultural heritage.
Protecting and promoting our shared cultural heritage, cultivating a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, is an unshakable responsibility for and every one of us. Through the "Central Axis Food Map" activity, we will delve deeper into and showcase the culinary charm of Beijing's central axis, allowing more people to understand, love, and inherit these valuable cultural heritages. Let us continue to work hard to protect and inherit the Beijing Central Axis, a world cultural heritage site, promote cultural exchange and integration, and build a better world.