State media reported that the Central Axis crossing Beijing from north to south is brimming with life as old cityscape and modern functions intersect, presenting it as a case of a historic axis coexisting with a modern city.

The axis is the city's symbolic spine, running from the Bell and Drum Towers through the Forbidden City and Tiananmen and onward south. For centuries it has served as the baseline of urban planning, embodying the city's history and order.

Recently, improvements to the walking environment, restoration of historic architecture and creation of cultural spaces along the axis have turned it into a place citizens and tourists enjoy together — distinguished by adding everyday use while preserving traditional views.

Balancing development and conservation is decisive to safeguarding its World Heritage value. Guarding against over-commercialization and damage to the original form, how to keep its function as living space for residents remains the task.

This mode of urban renewal offers lessons for cities worldwide with old cores, since it links an ancient axis to present-day life rather than erasing it.

For the Sinophone community in Korea, it can also inform how the old Chinatowns of Incheon and Busan might be preserved and used.

The Beijing municipality said it would continue to refurbish the axis's scenery and cultural assets.