"The kings in ancient times set their capitals at the center of the state, their palaces at the center of the capital and their imperial courts at the center of the palace."

— Master Lü's Spring and Autumn Annals: Shenshi

A protection plan for Beijing's Central Axis was released in late January 2023, ahead of its application to become a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site.

The plan, from 2022 to 2035, for the first time specified the heritage zone and buffer zone of the conservation area.

According to the plan, the heritage zone covers an area of about 5.9 square kilometers, including 15 heritage sites such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. The buffer zone covers 45.4 square kilometers.

Urban landscapers in China pursue the balance, symmetry and stability. This tradition is well reflected in the concept of the Central Axis. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), the Beijing Central Axis stretches 7.8 kilometers from Yongding Gate in the south of the city to the Bell Tower and Drum Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis. It is the most ancient, complete city axis existing in China and the longest and most complete in the world. It is a rich representation of the unique charm of Beijing as an ancient capital, a historical and cultural city and a symbol of Chinese wisdom, spirit and strength across generations.