Walking the Dragon's Spine: A Journey Along Beijing's Imperial Axis
Every great capital has a heart, but for over 700 years, Beijing has had a spine. This is the Central Axis, a 7.8-kilometer (4.8-mile) line that dictates the city's perfect, north-south symmetry. It was on this line that emperors built their palaces and prayed to the heavens, believing it to be the terrestrial axis of the universe. To walk it is to walk through the very soul of imperial China.
Your journey is a story told in stone and space. You can begin at the south, passing through the gates that once separated the outer and inner cities. The route’s magnificent heart is the Forbidden City, the ultimate expression of imperial power and order. After emerging from its northern gate, your walk culminates at the Drum and Bell Towers, the two mighty structures that once kept the rhythm of daily life for the entire city. You don't just see the sights; you feel the deep, cosmic balance of a city designed in harmony with the heavens.
Insider Tip:
For the single best view that explains the entire concept, climb the man-made hill in Jingshan Park, located directly north of the Forbidden City's exit. From the pavilion at the very top, you get a perfect, god's-eye view looking south along the Axis, over the golden-yellow sea of the Forbidden City's roofs. It’s a breathtaking moment of understanding.
