The concept of the "Beijing Central Axis" was first proposed by Mr. Liang Sicheng. It refers to the symmetrical axis along which Beijing' s urban layout-from the Yuan Dynasty's Dadu City to the Ming and Qing Beijing-was designed, with many key structures aligned on this line. The Ming-Qing Beijing Central Axis stretches from Yongding Gate in the south to the Bell and Drum Towers in the north, forming the foundational blueprint for the city' s planning and construction. In 2018, Beijing' s Central Axis bid for UNESCO World Heritage status identified 14 heritage sites, and this book uses this framework to explore commonly asked questions about the axis. Focusing on architectural craftsmanship and heritage preservation, it offers accessible explanations to help readers better understand the historical buildings along the Central Axis and gain insight into how ancient planners conveyed their understanding of political philosophy, cultural symbolism, and spatial design through urban layout.

Liu Yang, born in Beijing in 1981, serves as a member of the Academic Committee of the China Yuangmingyuan Society and Vice President of the Beijing Historical Geography and Folklore Society. He currently works at the Administration Office of the Yuanmingyuan Imperial Garden and has dedicated years to researching Beijing' s historical geography and Qing Dynasty imperial gardens.