Public transport offers fascinating view

Following the official inscription of the Beijing Central Axis on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 27, the summer has seen a surge in citizens and tourists keen to immerse themselves in its historical splendor.

Running for 7.8 kilometers through the heart of the capital, the Beijing Central Axis is comprised of 15 well-known attractions. It starts at the Bell and Drum Towers and leads south through landmark sites, including the Forbidden City, Tian'anmen Gate, and Zhengyangmen Gate. Flanking the axis to the east and west are cultural treasures like the Imperial Ancestral Temple, the Altar of Land and Grain, the Temple of Heaven, and the Altar of the God of Agriculture.

The Beijing Commission of Transport recommends using subway Line 8 or bus No 5 to explore it.

Cao Qiong, who is in charge of the operation and management department of the Beijing Mass Transit Railway Operation Corp Ltd, says that Line 8's design mirrors the central axis by incorporating drawings or patterns of 15 ancient buildings along the central axis into its carriage aesthetic, celebrating the heritage of the area.

Line 8 has 34 stations, with notable stops at Qianmen, Wangfujing, Gulou, Shichahai, Nanluoguxiang and Yongdingmen, that trace the path of the Beijing Central Axis.

"Line 8's north-south orientation is an underground echo of the central axis," Cao says.

Each subway car door is adorned with images of the ancient architecture that exists along the axis, and on the seats there are also paintings or patterns of these famous structures. Even the armrests are decorated with painted landscapes that bring the axis to life.

To accommodate the summer's average daily flow of 30,000 passengers, Line 8 has added extra services, with trains now running every 4 minutes, a 25 percent increase in capacity.

For a more historical perspective, the No 5 bus offers panoramic views. Starting at Caihuying Flyover, it passes significant landmarks like Qianmen and Tian'anmen, closely paralleling the axis.

The journey is enhanced by a looping audio guide, and the line has recently introduced a QR code that passengers can scan to get in-depth cultural insights on their mobile devices.

A tourist, Liu Gong, from Hebei province, praised the comfortable and scenic journey.

"The No 5 bus passes numerous famous Beijing attractions, and offers stunning views," he says. "The bus is cool, and the environment is clean and well-maintained."

Zhang Lu, a No 5 driver, hopes the bus becomes a cultural showcase for the Beijing Central Axis.

"We invite everyone to experience No 5 bus. Our commitment is to provide a safe, eco-friendly, and comfortable service, making No 5 a cultural gateway for both local and international visitors," Zhang says.

Wong Kai-wing contributed to this story.