Beijing’s Axis reimagined

Beijing’s Central Axis was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 27, 2024 as “A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital.” (bjreview.com) The corridor runs roughly eight kilometres through the city and has been repackaged into official “Central Axis” itineraries that include a new sightseeing bus and ten themed routes with professional guides. (english.beijing.gov.cn) The Choc Choco Chocolate Museum opened in early January 2026 at Beijing Fun after three years of preparation, using nearly 50 tons of chocolate to create large-scale edible artworks including a chocolate replica of the Central Axis. (english.beijing.gov.cn) Promotional video features and China Daily reporting place Beijing E‑Town’s AI precinct alongside heritage stops, showcasing the city’s attempt to fold AI exhibits and demonstrations into visitor routes. (chinadaily.com.cn) Beijing E‑Town formally launched an “AI Town” plan at an AI Town Innovation Conference on June 29, 2024 — unveiling the Yizhi government‑affairs large‑model service platform and institutes such as BAIASI and BAINIAP to accelerate industry applications. (asianetnews.net) National water‑replenishment and Tongzhou waterfront projects completed in 2025 supplied hundreds of millions of cubic metres of water to the Grand Canal (the northern section saw 788 million m3 reported by July 2025) and supported roughly 50 km of new or renovated riverside greenways as part of making the canal a 5A cultural‑tourism target. (english.www.gov.cn)