Historical Landscape Preservation along Beijing Central Axis: A Case Study of Yongdingmen Gate Reconstruction

This paper examines the reconstruction of Yongdingmen Gate as an aspect of restoring the historical landscape of the Beijing Central Axis, a 7.8-kilometer-long urban axis that has shaped Beijing’s cityscape for over 700 years. The reconstruction of Yongdingmen Gate along the Central Axis, demolished in the 1950s, is a key initiative to restore the continuity of the Central Axis and preserve its historical integrity. This study explores the justification behind the reconstruction, focusing on how it aims to revive the historical landscape and ensure the Central Axis’s coherence as a cultural and spatial entity. The research addresses the challenges and debates surrounding the reconstruction, including its alignment with UNESCO World Heritage criteria and its role in conveying China’s historical and cultural narratives. The paper concludes with reflections on the implications of this reconstruction for urban planning and heritage conservation and suggests future research directions to enhance understanding and practices in these fields.