Heritage status sought for central axis

Beijing's bid seeks to further bolster city's status as national cultural center

The Beijing Central Axis is to seek UNESCO World Heritage status at the World Heritage Committee in 2024, the National Cultural Heritage Administration announced on Sunday.

"The bidding process will provide impetus for the protection of heritage and further promote Beijing's status as a national cultural center," Li Qun, director of the heritage administration, said during a conference for the conservation of historic cities.

"This (the bid) is an opportunity to advance comprehensive conservation of this ancient city," he said during an online speech addressing the meeting.