The cultural context interweaves vertically and horizontally, permeating every corner of life. As the autumn wind brushes through the hutongs and alleys, Dongcheng District of Beijing, as the core carrier area of the national cultural center and the host of the 2025 Beijing Cultural Forum, is welcoming the upcoming cultural event with its regional characteristics of combining ancient capital charm and contemporary vitality, as well as abundant cultural construction achievements. In July 2024, "the central axis of Beijing - a masterpiece of China's ideal capital order" was included in the The World Heritage List. On the eve of the 2025 Beijing Cultural Forum, the ceremony to award the "Beijing Axis World Heritage Certificate" was held, and UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay presented the Axis World Heritage Certificate to Beijing. The central axis has a long history and rich culture, and the beauty of Beijing's ancient capital and modern charm are integrated on this axis. Among the 15 heritage sites along the central axis, 12, including Zhengyangmen, are located in Dongcheng District. With the successful application for World Heritage status for the Central Axis, Dongcheng has accumulated a strong cultural heritage with 4 world cultural heritage sites, 18.5 historical and cultural blocks, 365 immovable cultural relics, and 225 intangible cultural heritage protection projects. Focusing on the systematic protection of cultural heritage, Dongcheng has carefully written the "second half of the article" for the application for World Heritage status for the Central Axis, bringing vitality to the millennium cultural heritage in the new era. Under the eaves of the Bell and Drum Tower in the morning light, a 3D laser scanning device records the patterns of bricks and tiles with an accuracy of 0.1 millimeters, and the data is transmitted in real-time to the Beijing Central Axis Cultural Heritage Monitoring and Protection Platform. Even the historical traces in the brick joints can be fully preserved, which is a leap from 'salvage protection' to 'innovative development'. "Heritage protection experts lightly tap the electronic screen, and the cultural relics, environmental data, and tourist numbers of 15 heritage elements are clear at a glance. At present, the first domestic heritage monitoring platform using 3D digital twin technology has landed in Dongcheng District, covering locations such as Zhengyangmen, Xiannongtan, and Shejitan; 5G signals enable "second level transmission" of data, and cutting-edge equipment such as Beidou monitoring stations and static level gauges constantly safeguard the safety of ancient buildings. In Dongcheng District, the protection of the streets and alleys is equally meticulous. Within Sanyanjing Hutong, the once crowded "well space" of a large courtyard has been transformed into a composite space that integrates industry, culture, and residential functions through protective and restorative repairs. Dongcheng District is promoting the protective repair of historical and cultural blocks and cultural essence areas around the Forbidden City, Dongsi Sanba, etc., and carrying out street renovation and repair along the line. A large number of hutongs such as Caochang Hutong and Yuer Hutong have reproduced their historical features according to their original textures... Nowadays, a diversified protection and governance system of "everyone's business, everyone's participation" is gradually forming in Dongcheng District. Hu Tongmei lives comfortably, but we also need to take good care of our family. ”Mr. Zhang, a nearly 70 year old neighbor of Lingling Hutong, now has the identity of a "Central Axis Cultural Heritage Protection Supervisor". Every day when he opens the courtyard door and sees the newly renovated Bell and Drum Tower, he can't help but share the results of protection with his neighbors. The best protection is not to turn the city into a museum, but to benefit its residents. ”The concept of urban planning experts has been confirmed at the Andingmen Warm Heart Station. Xiao Wei, the courier, said, "Don't worry about the wind and rain. Beijing is like a second hometown." Inside the Bell and Drum Tower, VR "Central Axis Wonderful Night" invited the audience to return to Dadu with the ridge beast "Little Dragon" to explore the origin of the central axis; In the exhibition "Stories of Time" on the first floor, the immersive light and shadow show "Resonance" traces the process of protection. Yu Hui, Deputy Director of the Bell and Drum Tower Cultural Relics Preservation Institute, introduced that in the past year, the number of youth study teams has increased, and digital technology has truly brought cultural heritage to life. From January to May 2025, the year-on-year growth rate of cultural and related industries above designated size in Dongcheng District was 25.5%, ranking first in the city. On the "China-Chic Market" in Qianmen Street, cloisonne dotted with blue, carved lacquer and modern cultural creation attract tourists; Wu Yutai's tea products have become trendy drinks, and Rui Zhen Hou Restaurant is full of smoke and fire; 10 cultural exploration routes connect intangible cultural heritage, time-honored brands, and museums, building a cultural value transformation chain for the "East of the Forbidden City" brand. We will closely integrate the protection of cultural heritage systems with urban planning, improvement of people's livelihoods, and industrial upgrading, embedding them into the overall urban development system, and integrating historical culture with modern life. ”Dongcheng District Party Secretary Sun Xinjun told reporters. (New Society)