A centuries-old example of Chinese urban planning and architecture has received global recognition.
The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India, announced on Saturday that the Beijing Central Axis — “A Building Ensemble (整体) Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital” — has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming China’s 59th World Heritage Site.
The Central Axis in Beijing is an ensemble of palaces, public buildings and gardens that governs the overall layout of the old city area of the Chinese capital. Stretching 7.8 kilometers north to south through the heart of Beijing, the newly inscribed World Heritage Site comprises 15 components. At the northern end of the axis are the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. It then runs south through Wanning Bridge, Jingshan Hill, the Forbidden City, the Upright Gate, the Tian’anmen Gate, the Outer Jinshui Bridges, the Tian’anmen Square Complex, the Zhengyangmen Gate, the Southern Section Road Archaeological Sites, before terminating (终止) at the Yongdingmen Gate at the southern end, the Imperial Ancestral Temple, the Altar of Land and Grain. The Temple of Heaven, and the Altar of the God of Agriculture are located on the east and west sides of the Axis. The complex comprises imperial palaces and gardens, imperial sacrificial buildings, ancient city management facilities, national ceremonial and public buildings and remains of the original central axis roads.
“It is an important symbol that embodies prominent characteristics of Chinese civilization, highlighting Beijing’s exceptional status among the famous ancient capitals of the world,” Li Qun, director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, said in an interview with China Global Television Network on Saturday in New Delhi. “It has had a profound impact on the history of urban planning and construction worldwide and serves as a Chinese case for the preservation and sustainable protection of ancient capitals,” Li added.
Construction of the Central Axis began in the 13th century and was completed in the 16th century. It has undergone constant refinement (完善) over the past centuries and continues to influence Beijing’s urban development to this day.
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2.What’s the third paragraph mainly about?
A Introduction to the Beijing Central Axis.
B Origin of the Beijing Central Axis.
C Significance of the Beijing Central Axis.
D History about the Beijing Central Axis.
解析：选A。A 段落大意题。根据第三段首句“The Central Axis in Beijing is an ensemble of palaces, public buildings and gardens that governs the overall layout of the old city area of the Chinese capital.”北京中轴线是统领整个老城规划格局的建筑与遗址的组合体，以及后文的详细说明可知，该段主要是对“北京中轴线”进行介绍。故选A。
3.What’s the most important meaning of the recognition according to Li Qun?
A It spreads Chinese culture.
B It shows Beijing’s unique status.
C It helps to protect the environment.
D It develops construction worldwide.
解析：选B。B 细节理解题。根据倒数第二段可知，国家文物局局长李群表示，北京中轴线是体现中华文明突出特性的重要标识，突显了北京在世界著名古都中的突出地位，对世界城市规划史、建设史产生了深远影响，也是古都保护与可持续发展的中国案例。故B项“北京中轴线成功申遗突显了北京在世界著名古都中的突出地位”最符合文意。故选B。
