To celebrate the first anniversary of the inscription of the Beijing Central Axis on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the exhibition “Imprints of a World Heritage Site: Beijing Central Axis in Seal Carving – Palace Museum Edition” opened on the afternoon of July 27, 2025, at the Palace Museum’s Hall of Literary Brilliance (Wenhua dian). Jointly organized by the Palace Museum, the Beijing Central Axis Protection Foundation, and Gehua Media Group, the exhibition highlights the cultural significance of the Beijing Central Axis, which has run through the heart of the ancient capital for over 700 years. Through a dialogue between imperial seal traditions and contemporary creations by ordinary citizens, the exhibition uses the compact form of seal carving to illustrate the historical depth and enduring vitality of the Beijing Central Axis.

On July 27, 2024, UNESCO announced the inscription of the “Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital” on its list at the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. General Secretary Xi Jinping gave important instructions, emphasizing the need to “preserve the country’s cultural and natural treasures and renew their glamour in the new era.” This exhibition is a direct response to that call. Inspired by the popular art of seal carving, the exhibition aims to promote the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture.