The Cultural Connotations, Value Implications and Pedagogical Applications of the Beijing Central Axis in University-Level International Chinese Language Education
Journal: Journal of Higher Education Research DOI: 10.32629/jher.v7i3.5230
Abstract
According to the Reference Framework for Chinese Culture and National Conditions in International Chinese Language Education, published in 2022 by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) of the Ministry of Education of China, “cultural heritage” constitutes an essential thematic component for Chinese language learners at various proficiency levels to acquire knowledge of Chinese culture and national conditions. The successful inscription of the entire historical ensemble of the Beijing Central Axis on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2024 not only adds a distinguished international calling card for Beijing but also furnishes Chinese learners worldwide with an additional key to understanding Chinese culture and national identity. Adopting international Chinese language education as the overarching macro perspective and drawing upon theories such as cross-cultural communication as analytical frameworks, this paper aims to investigate the value significance and pedagogical applications of the Beijing Central Axis within the domain of university-level international Chinese language education. This paper seeks to provide theoretical and practical insights for cultural teaching and the dissemination of Chinese culture in international Chinese language education, thereby supporting the “going global” strategy of Chinese culture and the branding initiative of “Study in Beijing”.
Keywords
Beijing Central Axis; cultural connotation; value implications; pedagogical applications; university-level international Chinese language education
Full Text
PDF - Viewed/Downloaded: 0 TimesReferences
[2]Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital[EB/OL]. UNESCO. Available from: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1714/#contentdes_zh,[2026-04-30]
[3]Sun Li, Lin Zonghao.The Explanatory Power of the “7W” Model for the Coordination of Translation Communication Elements[J]. Journal of Foreign Language Audio-Visual Instruction, 2016,167:68
[4]Xin Fei, Zhang Ling. A Study on the Communication Strategies of Film and Television Commentary Short Videos — From the Perspective of Stuart Hall‘s Encoding/Decoding Theory[J]. Journalism Research,2026,17(6):33
[5]Zhao Yinling, Zeng Xu.Comparison of Communication Differences between Highcontext Culture and Lowcontext Culture[J]. Journal of Southwest University of Science and Technology,2009,26(2):46
[6]Zeng Zeyi.A Study of Intangible Culture Related to the Beijing Central Axis[J]. Intangible Cultural Heritage Project, 2024(3): 40-41.
[7]Li Jianping. Beijing Central Axis[M]. Beijing: Sino-Culture Press, 2024: 208-252.
[8]Editorial Department of this book. Cultural Calling Card of China: An Intangible Heritage Journey along the Beijing Central Axis[M].Beijing:Life Bookstore Publishing Co., Ltd., 2024.
[9]Li Jianping. Beijing Central Axis[M]. Beijing: Sino-Culture Press, 2024: 322-325.
[10]Pan Junqiang, Shi Fang. It is a Cultural Axis, Also an Ecological Axis[EB/OL]. People’s Daily. https://www.peopleapp.com/column/30048294769-500006099346, [2025-02-19]
[11]Beijing Central Axis: An Important Symbol of the Distinctive Features of Chinese Civilization[EB/OL]. QiuShi Theory. Available from: https://www.qstheory.cn/laigao/ycjx/2024-08/29/c_1130196315.htm [2024-08-29]
[12]TFSU’s “Explore the Forbidden City, Learn Chinese” Awarded Gold Digital Teaching Material by Global Chinese Language Alliance. [EB/OL]. Tianjin Foreign Studies University. Available from: https://www.tjfsu.edu.cn/2025/1124/c106a10465/page.htm, [2025-11-17]
[13]“Tracing Beijing, Sensing the Central Axis”: Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication Builds New Bridges for Cultural Exchange with Digital Technology.[EB/OL]. CRI Online. https://city.cri.cn/2025-11-02/f3019f56-95a7-5f60-58db-a8a0276b7ebf.html, [2025-11-02]
[14]Cultural Exchange for Chinese and Foreign Youth Workshop | Our University Holds Chinese Culture Study Salon with Université du Québec in Canada
Beijing City University.https://www.bcu.edu.cn/jjglxb/info/1071/7546.htm, [2025-03-10]
[15]The School of International Chinese Language Education Held a Theme Activity for the “International Chinese Language Day”.[EB/OL].Beijing Normal University. https://news.bnu.edu.cn//zx/zhxw/ad20a92905514e8195b7a96289944d86.htm, [2025-04-21]
[16]Exploring the Planning Wisdom of the Ancient Capital, Perceiving the Cultural Charm of the Central Axis — Chinese and International Graduate Students from the International Chinese Language College Conduct a Study Tour on the Beijing Central Axis.[EB/OL].Beijing Language and Culture University.http://cics.blcu.edu.cn/info/1017/3592.htm.[2025-11-28]
[17]Chinese and International Students from the College Visited the Altar of Agriculture for an Ancient Architectural Culture Experience Activity.[EB/OL].Tsinghua University. Available from: https://sem.tsinghua.edu.cn/info/1137/37374.htm.[2025-11-07]
[18]2025 Beijing Central Axis Cultural Heritage Inheritance and Innovation Competition Officially Launched.[EB/OL].Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau. Available from: https://wwj.beijing.gov.cn/bjww/wwjzz/wwjapp/zxhd/743667509/index.html [2025-06-18]
[19]The Most Beautiful Central Axis: Continuing the Cultural Lineage — A Traditional Cultural Journey of Students from Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture.[EB/OL].Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture. Available from: https://xww.bucea.edu.cn/tgx/d17692d8e99241eabc05f134ea41f12a.htm,[2025-10-27]
[20]Summary Meeting of the “Bridging Cultures” Series of International Exchange Projects and Cultural Heritage Themed Lecture Event Held at Tsinghua University.[EB/OL].Tsinghua University. Available from: https://www.tsinghua.edu.cn/info/1177/122745.htm,[2025-11-20]
[21]Bridging Cultures: A Successful Study Tour of the Central Axis for International University Students. [EB/OL]. Available from: https://www.visitbeijing.com.cn/article/4OQRv5PKMB2,[2025-09-22]
[22]Embracing the Central Axis, Opera Rhymes Convey Affection: International Students “Experience” the Charm of China’s National Essence.[EB/OL].https://k.sina.cn/article_1784473157_6a5ce6450200389re.html?from=cul,[2025-06-13]
Copyright © 2026 Hongmei Song, Yuan Zhao
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
