The north-south central axis of the imperial palace overlaps Beijing proper. On this long itudinal axis from north to south is Yongding Gate, Qianmen Gate, Tiananmen Rostrum, Dianmen Gate, Drum Tower and Bcll Tower. It is eight kilometers long and was the center of old Beijing's layout. North of the imperial palace is the 50-meter-tall Jingshan Hill, which is the commanding point of this central axis. On the top of the hill, city walls, gates and towers of the ancient capital can be seen at a glance.
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