A Day of Cultural Connection & Preservation at Beijing's Iconic Landmarks
Community service promoted cultural preservation, climate awareness, and global collaboration through cross-cultural dialogues at Beijing’s historic landmarks.
Beijing, China (17 July 2026), The Great Wall of China, particularly the Mutianyu section near Beijing, is globally renowned not just for its staggering length, but for its breathtaking architectural audacity—snaking dramatically across the rugged mountain spines just north of the capital. As the best-preserved and most accessible segment in the Beijing region, Mutianyu draws millions annually because it perfectly encapsulates China’s ancient defensive genius, resilience, and harmonious coexistence with nature. It is this very iconic status that inspired BBK 8 Beijing Group 3 to choose this historic wonder for our community service day on July 17th, aligning our mission with UN SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities)—recognizing that preserving such legendary landmarks against climate-induced erosion and urban pollution is a global responsibility.
At the wall, we engaged in conservation-awareness efforts while interviewing Malaysian tourists called Farhan on their company trip. They were absolutely mesmerized by how ancient builders constructed this fortified barrier across peaks reaching 500 meters high,calling it an engineering miracle beyond imagination. They expressed a deep yearning to return, hoping to witness its grandeur under better-preserved conditions—a wish we tied directly to climate action advocacy. Then we went to Qianmen street. It is located along Beijing's central axis, Qianmen Street stretches north from the Zhengyangmen Archery Tower to the Tiantan Bridge intersection. For nearly 600 years, it served as the imperial route used by Ming and Qing dynasty emperors to travel to the Temple of Heaven for sacrificial ceremonies. Since the expansion of the outer city during the Ming dynasty, the area flourished as a bustling commercial hub. The street itself is approximately 845 meters long and was historically known as Zhengyangmen Street until it was officially renamed Qianmen Street in 1965. As the epicenter of Beijing's time-honored brands, it hosts legendary establishments such as Quanjude Roast Duck, Tongrentang Chinese Medicine, Donglaishun Hotpot, and Duyichu Dumplings—many of which are recognized as intangible cultural heritage treasures. In anticipation of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the street underwent a major renovation and was transformed into a pedestrian zone, restoring iconic features like the Five-Arch Memorial Archway, the imperial stone-paved roadway, and replica vintage trams (dangdang che), reviving the nostalgic charm of old Beijing. Today, Qianmen Street seamlessly blends ancient capital elegance, authentic Beijing culture, and modern commerce,making it a must-visit cultural and tourism landmark. Later, at bustling Qianmen Street, we encountered Polish visitors making their second visit after a previous transit layover. They shared that this second trip offers them an invaluable, immersive opportunity to truly grasp Chinese culture beyond the tourist veneer, appreciating the living heritage of these ancient urban districts.
Through these cross-cultural dialogues, BBK 8 Beijing Group 3 proved that community service transcends physical clean-ups; it is about fostering global consciousness. Our interactions reminded us that fighting climate change and safeguarding cultural heritage are collective journeys. This meaningful initiative was proudly organized and executed by BBK 8 Beijing Group 3.
Photo caption 1: BBK 8 Beijing Group 3 members engaging in a cross-cultural dialogue with Mr. Farhan, a Malaysian tourist visiting the Great Wall on his company trip. Captivated by the wall's staggering 500-meter mountain ascent, he shared his heartfelt wish to return and witness this wonder again—an exchange that reinforced our commitment to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships), proving that meaningful conversations across borders spark collective awareness for preserving our global treasures.
Reported by: KKN-BBK International 2026 Group 3, Universitas Airlangga
Written by: So-Co, Ngu Yu Thong, Lee How Huey
Edited by: Yutika Amelia Effendi
Date: 19 July 2026
Location: Mutianyu Great Wall and Qianmen street
