Youth creativity program proves to be great 'Idea'

As a tribute to mark the first anniversary of Beijing's Central Axis being inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, Tencent News launched a strategic board game, thanks to a junior high school student's idea.

The game, Beijing's Central Axis: The Architect, is designed from an architect's perspective, allowing players to "build" historic structures along the axis using cards and other tools. Each card, representing either a construction aid or a special event, weaves together historical knowledge with China's unique architectural aesthetics and spatial philosophy.

The creative mind behind the game is Yang Ziruo, a 14-year-old student from Beijing No 35 High School. In April, Tencent News launched a program called Ideas to encourage young people with creative dreams to bring their concepts to life.

Ziruo's fascination with the axis began when she was 5 during her first visit to its historic sites. Since then, she has developed a deep interest in its history and culture, even volunteering as a child guide at several museums the following year.

Inspired by the popular card game Legends of the Three Kingdoms, Ziruo proposed a board game centered on the axis. Her vision was to engage more young people in discovering and appreciating this cultural treasure through entertainment.

Huang Chenxia, general manager of operations at Tencent News, emphasized the power of collaborative creativity, expressing hope that the Ideas program will attract more talent to realize their dreams.

The board game will be donated nationwide to multiple schools and rural institutions.