Today is International Archives Day. The Beijing City Archives announced that this year, the cross-regional sharing service for public records in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region has been upgraded again, with 103 archives in the three areas now interconnected for public record access. During Archives Day, the archives will also launch a series of experiential activities.

The archival departments of the three regions have upgraded the “cross-archive inquiry, remote certification” service, expanding beyond the original 46 provincial and municipal comprehensive archives to include district and county archives. Starting today, 103 archives are sharing public records.

At the same time, platforms such as the “Jingtong” app and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei “one-stop online service” have added guidance for the tri-regional public record sharing platform, providing the public with more convenient access to archival services.

The cross-archive service for public records within the Beijing area has also been further deepened. Starting today, the city archives and 16 district-level archives, which already cover 15 categories including marriage registration, recruitment, job transfers, single-child status, student records, and re-birth approval, have added two new categories: retirement approval and graduate registration cards. This brings the total number of cross-archive record categories to 17. The city archives will continue to expand the content of shared archival resources.

Before June 12, the city archives will also launch a series of events called “Step into the Archives, Meet the Archives Hall.” The archives’ storage rooms will be revealed to the public. Visitors can see through electrified glass how various records from major events, as well as documents, paintings, costumes, and other types of archives, are preserved. Some representative replica imperial edicts from the archives’ collection will also be displayed.

Visitors do not need to enter the storage rooms to experience the actual daily management of archives, embarking on a “storage room exploration” and viewing precious archives up close.

The city archives will also use historical collections to display various physical items and ticket-based records, such as food coupons, shopping certificates, and old photos. Through these small tickets and visual memories, they will showcase changes in Beijing’s society, people’s livelihoods, and the city’s historical landscape. Today, the archives will host activities including archival mounting and photo digital restoration, horse-themed print rubbing, and making Dragon Boat Festival sachets.

Additionally, during International Archives Day each year, the city archives opens a batch of its collections to the public. This year, 28,055 records are being released to the public, covering 10 collections related to urban and rural construction, education, and health.

Beijing City Archives

The Beijing City Archives is a major repository that preserves historical records and documents related to Beijing’s development from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the modern era. Established to safeguard the city’s administrative, cultural, and social heritage, it contains millions of files, including maps, photographs, and official decrees that trace Beijing’s transformation over centuries. The archives serve both as a resource for researchers and as a public institution promoting the study and appreciation of the capital’s rich history.

Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region

The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, also known as Jing-Jin-Ji, is a major economic and cultural hub in northern China centered around the capital Beijing and the port city Tianjin. Historically, this area has been a political and strategic core for centuries, with Beijing serving as the imperial capital for the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, it is a key focus of China’s coordinated development strategy, aiming to integrate transportation, industry, and environmental protection across the three areas.

Jingtong app

Jingtong App is a mobile application developed by the Taiwan Power Company to provide real-time information and services related to the Jingtong Mining Area, a historic coal mining site in New Taipei City, Taiwan. The app offers guided tours, historical narratives, and interactive maps

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Beijing City Archives

The Beijing City Archives is a vital institution dedicated to preserving the historical records and official documents of Beijing, dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Established to safeguard the city’s administrative and cultural heritage, it houses millions of files that trace Beijing’s evolution from an imperial capital to a modern metropolis. The archives serve as a key resource for researchers and the public, offering insights into the city’s governance, social changes, and historical events.

Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region

The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, often called Jing-Jin-Ji, is a major economic and cultural hub in northern China, centered around the capital Beijing and the port city of Tianjin. Historically, this area has been a political and strategic core for centuries, with Beijing serving as the imperial capital during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, the region is undergoing coordinated development to integrate transportation, industry, and environmental protection, aiming to relieve Beijing of non-capital functions and boost overall growth.

Jingtong app

Jingtong App is a mobile application designed to showcase and promote the cultural heritage of Jingtong, a historic mining area in Taiwan. It offers virtual tours and information about the region’s rich history, particularly its coal mining past and the unique architecture of the old mining town. The app serves as a digital guide to help users explore the area’s cultural sites and learn about its transformation from a bustling mining hub to a preserved historical attraction.