China Heritage List

The Great Wall

The Great Wall (Mutianyu) Photograph: Lee Kung Kin

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 1987
Location: North China, extending from Liaoning

Province in the east to Gansu Province in the west. In around the year 220 B.C., under the rule of Qin Shin Huang, sections of fortifications which had been built earlier were joined together to form a united defence system against invasions from the north. Construction continued up to the Ming dynasty (1368- 1644), when the Great Wall became the world's largest military structure. Its historic and strategic importance is matched only by its architectural value.

Outstanding Feature: The world’s largest defensive military structure.

　

Mount Tai

Mount Tai     Photograph: Ao Peng

World Heritage: Cultural and Natural Site
Inscribed: 1987
Location: Shandong Province

The sacred Mount Tai was the object of an imperial cult for nearly two thousand years, and the artistic masterpieces contained within it are in perfect harmony with the natural landscape. It has always been a source of inspiration to Chinese artists and scholars and symbolises ancient Chinese civilizations and beliefs.

Outstanding Feature: Unique place associated with ancient Chinese religious and spiritual practices.

　

Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties

The Taihe Palace of Forbidden City Photograph: Tang Seng Cheong

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 1987
Location: Central Beijing

Seat of supreme power for over five centuries, the Forbidden City, with its landscaped gardens and many buildings whose 9,000 rooms contain furniture and works of art, constitutes a priceless testimony to Chinese civilization during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Outstanding Feature: The largest and most completely preserved Ming / Qing palace.

 

Mogao Caves

Mogao Caves    Photograph: Chu Kim Po

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 1987
Location: Gansu Province

Situated at a strategic point along the Silk Route, at the crossroads of trade as well as of religious, cultural and intellectual influences, the 492 cells and cave sanctuaries in Mogao are famous for their statues and wall paintings, spanning a thousand years of Buddhist art.

Outstanding Feature: Precious Buddhist art.

　

Mausoleum of The First Qin Emperor

Terracotta Warriors Photograph: Lou Cheok Weng

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 1987
Location: Shanxi Province

No doubt thousands of statues still remain to be unearthed on this archaeological site, not discovered until 1974. Qin, the emperor who first unified China, died in 210 B.C. and was buried, surrounded by the famous terracotta warriors, at the centre of a complex designed to mirror the urban plan of the capital, Xianyan. The small figures, all different, with their horses, chariots and weapons, are masterpieces of realism and also hold great historical interest.

Outstanding Feature: Vast imperial mausoleum with terracotta warriors.

　

Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian

Peking Man Site Photograph: Chan Lek Chi

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 1987
Location: Fangshan District Beijing

Scientific work at the site, 42 kilometres southwest of Beijing is still underway. So far, it has led to the discovery of the remains of Sinanthropus pekinensis, who lived in the middle Pleistocene era, along with various objects, and the remains of Homo sapiens sapiens, dating as far back as 18,000 to 11,000 B.C. The site is not only an exceptional reminder of the human societies of the Asian continent very long ago, but also illustrates the process of evolution.

Outstanding Feature: Evidence of link in human evolution.

　

Mount Huang

Mount Huang     Photograph: Ao Peng

World Heritage: Cultural and Natural Site
Inscribed: 1990
Location: Anhui Province

Huangshan, known as "the loveliest mountain of China", was acclaimed through art and literature during a good part of Chinese history (the Shanshui "mountain and water" style of the mid-16th century). Today it holds the same fascination for visitors, poets, painters and photographers who come in pilgrimage to this enchanting site, renowned for its magnificent scenery made up of many granite peaks and rocks emerging out of a sea of clouds.

Outstanding Feature: Special landscape and culture.

　

Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area

Jiuzhaigou Valley Photograph: Chiu Kim Po

World Heritage: Natural Site
Inscribed: 1992
Location: Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous

Prefecture, Sichuan Province Stretching over 72,000 hectares in the northern part of Sichuan Province, the jagged Jiuzhaigou Valley reaches a height of more than 4,800 metres, comprising a series of diverse forest ecosystems. Its superb landscapes are particularly interesting for their series of narrow conic karst land forms and spectacular waterfalls. Some 140 bird species also inhabit the valley, as well as a number of endangered plant and animal species, including the giant panda and the Sichuan takin.

Outstanding Feature: High-alkali karst land form; diverse forest ecosystems.

　

Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area

World Heritage: Natural Site
Inscribed: 1992
Location: Songpan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang

Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province Situated in the northwest part of Sichuan province, the Huanglong valley consists of snow-capped peaks and the easternmost of all the Chinese glaciers. In addition to its mountain landscape, diverse forest ecosystems can be found, as well as spectacular limestone formations, waterfalls and hot springs. The area also has a population of endangered animals, including the giant panda and the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkeys.

Outstanding Feature: High-alkali karst land form; diverse forest ecosystems.

　

Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area

Wulingyuan     Photograph: Tam Mou Wa

World Heritage: Natural Site
Inscribed: 1992
Location: Hunan Province

A spectacular area stretching over more than 26, 000 hectares in China's Hunan Province, the site is distinguished by more than 3,000 narrow sandstone pillars and peaks, many over 200 metres high. Between the peaks lie ravines and gorges with streams, pools and waterfalls, some 40 caves, as well as two large natural bridges. In addition to the striking beauty of its landscape, the region is also noted for the fact that it shelters a number of endangered plant and animal species.

Outstanding Feature: Unique quartz sandstone pillars and peaks.

　

The Mountain Resort and Its Outlying Temples in Chengde

A Temple at the Mountain Resort Photograph: Lee Kung Kin

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 1994
Location: Hebei Province

The Mountain Resort, the Qing dynasty's summer palace, in Hebei Province, was built between 1703 and 1792. It is a vast complex of palaces and administrative and ceremonial buildings. Temples of various architectural styles and imperial gardens subtly blend into a landscape of lakes, pastures and forests. In addition to its aesthetic interest, the Mountain Resort is a rare historic vestige of the final development of feudal society in China.

Outstanding Feature: Imperial palace complex dating from Chinese feudal period.

　

Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu

Temple of Confucius Photograph: Ao Peng

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 1994
Location: Shangdong Province

The temple, cemetery and family mansion of Confucius, the great philosopher, politician and educator of the 6th-5th century B.C., is located at Qufu, in Shandong Province. The Temple built in his commemoration in 478 B.C., destroyed and reconstructed over the centuries, today comprises more than 100 buildings. The cemetery contains Confucius' tomb, and the remains of more than 100,000 of his descendants. The small house of the Kong Family has become a gigantic aristocratic residence, of which 152 buildings remain. This complex of monuments at Qufu maintained its outstanding artistic and historic character due to the devotion of successive Chinese emperors over more than 2,000 years.

Outstanding Feature: Classical Chinese domestic architecture.

　

Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 1994
Location: Hubei Province

The complex consists of palaces and temples forming the nucleus of secular and religious buildings exemplifying the architectural and artistic achievements of the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties of China. Situated in the scenic valleys and on the slopes of the Wudang mountains in Hubei Province, the site, built as an organized complex during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), contains Taoist buildings from as early as the 7th century, and represents the highest standards of Chinese art and architecture over a period of nearly one thousand years.

Outstanding Feature: Taoist architecture in ancient China.

　

The Potala Palace at Lhasa, Jokhang Monastery, Norbulingka

The Potala Palace , Lhasa Photograph: Sio In Leong

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 1994 (The Potala Palace)
                 2000 (Jokhang Monastery)
                 2001 (Norbulingka)
Location: Tibet Autonomous Region

The Potala Palace, an administrative, religious and political complex, is built on the Red Mountain in the centre of the Lhasa valley, at an altitude of 3,700 metres. The complex comprises the White Palace and the Red Palace, with their ancillary buildings. The Potala, winter palace of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century A.D., symbolises Tibetan Buddhism and its central role in the traditional administration in Tibet. The beauty and originality of its architecture, its ornate decoration and its harmonious integration in a striking landscape add to its historic and religious interest.

Outstanding Feature: Symbol of Tibetan Buddhism

Jokhang Monastery Photograph: Sio In Leong

　

Lushan National Park

Mount Lu Photograph: Kuok Keng Man

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 1996
Location: Jiangxi Province

Mount Lu is one of the spiritual centres of Chinese civilization. Buddhist and Taoist temples, along with landmarks of Confucianism, where the most eminent masters taught, blend well into a strikingly beautiful landscape which has inspired countless artists who developed the aesthetic approach to nature found in Chinese culture.

Outstanding Feature: Significant mountain in China’s religious and cultural history.

　

 

Mount Emei Scenic Area, Including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area

The Giant Buddha of Leshan Photograph: Lou Kam Ieng

World Heritage: Cultural and Natural Site
Inscribed: 1996
Location: Sichuan Province

The first Buddhist temple in China was built here in Sichuan province in the first century in very beautiful surroundings atop Mt. Emei. The addition of other temples turned the site into one of the main holy places of Buddhism. Over the centuries, the cultural treasures grew in number, the most remarkable being the Giant Buddha of Leshan, carved out of a hillside in the eighth century and looking down on the junction of three rivers. At 71 metres high, it is the largest Buddha in the world. Mt. Emei is also noted for its very diverse vegetation, ranging from sub-tropical to sub-alpine pine forests. Some of the trees are more than a thousand years old.

Outstanding Feature: Unique Buddhist site; diverse forest ecosystems.

　

The Old Town of Lijiang

The Old Town of Lijiang Photograph: Mak Heng Kin

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 1997
Location: Lijiang Naxi Autonomous County, Yunnan Province

The Old Town of Lijiang, which adapted itself harmoniously to the uneven topography of this key commercial and strategic site, has retained an historic townscape of high quality and authenticity. Its architecture is noteworthy for the blending of elements from several cultures that have come together over many centuries. Lijiang also possesses an ancient water-supply system of great complexity and ingenuity that is still functioning effectively.

Outstanding Feature: Cultural blend; historic architecture

　

The Ancient City of Pingyao

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 1997
Location: Shanxi Province

Ping Yao is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city, founded in the 14th century. Its urban fabric is an epitome of the evolution of architectural styles and town planning in Imperial China over five centuries. Of special interest are the imposing buildings associated with banking, for which Ping Yao was the centre for the whole of China in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Outstanding Feature: 14th century Chinese city.

 

The Classical Gardens of Suzhou

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 1997
Location: Jiangsu Province

Classical Chinese garden design, which seeks to recreate natural landscapes in miniature, is nowhere better illustrated than in the four gardens in the historic city of Suzhou. They are universally acknowledged to be masterpieces of the genre. Dating from the 16th-18th centuries, the gardens reflect the profound metaphysical importance of natural beauty in Chinese culture in their meticulous design.

Outstanding Feature: Classical Chinese gardens.

　

Temple of Heaven - An Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing

The Teemple of Heaven Photograph: Ma Chi Son

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 1998
Location: Chongwen District, Beijing

The Temple of Heaven, founded in the first half of the 15th century, is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. In its overall layout and that of its individual buildings, it symbolizes the relationship between earth and heaven - the human world and God's world - which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony, and also the special role played by the emperors within that relationship.

Outstanding Feature: Symbol of the emperor’s role in the relationship between earth and heaven.

 

Summer Palace, An Imperial Garden in Beijing

The Summer Palace in Beijing Photograph: Chan Lek Chi

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 1998
Location: Haidian District, Beijing

The Summer Palace in Beijing - first built in 1750, largely destroyed in the war of 1860 and restored on its original foundations in 1886 - is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value.

Outstanding Feature: Imperial Chinese garden architecture

　

The Dazu Rock Carvings

The Dazu Rock Carvings Photograph: Lou Kam Ieng

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 1999
Location: Chongqing City

The steep hillsides of the Dazu area contain an exceptional series of rock carvings dating from the 9th to the 13th century. They are remarkable for their aesthetic quality, their rich diversity of subject matter, both secular and religious, and the light that they shed on everyday life in China during this period. They provide outstanding evidence of the harmonious synthesis of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

Outstanding Feature: Statues carved in niches in cliffs.

 

Mount Wuyi

Mount Wuyi Photograph: Ao Peng

World Heritage: Cultural and Natural Site
Inscribed: 1999
Location: Fujian Province

Mount Wuyi is the most outstanding area for biodiversity conservation in southeast China and a refuge for a large number of ancient, relict species, many of them endemic to China. The serene beauty of the dramatic gorges of the Nine Bend River, with its numerous temples and monasteries, many now in ruins, provided the setting for the development and spread of neo-Confucianism, which has been influential in the cultures of East Asia since the 11th century. In the 1st century B.C. a large administrative capital was built at nearby Chengcun by the Han dynasty rulers. Its massive walls enclose an archaeological site of great significance.

Outstanding Feature: Ruins of Minyue Kingdom capital city.

　

Mount Qincheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 2000
Location: Dujiangyan City, Sichuan Province

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System Photograph: Chu Kim Po

Construction of the Dujiangyan irrigation system began in the 3rd century B.C. This system still controls the waters of the Minjiang River and distributes it to the fertile farmland of the Chengdu plains. Mount Qingcheng was the birthplace of Taoism, which is celebrated in a series of ancient temples.

Outstanding Feature: Ancient irrigation system; Taoism site.

　
 

Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui - Xidi and Hongcun

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 2000
Location: Anhui Province

Hongcun Village Photograph: Lee Kung Kin

The two traditional villages of Xidi and Hongcun preserve to a remarkable extent the appearance of nonurban settlements of a type that largely disappeared or was transformed during the last century. Their street plan, architecture and decoration, and the integration of houses with comprehensive water systems are unique surviving examples.

Outstanding Feature: 14th-19th century traditional villages.

　

Longmen Grottoes

Pormenor de Gruta Photograph: Lou Kam Ieng

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 2000
Location: Henan Province

The grottoes and niches of Longmen contain the largest and most impressive collection of Chinese art of the late Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties (316-907). These works, entirely devoted to the Buddhist religion, represent the high point of Chinese stone carving.

Outstanding Feature: Buddhist sculptures from 4th to 10th centuries

 

Imperial Tombs of The Ming and Qing Dynasties

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 2000
Location: Ming Tombs, Hubei Province Qing Tombs, Hebei Province

The Ming and Qing imperial tombs are natural sites modified by human influence, carefully chosen according to the principles of geomancy (fengshui) to house numerous buildings of traditional architectural design and decoration. They illustrate the continuity over five centuries of a world view and concept of power specific to feudal China.

Outstanding Feature: The imperial tombs for the continuity two dynasties of Ming and Qing.

　

Yungang Grottoes

World Heritage: Cultural Site
Inscribed: 2001
Location: Shanxi Province

The Yungang Grottoes, in Datong city, Shanxi Province, with their 252 caves and 51,000 statues, represent the outstanding achievement of Buddhist cave art in China in the 5th and 6th centuries. The Five Caves created by Tan Yao, with their strict unity of layout and design, constitute a classical masterpiece of the first peak of Chinese Buddhist art.

Outstanding Feature: Ancient Buddhist sculptures.