List of World Heritage Sites in China facts for kids
China is home to many amazing places recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. These special spots are important for everyone to protect, either because of their history, culture, or natural beauty. China has 57 of these sites, which is the second-highest number in the world, just behind Italy. China agreed to protect these sites back in 1985.
These sites are a big part of China's rich tourism and history. They show off the country's incredible past and stunning natural wonders.
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What Are World Heritage Sites?
Since 1985, China has worked with UNESCO to protect its special places. Today, China has 57 World Heritage Sites. These include:
- 38 cultural sites, like old palaces or temples.
- 14 natural sites, such as beautiful mountains or unique landscapes.
- 4 mixed sites, which have both cultural and natural importance.
China also has other important cultural items listed by UNESCO. These include ancient documents and special traditions, like unique music or crafts.
Discover China's Heritage on a Map
This map shows you where China's World Heritage Sites are located.
- Around Beijing, you'll find: 1. Great Wall; 2. Forbidden City; 3. Zhoukoudian; 4. Summer Palace; 5. Temple of Heaven; 6. Ming tombs; 7. Eastern Qing Tombs; 8. Western Qing Tombs.
Look at the map legend to see what kind of site each dot represents:
Famous World Heritage Sites in China
Here's a list of some of China's amazing World Heritage Sites.
- = Cultural Heritage Site
† = Natural Heritage Site
- † = Cultural and Natural Heritage Site (Mixed)
Site | Image | Location | Year listed | UNESCO data | Description |
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Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, including the Forbidden City and Mukden Palace* |
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Beijing (Forbidden City) and Shenyang, Liaoning (Mukden Palace) | 1987, 2004 | I, II, III, IV | The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) built the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City in Beijing was the emperor's home for over 500 years. It showed the emperor's power and was the heart of China's government.
The Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) was China's last empire. They also used the Forbidden City. The Mukden Palace in Shenyang mixes Manchu and Han Chinese building styles. |
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor * | Xi'an, Shaanxi | 1987 | I, III, IV, VI | This tomb was built in the 3rd century BCE for Qin Shi Huang. He was the first emperor of a united China. It is famous for the Terracotta Army. These are life-size clay soldiers meant to protect the emperor in the afterlife. They were found in 1974. | |
Mogao Caves * | Dunhuang, Gansu | 1987 | I, II, III, IV, V, VI | Also called the Thousand Buddha Grottoes, these are Buddhist cave temples. They were carved from the 4th to the 14th centuries. The site has 492 caves with beautiful murals and sculptures. They show how Buddhist art changed over many years. | |
Mount Tai *† | Tai'an, Shandong | 1987 | I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII | Mount Tai is one of China's most sacred mountains. People have worshipped and visited it for over 3,000 years. It was a place where emperors performed important ceremonies. The mountain has many historical buildings, temples, and writings. | |
Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian * | Beijing | 1987 | III, VI | This is an important archaeological site. It's famous for finding "Peking Man," an early human ancestor. This discovery showed important evidence of early human life in East Asia. Scientists found skulls, bones, and tools here from about 770,000 to 230,000 years ago. | |
The Great Wall* | Northern China | 1987 | I, II, III, IV, VI | The Great Wall of China is over 13,000 miles long. It was built to protect China from invaders. The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) made it much stronger and connected many parts. It crosses deserts, mountains, rivers, and plains. It shows an amazing ancient military defense system. | |
Mount Huangshan *† | Huangshan City, Anhui | 1990 | II, VII, X | Also known as the Yellow Mountains, this place is famous for its unique rock formations. It has strangely shaped granite peaks, hot springs, and old pine trees growing on rocks. Huangshan has inspired Chinese artists and thinkers for centuries. It shows the true beauty of China's wild nature. | |
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area † | Songpan County, Sichuan | 1992 | VII | This area is known for its colorful pools, mountain views, thick forests, and waterfalls. It's home to endangered animals like the giant panda. The "Yellow Dragon" name comes from the yellow mineral deposits that form its terraced pools. These pools are famous for their clear, colorful water. | |
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area † | Jiuzhaigou County, Sichuan | 1992 | VII | This national park has many different plants and animals. It's home to several endangered species. The valley is named "Nine Village Valley" because of the nine Tibetan villages there. Its clear lakes and waterfalls are very special. Their bright colors come from minerals and algae in the water. | |
Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area † | Zhangjiajie, Hunan | 1992 | VII | This area includes several national parks, like Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. It's famous for its more than 3,000 sandstone pillars and peaks. The region also has deep valleys, waterfalls, and natural bridges. You can find rare plants and animals here too. | |
Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, including the Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka * | Lhasa, Tibet | 1994, 2000, 2001 | I, IV, VI | This group of sites is very important to Tibetan Buddhism. The Potala Palace was once the winter home of the Dalai Lamas. It's a huge building on a hill, showing Tibetan art and architecture. It has thousands of rooms filled with art and old writings.
The Jokhang Temple is the spiritual heart of Tibet. It's a key pilgrimage site. Norbulingka was the Dalai Lamas' summer palace. It mixes Tibetan and Han Chinese building styles. |
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Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains * | Hubei | 1994 | I, II, VI | This complex has many Taoist temples and monasteries. They were built during the Ming Dynasty. The buildings fit perfectly into the natural landscape of the Wudang Mountains. This shows the Taoist idea of harmony between people and nature. These sites are important for Taoist practices like martial arts and meditation. | |
Chengde Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples in Chengde * | Chengde, Hebei | 1994 | II, IV | Built during the Qing Dynasty, this was a summer getaway for emperors. It has lakes, gardens, palaces, and pavilions. The temples outside the resort were built in different styles. They were meant to unite the many ethnic groups in the Qing Empire. | |
Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu * | Qufu, Shandong | 1994 | I, IV, VI | The temple was first built in 478 BC and grew over many centuries. It's one of the most important places honoring Confucius. It shows traditional Chinese architecture. The Kong Family Mansion was where Confucius's family lived. The Cemetery of Confucius is where he and many of his family members are buried. | |
Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area *† | Emeishan City (Mt. Emei) and Leshan (Giant Buddha), Sichuan | 1996 | IV, VI, X | Mount Emei is one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains. It's known for its beauty, many plants and animals, and old temples. The first Buddhist temple in China was built here.
The Leshan Giant Buddha is a huge 71-meter stone statue. It was carved into a cliff in the 8th century. It's one of the world's largest Buddha statues. |
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Mountain Lu National Park *† | Jiujiang, Jiangxi | 1996 | II, III, IV, VI | This park is famous for its granite peaks, thick plants, waterfalls, and cloudy views. It has been a retreat for scholars and artists throughout Chinese history. The area has historical buildings, temples, and villas. It mixes natural beauty with cultural history. | |
Ancient City of Pingyao * | Pingyao County, Shanxi | 1997 | II, III, IV | This is a traditional Chinese city from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It's famous for its old city walls, which are still mostly complete. It was also home to one of China's first banks. | |
Classical Gardens of Suzhou * | Suzhou, Jiangsu | 1997, 2000 | I, II, III, IV, V | These are private gardens built from the 11th to 19th centuries. Each garden shows classic Chinese garden art. They have water, rocks, pavilions, and bridges. They were designed to create peaceful, miniature landscapes. Famous ones include the Humble Administrator's Garden. | |
Old Town of Lijiang * | Lijiang, Yunnan | 1997 | II, IV, V | This old town shows the culture of the Naxi people. It has unique old buildings, including traditional wooden houses with tiled roofs. It also has a complex system of waterways and bridges. Lijiang's design blends with its natural surroundings. It's a center for Naxi culture, with its own music and art. | |
Summer Palace * | Beijing | 1998 | I, II, III | This is a group of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It was built during the Qing Dynasty as a royal retreat. Emperors came here to escape the summer heat. The Summer Palace combines human buildings with nature. It has many structures like pavilions and temples, all set in beautiful gardens. | |
Temple of Heaven * | Beijing | 1998 | I, II, III | This is a group of religious buildings. Ming and Qing Dynasty emperors prayed here every year for good harvests. The buildings show symbols of heaven and earth. They are known for their exact shapes and balanced design. | |
Dazu Rock Carvings * | Dazu District, Chongqing | 1999 | I, II, III | These are Chinese religious sculptures and carvings from the 7th century. They are found at 75 protected sites. They show Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist beliefs. The carvings are known for their beauty and variety. They also show what daily life was like in China during that time. | |
Mount Wuyi *† | Fujian, Jiangxi | 1999 | III, VI, VII, X | Mount Wuyi was important for the growth of Neo-Confucianism. This was a big cultural movement in the 11th century. The area is also famous for making Da Hong Pao tea. It has many rare plants and animals. | |
Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun * | Yi County, Anhui | 2000 | III, IV, V | These are two traditional villages from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. They are known for their unique buildings. Their layout follows traditional Chinese feng shui. Xidi and Hongcun have narrow lanes and beautiful Huizhou-style houses. They are set in lovely landscapes. Hongcun is famous for its water system, which looks like an ox. | |
Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, including the Ming tombs and the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum * |
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Beijing and Nanjing, Jiangsu | 2000, 2003, 2004 | III, IV, V | The Ming tombs are where 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) are buried. The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the burial site of the first Ming emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang. These sites have paths lined with stone statues. The design of the tombs shows the power and respect of the emperors. |
Longmen Grottoes * | Luoyang, Henan | 2000 | I, II, III | These are Buddhist cave temples carved into cliffs. They date from the 5th to 10th centuries. They have thousands of Buddha statues, from tiny to huge. The site is famous for its amazing Buddhist art. The Longmen Grottoes show the best of Chinese stone carving. | |
Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System * | Dujiangyan City, Sichuan | 2000 | II, IV, VI | Mount Qingcheng is one of the birthplaces of Taoism, China's own religion. It has old Taoist temples hidden in its green forests.
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System was built in the 3rd century BCE. It's an ancient engineering wonder still used today. It helps control floods and water farmlands without a dam. |
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Yungang Grottoes * | Datong, Shanxi | 2001 | I, II, III, IV | These are ancient Buddhist temple caves from the 5th and 6th centuries. They are carved into a sandstone cliff. They have thousands of statues and murals. These show some of the best early Chinese Buddhist art. The Yungang Grottoes show a mix of art styles from China and the Silk Road. | |
Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas † | Yunnan | 2003 | VII, VIII, IX, X | This is where the Yangtze, Mekong, and Salween rivers run side-by-side through deep gorges. It's known for its many different plants and animals. It has a wide range of landscapes, from snowy peaks to rainforests. Many unique and endangered species live here. | |
Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom * | Ji'an, Jilin | 2004 | I, II, III, IV, V | These sites are the remains of the Koguryo Kingdom. This kingdom existed from the 1st century BC to the 7th century AD. The sites include old capital cities and royal tombs. The cities show how the Koguryo Kingdom planned its towns and built defenses. The tombs are famous for their wall paintings. These paintings show daily life and beliefs of the Koguryo people. | |
Historic Centre of Macau * | Macau | 2005 | II, III, IV, VI | This is a group of over twenty places that show a mix of Chinese and Portuguese cultures in Macau. The Historic Centre has buildings and public spaces that combine architectural styles from both East and West. Famous spots include the Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square. | |
Yinxu * | Anyang, Henan | 2006 | II, III, IV, VI | This is an archaeological site of the ancient capital of the Shang Dynasty. It dates from the 14th to 11th centuries BCE. Yinxu is known for its artifacts, like oracle bones and bronze items. It also has the remains of large palaces and royal tombs. | |
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries † | Sichuan | 2006 | X | This area covers about 9,000 square kilometers of forests and mountains. It is home to over 30% of the world's endangered giant pandas. The sanctuaries include several national parks. They protect giant pandas and other endangered animals like the red panda and snow leopard. | |
Kaiping Diaolou and Villages * | Kaiping, Guangdong | 2007 | II, III, IV | This site has many fortified multi-story towers called "diaolou" and traditional villages. The diaolou were used as homes and as protection against bandits. They mix Roman, Baroque, and Gothic styles with traditional Chinese designs. | |
South China Karst † | Yunnan, Guizhou, Chongqing and Guangxi | 2007, 2014 | VII, VIII | This area is divided into three parts: Libo Karst, Shilin Karst, and Wulong Karst. Each part shows different karst formations that formed over millions of years. For example, Shilin Karst has stone forests, and Wulong Karst has natural bridges and huge sinkholes. | |
Fujian Tulou * | Fujian | 2008 | III, IV, V | These buildings were constructed between the 12th and 20th centuries. They are known for their circular or rectangular shapes. Each Tulou could house up to 800 people. They have thick earth walls for safety and to keep the inside cool. The buildings are designed around a central courtyard. | |
Sanqingshan † | Yushan County, Jiangxi | 2008 | VII | This mountain is known for its unique pillars and peaks. The area covers 2,300 hectares. Its three main peaks are said to represent three important Taoist gods. Sanqingshan has many ancient temples, some hidden in its caves. | |
Mount Wutai * | Wutai County, Shanxi | 2009 | II, III, IV, VI | This mountain is one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains. "Wutai" means "Five Terraces," referring to its five flat peaks. These peaks are said to symbolize the five elements. Mount Wutai has 53 monasteries and many other religious buildings. | |
Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in "The Centre of Heaven and Earth" * | Dengfeng, Henan | 2010 | III, VI | This group of sites is known as "The Centre of Heaven and Earth." It includes temples, pagodas, and academies from as far back as the Han Dynasty. The Shaolin Temple is here, famous as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Shaolin martial arts. | |
China Danxia † | Hunan, Guangdong, Fujian, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, and Guizhou | 2010 | VII, VIII, IX, X | China Danxia is a type of landform with red sandstone cliffs. It has many eroded landscapes, like natural pillars, towers, and valleys. Danxia formations are found in several regions of southeastern and southwestern China. | |
West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou * | Hangzhou, Zhejiang | 2011 | II, III, VI | This site is famous for its lake, surrounding hills, gardens, and historic places. West Lake is in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. It is surrounded by many temples, pagodas, and pavilions. | |
Site of Xanadu * | Zhenglan Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia | 2012 | II, III, IV, VI | This is an archaeological site that was once the summer capital of Kublai Khan's Yuan Dynasty. It has the ruins of the imperial city of Xanadu. The remains include palace foundations and city walls. Xanadu was important because of its location on the Silk Road. It was a center for trade and cultural exchange. | |
Chengjiang Fossil Site † | Chengjiang County, Yunnan | 2012 | VIII | This archaeological site is famous for its well-preserved fossils. These fossils date back to the Cambrian period. They include many different organisms, even soft-bodied ones that are rarely preserved. | |
Xinjiang Tianshan † | Xinjiang | 2013 | VII, IX | The Tian Shan mountain range is known for its stunning natural beauty. It features snow-capped peaks, glaciers, forests, and alpine meadows. This area is important for its unique ecosystems and diverse wildlife. | |
Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces * | Yuanyang County, Yunnan | 2013 | III, V | These rice terraces were created by the Hani people over 1,300 years. They show an amazing system of farming that uses the natural landscape. The terraces are built into the mountainsides, creating beautiful patterns. | |
Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor * | Luoyang, Lingbao of Henan; Xi'an, Bin County and Chenggu of Shaanxi; Tianshui, Yongjing, Dunhuang and Anxi of Gansu; Turpan, Jimsar and Kuqa of Xinjiang | 2014 | II, III, IV, VI | This site includes a section of the ancient Silk Roads. These were important trade routes that connected East and West for centuries. It features historical cities, trading posts, and religious sites along the route. | |
Grand Canal * | Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui and Henan | 2014 | I, III, IV, VI | The Grand Canal is the longest artificial river in the world. It was built over many centuries to connect different parts of China. It was used for transporting goods and people. It shows ancient Chinese engineering skills. | |
Tusi Sites * | Hunan, Hubei and Guizhou | 2015 | II, III | These sites are the remains of Tusi rule in China. Tusi were local leaders who governed ethnic minority groups. The sites include old towns, government buildings, and tombs. They show a unique system of governance from ancient China. | |
Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape * | Guangxi | 2016 | III, VI | This site features ancient rock paintings on cliffs along the Zuojiang River. The paintings are very old, dating back thousands of years. They show scenes of daily life, rituals, and figures. They are important for understanding the culture of the ancient Luoyue people. | |
Hubei Shennongjia † | Hubei | 2016 | IX, X | This natural area is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. It has dense forests, mountains, and many rare plants and animals. It's an important place for scientific research and conservation. | |
Qinghai Hoh Xil † | Qinghai | 2017 | VII, X | Hoh Xil is a large, high-altitude grassland and wetland area. It's known for its unique wildlife, including the Tibetan antelope. It's one of the largest and highest plateaus in the world. | |
Kulangsu: a Historic International Settlement * | Xiamen, Fujian | 2017 | II, IV | Kulangsu is a small island known for its mix of Chinese and international architectural styles. It was a foreign settlement in the 19th and 20th centuries. The island has many beautiful colonial-era buildings and gardens. | |
Fanjingshan † | Tongren, Guizhou | 2018 | X | Fanjingshan is a sacred Buddhist mountain and a natural reserve. It's known for its unique rock formations and ancient forests. It's home to rare species, including the Guizhou snub-nosed monkey. | |
Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City * | Hangzhou and Deqing County, Zhejiang | 2019 | III, IV | This site contains the ruins of an ancient city from the Liangzhu culture. It dates back about 5,300 years. The site shows an early complex society with advanced water management and jade craftsmanship. | |
Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (Phase I) † | Yancheng, Jiangsu | 2019 | X | This coastal area is a vital stopover for many migratory birds. It has wetlands, mudflats, and marshes. Millions of birds use this area to rest and feed during their long journeys. | |
Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China | *Quanzhou, Fujian | 2021 | IV | Quanzhou was a major port city during the Song and Yuan dynasties. It was a global hub for maritime trade and cultural exchange. The site includes historical buildings, temples, and docks that show its past importance. | |
Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu’er * | Yunnan | 2023 | III, V | This site features ancient tea forests and traditional villages. The local people have cultivated tea here for over a thousand years. It shows a unique way of life connected to tea production and forest conservation. |
Future World Heritage Sites
China has also suggested these sites to UNESCO for future consideration:
- Dongzhai Port Nature Reserve (1996)
- The Alligator Sinensis Nature Reserve (1996)
- Poyang Nature Reserve (1996)
- The Lijiang River Scenic Zone at Guilin (1996)
- Yalong, Tibet (2001)
- Yangtze Gorges Scenic Spot (2001)
- Jinfushan Scenic Spot (2001)
- Heaven Pit and Ground Seam Scenic Spot (2001)
- Hua Shan Scenic Area (2001)
- Yandang Mountains (2001)
- Nanxi River (2001)
- Maijishan Scenic Spots (2001)
- Wudalianchi Scenic Spots (2001)
- Haitan Scenic Spots (2001)
- Dali Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake Scenic Spot (2001)
- Sites for Liquor Making in China (2008)
- Ancient Residences in Shanxi and Shaanxi Provinces (2008)
- City Walls of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (2008)
- Slender West Lake and Historic Urban Area in Yangzhou (2008)
- Ancient Water Towns South of the Yangtze River (Zhouzhuang, Luzhi, Wuzhen, and Xitang) (2008)
- Fenghuang Ancient City (2008)
- Sites of the Southern Yue State (2008)
- Baiheliang Ancient Hydrological Inscription (2008)
- Miao Nationality Villages in Southeast Guizhou Province: The villages of Miao Nationality at the Foot of Leigong Mountain in Miao Ling Mountains (2008)
- Karez Wells (2008)
- Expansion Project of Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties: King Lujian’s Tombs (2008)
- The Four Sacred Mountains as an extension of Mt. Taishan (2008)
- Taklimakan Desert–Populus euphratica Forests (2010)
- China Altay (2010)
- Karakorum–Pamir (2010)
- The Central Axis of Beijing (including Beihai) (2013)
- Wooden Structures of Liao Dynasty – Wooden Pagoda of Yingxian County, Main Hall of Fengguo Monastery of Yixian County (2013)
- Sites of the Hongshan Culture: Niuheliang, Hongshanhou, and Weijiawopu (2013)
- Ancient Porcelain Kiln Site in China (2013)
- Sanfang Qixiang (2013)
- Western Xia Imperial Tombs (2013)
- Dong Villages (2013)
- Lingqu Canal (2013)
- Diaolou Buildings and Villages for Tibetan and Qiang Ethnic Groups (2013)
- Archaeological Sites of the Ancient Shu State: Jinsha site and Joint Tombs of Boat-shaped Coffins in Chengdu, Sichuan; Sanxingdui site in Guanghan, 29th – 5th century BC (2013)
- Xinjiang Yardang (2015)
- Dunhuang Yardangs (2015)
- Tianzhushan (2015)
- Jinggangshan–North Wuyishan (extension of Mount Wuyi) (2015)
- Shudao (2015)
- Tulin–Guge Scenic and Historic Interest Areas (2015)
- The Chinese Section of the Silk Roads (2016)
- Guancen Mountain – Luya Mountain (2017)
- Hulun Buir Landscape and Birthplace of Ancient Minority (2017)
- Qinghai Lake (2017)
- Scenic and historic area of Sacred Mountains and Lakes (Gang Rinpoche, Naimona'nyi, Lake Manasarovar and Lhanag-tso) (2017)
- Taihang Mountain (2017)
- Vertical Vegetation Landscape and Volcanic Landscape in Changbai Mountain (2017)
- Badain Jaran Desert—Towers of Sand and Lakes (2019)
- Guizhou Triassic Fossil Sites (2019)
- Huangguoshu Scenic Area (2019)
- Hainan Tropical Rainforest and the Traditional Settlement of Li Ethnic Group (2022)
- Fujian Minjiang River Estuary: The ecotone between marine and terrestrial biogeographical regions (2022)
See Also
- List of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in China
- Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level
- Cultural heritage of China
- Principles for the Conservation of Heritage Sites in China
- List of World Heritage Sites in Asia
- Table of World Heritage Sites by country
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- World Heritage Committee