CHINA - WORLD HERITAGE SITES

It is now over thirty years since UNESCO's Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage was adopted, and since then more than 175 countries have ratified the convention. It seeks to protect those sites--both cultural and natural--that form part of the common heritage of humankind. This convention is not for the benefit of individual nations, but for all humanity. So far, over 700 sites of outstanding universal value have been included on the list, located in 125 states. China's culture is deeply rooted in masterpieces of cultural history and its natural diversity and majestic scenic areas.There are twenty-eight Chinese sites on the prestigious World Heritage List: all are outstanding examples of human genius and master works of humanity. They are: The Great Wall; Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties; The Mogao Caves; Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor and Terracotta Warriors; Peking Man Site; Mount Taishan; Mount Huangshan; Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area; Huanglong Scenic and Historic Area; Wulingyan Scenic and Historic Interest Area; The Mountain Resort of Chengde and Outlying Temples; Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion; The Potala Palace; Ancient Building Complex in the Wudan Mountains; Mount Emei and Leshan Giant Buddha; Lushan National Park; The Old City of Lijiange Old City of Pingyao; Classical Gardens in Suzhou; The Summer Palace; The Temple of Heaven; Dazu Sone Carvings; Wuyishan Mountains; Longmen Grottoes; Mount Qincheng- Dujiangyan Irrigation Network; Imperial Mausoleums and Memorial Buildings of the Ming and Qing Dynasties; Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui Province; Yungang Grottoes.