The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Friday announced the inclusion of the Xixia Imperial Tombs, which are located in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, into its World Heritage List.
The Xixia Imperial Tombs, royal mausoleums complex of the emperors in ancient China's Xixia Dynasty (1038-1227), were officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on Friday during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris, France.
The inscription brings the total number of World Heritage sites in China to 60.
The Xixia Imperial Tombs are located at the foot of the Helan Mountain, 30 km west of the city of Yinchuan, the capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.
They were built by the Tangut (Dangxiang) people, an ethnic minority that prospered in agricultural-husbandry areas of northwest China between the 11th and 13th centuries.
To date, nine imperial tombs, 271 subordinate tombs, a 5-hectare complex of architectural ruins and 32 flood control sites, in addition to over 7,100 architectural components and finely crafted artifacts, have been uncovered at this site.
The findings have offered valuable insights into the sophisticated engineering, artistry and cultural achievements of the Xixia Dynasty.
The 47th session of the World Heritage Committee convened Monday at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, to evaluate 30 applications for World Heritage status.
The World Heritage Committee is responsible for reviewing new applications for inclusion in the World Heritage List, as well as overseeing and guiding the protection of sites already listed. Currently, there are 1,223 World Heritage sites worldwide, comprising 952 cultural heritage sites, 231 natural heritage sites, and 40 mixed sites.
China's Xixia Imperial Tombs officially included on UNESCO World Heritage List
China's Xixia Imperial Tombs officially included on UNESCO World Heritage List
