China's Xixia Imperial Tombs inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site

China's Xixia Imperial Tombs were inscribed on the World Heritage List on Friday during UNESCO's 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Paris, France.

With this addition, the total number of World Heritage sites in China has reached 60.

Xixia Imperial Tombs is a group of imperial burial sites from the Xixia Dynasty (Western Xia, 1038-1227), founded by the Tangut people in northwestern China. It is currently located in Yinchuan City of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

Covering an area of nearly 40 square km, the site comprises four types of architectural remains: 9 imperial mausoleums, 271 subordinate tombs, a northern architectural complex covering 0.05 square km, and 32 flood control works.

The Xixia Imperial Tombs are the largest, highest-ranked, and most intact archaeological site from the Xixia period that has survived to the present day.

Tao Shaohua, mayor of Yinchuan, welcomed UNESCO's decision, calling it an important moment for Chinese culture on the world stage.

"The inscription of the Xixia Imperial Tombs as a World Heritage Site has long been our cherished aspiration. It embodies over a decade of relentless efforts by generations of dedicated individuals. With this successful inscription, all 2.91 million residents of Yinchuan are filled with joy and pride. Yinchuan is currently building itself into a demonstration city for strengthening the sense of community of the Chinese nation. This success will further deepen the identification with and appeal of Chinese culture among all ethnic groups, and promote extensive interaction, communication, and integration among them," said the mayor.

According to the World Heritage Committee, the site is a testament to the cultural fusion and interactions of diverse traditions. It also bears witness to the unique role of the Xixia Dynasty in cultural and commercial exchanges along the Silk Roads during the 11th to 13th centuries.

The Committee commended the efforts and achievements made by the Chinese government in the protection and management of the cultural heritage of the Xixia Imperial Tombs.

U.S. stocks ended higher on Wednesday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 224.23 points, or 0.48 percent, to 46,565.74. The S&P 500 added 46.8 points, or 0.72 percent, to 6,575.32. The Nasdaq Composite Index increased by 250.32 points, or 1.16 percent, to 21,840.95.

Eight of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors ended in the green, with industrials and communication services leading the gainers by each going up 1.65 percent. Meanwhile, energy and consumer staples led the laggards by dropping 3.89 percent and 0.57 percent, respectively.