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UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China
Chinese World Heritage Sites · UNESCO sites in China map · historical landmarks in China
China has 61 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List — 42 cultural, 15 natural and 4 mixed inscriptions, inscribed between 1987 and 2025. This map of UNESCO sites in China covers every listing, with a short description, the inscription year and the nearest airports — the fastest way to see the country's most important historical sites and landmarks in one place.
Chinese World Heritage Sites range from Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains onwards; Great Wall of China was the country's first inscription, added in 1987; Xixia Imperial Tombs is the most recent, listed in 2025; recurring threads across the list include ancient civilizations and wild places.
One inscription is transnational, shared with neighbouring countries: Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor. Start with Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains, Ancient City of Ping Yao and Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun, then use the map above to plan a route between the rest.
- Sites
- 61
- Cultural
- 42
- Natural
- 15
- Mixed
- 4
- First inscribed
- 1987
Sites on the map
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Flying in
Airports closest to the most sites in this country.
- PEKBeijing5 sites
- TXNHuangshan2 sites
- HGHHangzhou2 sites
- KMGKunming2 sites
- JZHNgawa (Songpan)2 sites
- CTUChengdu (Shuangliu)2 sites
Prints from China
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All 61 sites in China
List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China
Every inscription with its year and category. Open a site for its story, map location and nearest airports.
| Site | Year | Type | What it is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang MountainsThe palaces and temples which form the nucleus of this group of secular and religious buildings exemplify the… | 1994 | Cultural | The palaces and temples which form the nucleus of this group of secular and religious buildings exemplify the architectural and artistic achievements… |
| Ancient City of Ping YaoPing Yao is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city, founded in the 14th century. | 1997 | Cultural | Ping Yao is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city, founded in the 14th century. |
| Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and HongcunThe two traditional villages of Xidi and Hongcun preserve to a remarkable extent the appearance of non-urban… | 2000 | Cultural | The two traditional villages of Xidi and Hongcun preserve to a remarkable extent the appearance of non-urban settlements of a type that largely… |
| Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu CityLocated in the Yangtze River Basin on the south-eastern coast of the country, the archaeological ruins of Liangzhu… | 2019 | Cultural | Located in the Yangtze River Basin on the south-eastern coast of the country, the archaeological ruins of Liangzhu (about 3,300-2,300 BCE) reveal an… |
| Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and LakesLocated in the Alashan Plateau in the hyper-arid and temperate desert region of northwestern China, the Badain Jaran… | 2024 | Natural | Located in the Alashan Plateau in the hyper-arid and temperate desert region of northwestern China, the Badain Jaran Desert is a meeting point for… |
| Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese CapitalRunning north to south through the heart of historical Beijing, the Central Axis consists of former imperial palaces… | 2024 | Cultural | Running north to south through the heart of historical Beijing, the Central Axis consists of former imperial palaces and gardens, sacrificial… |
| Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo KingdomThe site includes archaeological remains of three cities and 40 tombs: Wunu Mountain City, Guonei City and Wandu… | 2004 | Cultural | The site includes archaeological remains of three cities and 40 tombs: Wunu Mountain City, Guonei City and Wandu Mountain City, 14 tombs are… |
| Chengjiang Fossil SiteA hilly 512 ha site in Yunnan province, Chengjiang’s fossils present the most complete record of an early Camb. | 2012 | Natural | A hilly 512 ha site in Yunnan province, Chengjiang’s fossils present the most complete record of an early Camb. |
| China DanxiaChina Danxia is the name given in China to landscapes developed on continental red terrigenous sedimentary beds influenc. | 2010 | Natural | China Danxia is the name given in China to landscapes developed on continental red terrigenous sedimentary beds influenc. |
| Classical Gardens of SuzhouClassical Chinese garden design, which seeks to recreate natural landscapes in miniature, is nowhere better illustrated… | 1997 | Cultural | Classical Chinese garden design, which seeks to recreate natural landscapes in miniature, is nowhere better illustrated than in the nine gardens in… |
| Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice TerracesThe Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, China covers 16,603-hectares in Southern Yunnan. | 2013 | Cultural | The Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, China covers 16,603-hectares in Southern Yunnan. |
| Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu’erLocated on Jingmai Mountain in southwestern China, this cultural landscape was developed over a thousand years. | 2023 | Cultural | Located on Jingmai Mountain in southwestern China, this cultural landscape was developed over a thousand years. |
| Dazu Rock CarvingsThe steep hillsides of the Dazu area contain an exceptional series of rock carvings dating from the 9th to the 13th… | 1999 | Cultural | The steep hillsides of the Dazu area contain an exceptional series of rock carvings dating from the 9th to the 13th century. |
| FanjingshanLocated within the Wuling mountain range in Guizhou Province (south-west China), Fanjingshan ranges in altitude between… | 2018 | Natural | Located within the Wuling mountain range in Guizhou Province (south-west China), Fanjingshan ranges in altitude between 500 metres and 2,570 metres… |
| Fujian TulouFujian Tulou is a property of 46 buildings constructed between the 15th and 20th centuries over 120 km in south-west of… | 2008 | Cultural | Fujian Tulou is a property of 46 buildings constructed between the 15th and 20th centuries over 120 km in south-west of Fujian province, inland from… |
| Great Wall of ChinaStone dragon along the northern frontier. | 1987 | Cultural | Stone dragon along the northern frontier. |
| Historic Centre of MacaoMacao, a lucrative port of strategic importance in the development of international trade, was under Portuguese… | 2005 | Cultural | Macao, a lucrative port of strategic importance in the development of international trade, was under Portuguese administration from the mid-16th… |
| Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, LhasaThe Potala Palace, winter palace of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century, symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and its central ro. | 1994 | Cultural | The Potala Palace, winter palace of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century, symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and its central ro. |
| Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in “The Centre of Heaven and Earth”Mount Songshang is considered to be the central sacred mountain of China. | 2010 | Cultural | Mount Songshang is considered to be the central sacred mountain of China. |
| Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest AreaSituated in the north-west of Sichuan Province, the Huanglong valley is made up of snow-capped peaks and the… | 1992 | Natural | Situated in the north-west of Sichuan Province, the Huanglong valley is made up of snow-capped peaks and the easternmost of all the Chinese glaciers. |
| Hubei ShennongjiaLocated in Hubei Province, in central-eastern China, the site consists of two components: Shennongding/Badong to the… | 2016 | Natural | Located in Hubei Province, in central-eastern China, the site consists of two components: Shennongding/Badong to the west and Laojunshan to the east. |
| Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Beijing and ShenyangSeat of supreme power for over five centuries (1416-1911), the Forbidden City in Beijing, with its landscaped gardens an. | 1987 | Cultural | Seat of supreme power for over five centuries (1416-1911), the Forbidden City in Beijing, with its landscaped gardens an. |
| Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing DynastiesIt represents the addition of three Imperial Tombs of the Qing Dynasty in Liaoning to the Ming tombs inscribed in 2000… | 2000 | Cultural | It represents the addition of three Imperial Tombs of the Qing Dynasty in Liaoning to the Ming tombs inscribed in 2000 and 2003. |
| Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest AreaStretching over 72,000 ha in the northern part of Sichuan Province, the jagged Jiuzhaigou valley reaches a height of mor. | 1992 | Natural | Stretching over 72,000 ha in the northern part of Sichuan Province, the jagged Jiuzhaigou valley reaches a height of mor. |
| Kaiping Diaolou and VillagesKaiping Diaolou and Villages feature the Diaolou, multi-storeyed defensive village houses in Kaiping, which display a… | 2007 | Cultural | Kaiping Diaolou and Villages feature the Diaolou, multi-storeyed defensive village houses in Kaiping, which display a complex and flamboyant fusion… |
| Kulangsu, a Historic International SettlementKulangsu is a tiny island located on the estuary of the Chiu-lung River, facing the city of Xiamen. | 2017 | Cultural | Kulangsu is a tiny island located on the estuary of the Chiu-lung River, facing the city of Xiamen. |
| Longmen GrottoesThe grottoes and niches of Longmen contain the largest and most impressive collection of Chinese art of the late Norther. | 2000 | Cultural | The grottoes and niches of Longmen contain the largest and most impressive collection of Chinese art of the late Norther. |
| Lushan National ParkMount Lushan, in Jiangxi, is one of the spiritual centres of Chinese civilization. | 1996 | Cultural | Mount Lushan, in Jiangxi, is one of the spiritual centres of Chinese civilization. |
| Mausoleum of the First Qin EmperorNo doubt thousands of statues still remain to be unearthed at this archaeological site, which was not discovered until 1. | 1987 | Cultural | No doubt thousands of statues still remain to be unearthed at this archaeological site, which was not discovered until 1. |
| Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of ChinaThe Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China is a serial extension of the property… | 2019 | Natural | The Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China is a serial extension of the property of the same name already… |
| Mogao CavesSituated at a strategic point along the Silk Route, at the crossroads of trade as well as religious, cultural and intell. | 1987 | Cultural | Situated at a strategic point along the Silk Route, at the crossroads of trade as well as religious, cultural and intell. |
| Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic AreaThe first Buddhist temple in China was built here in Sichuan Province in the 1st century A. | 1996 | Mixed | The first Buddhist temple in China was built here in Sichuan Province in the 1st century A. |
| Mount HuangshanHuangshan, known as 'the loveliest mountain of China', was acclaimed through art and literature during a good part of Ch. | 1990 | Mixed | Huangshan, known as 'the loveliest mountain of China', was acclaimed through art and literature during a good part of Ch. |
| Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation SystemConstruction of the Dujiangyan irrigation system began in the 3rd century B.C. | 2000 | Cultural | Construction of the Dujiangyan irrigation system began in the 3rd century B.C. |
| Mount Sanqingshan National ParkMount Sanqingshan National Park, a 22,950 ha property located in the west of the Huyaiyu mountain range in the… | 2008 | Natural | Mount Sanqingshan National Park, a 22,950 ha property located in the west of the Huyaiyu mountain range in the northeast of Jiangxi Province (in the… |
| Mount TaishanThe sacred Mount Tai ('shan' means 'mountain') was the object of an imperial cult for nearly 2,000 years, and the artist. | 1987 | Mixed | The sacred Mount Tai ('shan' means 'mountain') was the object of an imperial cult for nearly 2,000 years, and the artist. |
| Mount WutaiWith its five flat peaks, Mount Wutai is a sacred Buddhist mountain. | 2009 | Cultural | With its five flat peaks, Mount Wutai is a sacred Buddhist mountain. |
| Mount WuyiMount Wuyi is the most outstanding area for biodiversity conservation in south-east China and a refuge for a large… | 1999 | Mixed | Mount Wuyi is the most outstanding area for biodiversity conservation in south-east China and a refuge for a large number of ancient, relict species… |
| Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, ChengdeThe Mountain Resort (the Qing dynasty's summer palace), in Hebei Province, was built between 1703 and 1792. | 1994 | Cultural | The Mountain Resort (the Qing dynasty's summer palace), in Hebei Province, was built between 1703 and 1792. |
| Old Town of LijiangThe Old Town of Lijiang, which is perfectly adapted to the uneven topography of this key commercial and strategic site… | 1997 | Cultural | The Old Town of Lijiang, which is perfectly adapted to the uneven topography of this key commercial and strategic site, has retained a historic… |
| Peking Man Site at ZhoukoudianScientific work at the site, which lies 42 km south-west of Beijing, is still underway. | 1987 | Cultural | Scientific work at the site, which lies 42 km south-west of Beijing, is still underway. |
| Qinghai Hoh XilQinghai Hoh Xil, located in the northeastern extremity of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, is the largest and high. | 2017 | Natural | Qinghai Hoh Xil, located in the northeastern extremity of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, is the largest and high. |
| Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan ChinaThe serial site of Quanzhou illustrates the city’s vibrancy as a maritime emporium during the Song and Yuan periods… | 2021 | Cultural | The serial site of Quanzhou illustrates the city’s vibrancy as a maritime emporium during the Song and Yuan periods (10th - 14th centuries AD) and… |
| Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin MountainsSichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, home to more than 30% of the world's pandas which are classed as highly endangered… | 2006 | Natural | Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, home to more than 30% of the world's pandas which are classed as highly endangered, covers 924,500 ha with seven… |
| Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan CorridorThis property is a 5,000 km section of the extensive Silk Roads network, stretching from Chang’an/Luoyang, the central… | 2014 | Cultural | This property is a 5,000 km section of the extensive Silk Roads network, stretching from Chang’an/Luoyang, the central capital of China in the Han… |
| Site of XanaduNorth of the Great Wall, the Site of Xanadu encompasses the remains of Kublai Khan’s legendary capital city… | 2012 | Cultural | North of the Great Wall, the Site of Xanadu encompasses the remains of Kublai Khan’s legendary capital city, designed by the Mongol… |
| South China KarstSouth China Karst is one of the world’s most spectacular examples of humid tropical to subtropical karst landscapes. | 2007 | Natural | South China Karst is one of the world’s most spectacular examples of humid tropical to subtropical karst landscapes. |
| Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in BeijingThe Summer Palace in Beijing – first built in 1750, largely destroyed in the war of 1860 and restored on its origi. | 1998 | Cultural | The Summer Palace in Beijing – first built in 1750, largely destroyed in the war of 1860 and restored on its origi. |
| Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in QufuThe temple, cemetery and family mansion of Confucius, the great philosopher, politician and educator of the 6th–5th… | 1994 | Cultural | The temple, cemetery and family mansion of Confucius, the great philosopher, politician and educator of the 6th–5th centuries B.C., are located at… |
| Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in BeijingThe Temple of Heaven, founded in the first half of the 15th century, is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings set i. | 1998 | Cultural | The Temple of Heaven, founded in the first half of the 15th century, is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings set i. |
| The Grand CanalThe Grand Canal is a vast waterway system in the north-eastern and central-eastern plains of China, running from… | 2014 | Cultural | The Grand Canal is a vast waterway system in the north-eastern and central-eastern plains of China, running from Beijing in the north to Zhejiang… |
| The Great WallIn c. 220 B.C., under Qin Shi Huang, sections of earlier fortifications were joined together to form a united defence… | 1987 | Cultural | In c. 220 B.C., under Qin Shi Huang, sections of earlier fortifications were joined together to form a united defence system against invasions from… |
| Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected AreasConsisting of eight geographical clusters of protected areas within the boundaries of the Three Parallel Rivers… | 2003 | Natural | Consisting of eight geographical clusters of protected areas within the boundaries of the Three Parallel Rivers National Park, in the mountainous… |
| Tusi SitesLocated in the mountainous areas of south-west China, this property encompasses remains of several tribal domains whose… | 2015 | Cultural | Located in the mountainous areas of south-west China, this property encompasses remains of several tribal domains whose chiefs were appointed by the… |
| West Lake Cultural Landscape of HangzhouThe West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou, comprising the West Lake and the hills surrounding its three sides, has in. | 2011 | Cultural | The West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou, comprising the West Lake and the hills surrounding its three sides, has in. |
| Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest AreaA spectacular area stretching over more than 26,000 ha in China's Hunan Province, the site is dominated by more than 3,0. | 1992 | Natural | A spectacular area stretching over more than 26,000 ha in China's Hunan Province, the site is dominated by more than 3,0. |
| Xinjiang TianshanXinjiang Tianshan comprises four components—Tomur, Kalajun-Kuerdening, Bayinbukuke and Bogda— that total 606,833… | 2013 | Natural | Xinjiang Tianshan comprises four components—Tomur, Kalajun-Kuerdening, Bayinbukuke and Bogda— that total 606,833 hectares. |
| Xixia Imperial TombsLocated in the foothills of the southern Helan Mountains in Ningxia, this necropolis is the imperial cemetery of the… | 2025 | Cultural | Located in the foothills of the southern Helan Mountains in Ningxia, this necropolis is the imperial cemetery of the Xixia Dynasty. |
| Yin XuThe archaeological site of Yin Xu, close to Anyang City, some 500 km south of Beijing, is an ancient capital city of… | 2006 | Cultural | The archaeological site of Yin Xu, close to Anyang City, some 500 km south of Beijing, is an ancient capital city of the late Shang Dynasty (1300 -… |
| Yungang GrottoesThe Yungang Grottoes, in Datong city, Shanxi Province, with their 252 caves and 51,000 statues, represent the outstandin. | 2001 | Cultural | The Yungang Grottoes, in Datong city, Shanxi Province, with their 252 caves and 51,000 statues, represent the outstandin. |
| Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural LandscapeLocated on the steep cliffs in the border regions of southwest China, these 38 sites of rock art illustrate the life… | 2016 | Cultural | Located on the steep cliffs in the border regions of southwest China, these 38 sites of rock art illustrate the life and rituals of the Luoyue… |
Frequently asked questions about World Heritage in China
- How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in China?
- China has 61 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 42 cultural, 15 natural and 4 mixed.
- What was the first World Heritage Site in China?
- Great Wall of China was inscribed in 1987. Stone dragon along the northern frontier.
- What is the newest World Heritage Site in China?
- Xixia Imperial Tombs, inscribed in 2025. Located in the foothills of the southern Helan Mountains in Ningxia, this necropolis is the imperial cemetery of the Xixia Dynasty. It includes nine imperial ma.
- Which sites in China are natural World Heritage Sites?
- 15 of the 61 listings are natural: Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes, Chengjiang Fossil Site, China Danxia, Fanjingshan, Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area and Hubei Shennongjia.
- Which UNESCO sites in China are easiest to reach?
- Each site page lists the closest airports with distance, so you can pick the gateway city first and work outwards. The "Flying in" panel on this page shows the main gateways for China.
- What are the main historical sites and landmarks in China?
- The 61 UNESCO-listed sites above are China's internationally recognised historical sites and landmarks, starting with Great Wall of China (1987). Each entry links to a full page with a map, photos and travel notes.
- Is there a map of Chinese World Heritage Sites?
- Yes — the map on this page plots all 61 Chinese UNESCO World Heritage Sites; click any marker to open that site's page.