China’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites: A Complete A-Z List!

How Many UNESCO World Heritage Sites Are There in China?

China is home to 56 UNESCO World Heritage sites as of August 2023 making it the country with the second highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world only narrowly losing the number one spot to Italy which is home to an impressive 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Of China’s 56 UNESCO world heritage sites, there are 38 cultural heritage sites, 14 natural heritage sites, and 4 that are both cultural and natural heritage sites.

In this article, we will give you a list of all 56 UNESCO heritage sites in China presented in alphabetical order for your reading convenience.

If you find yourself interested in reading more about any specific site on the list, please note that if it is highlighted green you can click on it to read more about that specific heritage site!

List Of all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China!

China’s 38 Cultural Heritage Sites:

1. Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains
2. Ancient City of Ping Yao
3. Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun
4. Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
5. Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom
6. Classical Gardens of Suzhou
7. Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
8. Dazu Rock Carvings
9. Fujian Tulou
10. Historic Centre of Macao
11. Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa
12. Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in “The Centre of Heaven and Earth”
13. Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Beijing and Shenyang
14. Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties
15. Kaiping Diaolou and Villages
16. Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement
17. Longmen Grottoes
18. Lushan National Park
19. Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
20. Mogao Caves
21. Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
22. Mount Wutai
23. Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde
24. Old Town of Lijiang
25. Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian
26. Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China
27. Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor
28. Site of Xanadu
29. Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
30. Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu
31. Temple of Heaven
32. The Grand Canal
33. The Great Wall
34. Tusi Sites
35. West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou
36. Yin Xu
37. Yungang Grottoes
38. Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape

China’s 14 Natural Heritage Sites:

1. Chengjiang Fossil Site
2. China Danxia
3. Fanjingshan
4. Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
5. Hubei Shennongjia
6. Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
7. Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (Phase I)
8. Mount Sanqingshan National Park
9. Qinghai Hoh Xil
10. Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries – Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains
11. South China Karst
12. Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas
13. Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area
14. Xinjiang Tianshan

 China’s 4 Mixed World Heritage Sites:

1. Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
2. Mount Huangshan
3. Mount Taishan
4. Mount Wuyi

Conclusion

In conclusion, China is home to a vast and diverse range of cultural and natural heritage sites, as evidenced by its 56 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites represent the country’s long and rich history, as well as its stunning natural beauty. Whether you are interested in ancient ruins, stunning temples, or mind-blowing natural landscapes, you are sure to find something to amaze you in China!

I hope this article has given you a better understanding of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China. If you happen to be planning a trip to China, be sure to check out some of these amazing places. You won’t be disappointed!

All information in this Article and list was sourced directly from UNESCO, you can check out their official website here.