Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China
China has an impressive 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which means that along with Italy, it has the most entries in the world.
1. The Forbidden City
Nestled in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It’s also known to have the most extensive collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. Possibly the most iconic structure in the Forbidden City is the Palace Museum, known as the former Chinese Imperial Palace. It was the home of Chinese emperors and their staff for over 500 years, from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty (1420 to 1912). The Forbidden City takes form in the shape of a rectangle, measuring 961 metres from north to south and 753 metres from east to west. It contains some 980 buildings, along with gardens, sculptures and alleys, making it the perfect place to explore for half a day. The Forbidden City is encompassed by an even larger walled area known as the Imperial City.
2. The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China has been described as many things over time: the biggest masterpiece of human history, a feat in man made architecture, the longest structure in the world and an icon of China. It’s by far the most popular attraction in the country and receives millions of visitors annually. While many people believe the wall is one giant structure, it’s actually a series of fortifications that were built along the historical northern border of China to protect from invaders. Construction is thought to have commenced in the 7th century BC, and continued by the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. The centuries that followed saw each Dynasty build and maintain sections of the wall. What we know as the Great Wall of China today was built by the Ming Dynasty.
3. Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
(The Terracotta Army)
The mausoleum of the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, is one of the most visited sites in China. Located near to Xi’an in the Lintong District, it’s estimated the mausoleum took almost 40 years to construct, from the years 246BC to 208BC. The underground shrine was only discovered in 1974, and much of it is still being excavated to this day. Farmers were digging a well near the city of Xi’an when they made the first discovery of a clay head - which led archaeologists to uncover thousands more figures and statues. The exact number remains unknown since excavations are ongoing. It’s thought that the network was designed to mirror the city of Xianyan, and in accordance to tradition the tomb started construction while the emperor was still young. A museum has since been constructed over the site so that visitors can enjoy impressive views of this iconic Chinese attraction.
4. The Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is a tranquil hideaway for Beijingers and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to the centre of the city, the Summer Palace was the imperial garden for the Qing Dynasty. Covering an impressive area of almost 3 square kilometres, it houses lakes, gardens, palaces and sculptures - showcasing some of the best ancient Chinese architecture. UNESCO inscribed the attraction on its World Heritage List in 1998 calling it a “masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design”. The Summer Palace dates back as far as 1115, when the Jin Dynasty used the space as a retreat and residence for imperial families. With each new addition, the area grew in grandeur and beauty, with the Qing Dynasty taking it to the next level.
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5. Jiuzhaigou Valley
Jiuzhaigou Valley is one of the most breathtaking spots in China. Fairytale woodland encompasses sparkling green lakes, mountains and hills roll into the distance and spectacular waterfalls cascade through the forests. In order to protect its natural beauty, the national park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. The two most popular areas of the park to visit are the Jiuzhai Valley Scenic Area and the Huanglong Scenic Area. The latter can be accessed via cable car which provides beautiful sweeping views over the valley. Travellers can then walk around 3 or 4 hours down the mountain where highlights include the Five Coloured Pond, Mirror Pond and waterfalls. Jiuzhai Valley Scenic has a shuttle bus that can take you between each section that’s worth visiting, such as the Arrow Bamboo Lake and the Five Coloured Lake.
6. The Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is an intrical part of Chinese culture and the most important imperial temple in Beijing. The temple was built at a similar time to the Forbidden City, when Emperor Yongle was re-establishing Beijing as the capital of China. It was used for ceremonies of prayer by emperors of both the Ming and Qing Dynasties. They would bring people together and pray to the heavens, hoping for good harvests and good prosperity for the empire. The temple sits within a 267 hectare park, bounded by walls to the north and east.
7. Mount Huangshan
The misty Mount Huangshan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 for its breathtaking scenery. Its landscape is home to various rare species making the protection of the mountain of utmost importance. There are around 140 sections of the mountain open to the general public, with walkways and platforms to enjoy the incredible views that Mount Huangshan offers. On top of this there is a cable car allowing visitors to reach one of the summits if they do not wish to hike.
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8. Old Town of Lijiang
The picturesque Old Town of Lijiang is located in Yunna, China. It has a history dating back over 1000 years and is bursting with relics of ancient China. Wander the cobbled streets and view the traditional wooden buildings and beautiful canals. While it has slowly become more commercialised over the years, it remains an excellent example of ancient Chinese architecture and is a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of China’s larger cities. In 1996, an earthquake devastated the city and flattened most of the area. It was meticulously rebuilt, with architects ensuring the original design was mirrored in the new city. From the old town, visitors can expect magical views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain which provides a wonderful backdrop for the colourful architecture scattered throughout the city.
9. Mount Tai
The sacred Mount Tai is located in Shandong province, north of the city of Tai’an. It’s known as the eastern mountain of the Five Great Mountains of China. Mount Tai was placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1987. Having been a place of spirituality and worship for the last 3000 years, the site is identified as a place of sunrise, birth and renewal. Symbolising ancient Chinese beliefs, the mountain is a source of inspiration for scholars and artists alike.
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10. The Mogao Caves
Also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes, the Mogao Caves form 492 temples contain wall paintings, ancient architecture and cultural relics. The site is a popular stop on the Silk Road and important site of spirituality for Buddhists. The caves are situated in the Gansu Province and are carved into the cliffs above the Dachuan River. Created around 366AD, they represent one of the greatest achievements of Buddhist art between the 4th and 14th century. The "Library Cave" was only discovered in 1990 and contained tens of thousands of manuscripts, resulting in the world's greatest discovery of ancient Chinese culture.
