From ancient civilisations to fascinating natural wonders, China boasts an impressive 59 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with 14 new additions in the last decade. A close second to Italy (60), China’s heritage sites recognised by UNESCO are unique – while some hold world records for being the highest, longest, or oldest, others are considered relatively offbeat.
Read on to find out the Chinese sites that were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List between 2014 and 2024, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich historical and cultural legacy and it’s amazing natural wonders.
Also, read our story on the new UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2024.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China added in the last 10 years
Beijing Central Axis (2024)
Titled ‘A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital’ by UNESCO, the Beijing Central Axis is the 59th World Heritage site from China to be added to the prestigious list. A recent addition, the ancient structure dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). One of the best places to visit in China for history enthusiasts, the Central Axis lies in the heart of China’s capital city, Beijing.
For further insights, click here.
Explore more with our selection of the best things to do in Beijing, according to locals.
How to reach: The Beijing Capital Airport is approximately 30 km from the city centre.
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Book your stay at Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing on Agoda
Badain Jaran Desert (2024)
Another recent addition to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in China, the Badain Jaran Desert is a breathtaking natural wonder. The desert area lies in the Alashan Plateau and boasts stunning dunes with dunal lakes meandering through it. Nestled amidst short grasslands, the Badain Jaran Desert is ideal for those picture-perfect shots.
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How to reach: Alxa Right Banner Badain Jaran Airport is approximately 90 km from the desert.
Cultural landscape of old tea forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu’er (2023)
UNESCO notes that the Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of Jingmai Mountain in Pu’er was developed over 1,000 years by the people from the Blang and Dai communities. The area is dotted with villages that are part of old tea groves and surrounded by forests and plantations. One of the most picturesque UNESCO World Heritage sites in China, this natural wonder located in Huimin town of Yunnan Province holds immense cultural significance.
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How to reach: Pu’er Simao Airport is approximately 5 km from the city centre.
Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China (2021)
Dating back to the Song and Yuan periods (between the 10th and 14th Century AD), Quanzhou comprises religious complexes, Islamic tombs and archaeological remains of various noteworthy structures, including ancient bridges, pagodas, and inscriptions. Also home to one of the earliest Islamic monuments in China, the Qingjing Mosque, this complex attracts travellers interested in architecture and archaeology.
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Explore more with our ultimate guide to visiting The Great Wall of China.
How to reach: Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport is approximately 12 km from the city centre.
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Book your stay at Hilton Quanzhou Riverside on Agoda
Migratory bird sanctuaries along the coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (2019)
A place ideal for avian enthusiasts, this area serves as a natural habitat for birds migrating on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway spanning 25 countries from the Arctic to Southeast Asia and Australasia, according to UNESCO. The ecology of this area within the Yellow Sea Ecoregion is suitable for a diverse variety of migratory birds, including millions of waterbirds, making the wetlands perfect for birdwatchers.
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Also, check out our copy on some of the best national parks in Malaysia.
How to reach: Qingdao, Tianjin, Dalian, and Shanghai are the major Chinese cities near the Yellow Sea Ecoregion. You can reach any of these to witness the avian wonders.
Archaeological ruins of Liangzhu City (2019)
A fascinating place for travellers interested in ancient civilisations, the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City is located in Zhejiang, Hangzhou, Yuhang District. From the well-planned water conservation system to the types of burial methods unearthed in excavation, the site showcases the excellent urban planning skills of the people as well as the social hierarchy followed during the period between 3300 and 2300 BCE.
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How to reach: Yiwu Airport is approximately 126 km from Zhejiang.
Fanjingshan (2018)
An island of metamorphosed rock surrounded by karst, Fanjingshan lies in the Wuling mountain range of Guizhou Province in southwest China. A natural wonder with rich biodiversity, the area is home to unique flora and fauna species alongside breathtaking waterfalls, perfect for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Some rare and endangered wildlife include Fanjingshan fir, Guizhou snub-nosed monkey, Chinese giant salamander, forest musk deer and Reeves’s pheasant.
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How to reach: Tongren Fenghuang Airport is approximately 134 km from Fanjingshan.
Qinghai Hoh Xil (2017)
Perched 4,500 metres above sea level, Qinghai Hoh Xil is the world’s highest plateau with subzero temperatures almost all year round. Comprising a massive area around majestic mountains and steppe systems, Qinghai Hoh Xil offers stunning views. Most herbivorous mammals and plant species found here are believed to be endemic to the plateau, making it a unique destination to visit.
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How to reach: Xining Caojiabao Airport is approximately 30 km from Qinghai.
Kulangsu, a historic international settlement (2017)
Located along the Chiu-lung River, Kulangsu Island has been labelled as a ‘Historic International Settlement’ by UNESCO for its cultural fusion showcasing various styles of architecture — from Traditional Southern Fujian and Western Classical Revival to Veranda Colonial style. A testimony to the perfect blend of cultural diversity and modernity, Kulangsu is a must-visit destination in China.
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How to reach: Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is approximately 16 km from Kulangsu.
Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art cultural landscape (2016)
This beautiful landscape along the serene Zuojiang River and its tributary Mingjiang River comprises 38 sites featuring fascinating petroglyphs created by people of the Luoyue community. The pictographs on the rocks showcase the Luoyue community’s life and rituals, including the bronze drum culture. The historical site is located in Chongzuo.
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Explore more with our guide to magnificent caves in Malaysia.
How to reach: Nanning Airport is approximately 98 km from Chongzuo.
Hubei Shennongjia (2016)
Another iconic natural wonder rich in biodiversity in China, Hubei Shennongjia is located in Hubei Province. It comprises two major areas — Shennongding/Badong and Laojunshan. Home to rare species of plants and animals like the Chinese giant salamander, the golden or Sichuan snub-nosed Monkey, the clouded leopard, the common leopard and the Asian Black Bear, Hubei Shennongjia was once the centre of international plant collecting expeditions.
For further insights, click here.
How to reach: Wuhan Tianhe International Airport is approximately 44 km from Hubei.
Tusi sites (2015)
‘Tusi’ was the title given to the chiefs of tribal communities as appointed by the central government around the 13th to 20th centuries, and the Tusi sites comprise the remnants of these settlements. The sites of Laosicheng, Tangya and Hailongtun Fortress showcase their way of governance inspired by the Chinese civilisation of the Yuan and Ming periods.
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How to reach: Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport is approximately 16 km from the Tusi sites.
The Grand Canal (2014)
The Grand Canal in China is the longest and the oldest in the world. Spread across Beijing to Zhejiang in the north-eastern and central-eastern parts of China, The Grand Canal is a massive waterway system that originated in the 5th Century BC. Comprising over 2,000 km of artificial waterways, instrumental in linking five major river basins in China around the 13th Century AD, it holds immense significance in the country’s economy.
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How to reach: The Beijing Capital Airport is approximately 30 km from the city centre; Hangzhou International Airport is approximately 32 km from Zhejiang.
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Book your stay at Crowne Plaza Zhoushan Seaview, an IHG Hotel on Agoda
Silk Roads: the routes network of Chang’an-Tianshan corridor (2014)
Spread across China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, the 5,000-km stretch of the Silk Roads network begins from Chang’an/Luoyang in central China to the Zhetysu region of Central Asia. A testimony to various civilisations and their cultural beliefs, norms, social systems, scientific knowledge, technical know-how and art, the extensive route includes 33 components. Alongside certain portions of The Great Wall of China, these components include Buddhist cave temples, ancient paths, posthouses, passes, beacon towers, fortifications, tombs and religious structures.
For further insights, click here.
How to reach: Luoyang Beijiao Airport is approximately 12 km from central Luoyang.
(Feature image credit: Zhou Wenqing via © Office of the Leading Group for World Heritage Application of Tongren City/UNESCO)
This story first appeared here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some of the most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites in China include The Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, The Terracotta Horses and Warriors, and Zhangjiajie.
Many UNESCO World Heritage sites in China boast natural beauty and are rich in biodiversity. Some of them are Wulingyuan, Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, Classical Gardens of Suzhou, Badain Jaran Desert, Fanjingshan and Qinghai Hoh Xil.
Yes, there are many UNESCO World Heritage sites in China which are dedicated to Buddhism. Some of them are Mount Wutai, Mogao Caves, Mount Emei Scenic Area, Yungang Grottoes and Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa.
Some of the offbeat UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China are Kaiping Diaolou and Villages, Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, and Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde.
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A journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express and Hindustan Times. A solo traveller by choice, she loves exploring life more than anything else, after food of course. When she isn't gardening, writing, reading, cooking or singing out loud, you can spot her watching films and series, debating with friends or organising things unnecessarily.
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