Latest news with #XixiaImperialTombs
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Xinhua Silk Road: Ancient ethnic Chinese legacy revealing cultural fusion inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage
BEIJING, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ -- The Xixia Imperial Tombs were inscribed on the World Heritage List on July 11 during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris, France. This marks China's 60th World Heritage site. Located at the foot of Helan Mountain in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the Xixia Imperial Tombs represent the largest, highest-ranking, and best-preserved archaeological remains of the Xixia Dynasty (1038-1227). The heritage area encompasses nine imperial mausoleums, 271 subordinate tombs, one architectural complex at the northern end, and 32 flood control facilities. Through nearly half a century of excavation, over 7,100 exquisite artifacts have been unearthed, including a gilded bronze ox and a glazed Chiwen. These findings vividly showcase the features of Xixia civilization. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee recognized the Xixia Imperial Tombs as an outstanding testament to multicultural fusion. Their spatial layout, design philosophy, and architectural forms inherited the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties' imperial mausoleum systems while integrating Buddhist beliefs and ancient local ethnic customs. This created unique funerary traditions and demonstrated the dynasty's significant role in cultural and commercial exchanges along the Silk Road during the 11th to 13th centuries. The Chinese government's tremendous efforts and outstanding achievements in protecting the cultural heritage of the Xixia Imperial Tombs were highly commended by the Committee. Since being designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 1988, the site has established comprehensive laws, regulations, and a management system. Particularly since 2000, in collaboration with professional institutions, 60 major reinforcement projects have been successfully implemented on the tombs themselves. These have essentially eliminated instability risks and surface erosion issues affecting the imperial mausoleums and main subordinate tombs. Furthermore, the removal of approximately 100,000 square meters of buildings and modern facilities within the heritage zone, combined with the establishment of a comprehensive monitoring and early-warning platform, has effectively ensured the site's authenticity, integrity, and preservation environment. International scholars point out that the Xixia Imperial Tombs serve as crucial physical evidence for studying ancient ethnic relations, architectural arts, and funerary traditions in China. Their successful inscription enriches the diversity of global cultural heritage. Original link: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
South China Morning Post
12-07-2025
- South China Morning Post
China's ancient Silk Road tombs join Unesco World Heritage list
The Western Xia Imperial Tomb complex in northwest China has been designated as a Unesco World Heritage site – a recognition of the site's importance as a centre of cultural fusion and commercial activity on the ancient Silk Road The group of burial sites , also known as the Xixia Imperial Tombs, officially received the designation from the United Nations cultural body on Friday, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua. The site dates back to the Western Xia dynasty (1038–1227), which was ruled by the Tangut people, an ancient branch of the Qiang ethnic group. The site is located some 30km (19 miles) west of today's Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region. The 40 sq km (15 square mile) site is home to nine imperial mausoleums, their 271 accompanying subordinate tombs, 32 flood control works sites with walls and discharge trenches, as well as a five-hectare (12 acre) northern architectural complex site for purposes such as worship and management of the tomb area. According to Xinhua, the World Heritage Committee said the site was a testament to the cultural fusion and interactions among diverse traditions that occurred during the period.
