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UNESCO China - Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, Sichuan

The two sites of Mount Emei and Leshan comprise an historical revolution in Chinese thinking that has lasted for 2000 years. They are indicative of the origins of Buddhism in the country and the subsequent results of its embrace in the form of monumental works to celebrate it. The area of Mount Emei has been inhabited for more than 10,000 years and the history of the location documented in detail for over 2000 years. These sites are essential in understanding the way Buddhism told hold in China and how it spread to every corner of the country and changed Chinese life forever. Mount Emei and the Leshan Giant Buddha were placed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1996.

Mount Emei is home to a number of important Buddhist temples, including the first known to have ever been built in China. It was erected in the 1^st century CE as Puguang Hall, but would later be expanded by Imperial decree into a more traditional version of what a temple was expected to be. Since the first, many others have been built and the region of Mount Emei now hosts more than 100 Buddhist temples as well as several Buddhist shrines.

The giant Buddha of Leshan is known for being the largest Buddha in the entire world. Carved directly from the stone of the hillside, it stands at over 230 feet tall. Work on the gigantic statue was begun in the 8^th century, though it took the builders 90 years to complete.

Due to its continued importance, Mount Emei has collected a number of artifacts over the years, including calligraphy, Buddhist relics, paintings and various inscriptions. Also located at the site are several other, smaller Buddhist statues, pagodas and tombs.

In addition to the cultural and religious significance of the site, the landscape of Mount Emei is a draw all its own. There are many ancient trees that date back more than 1000 years. Plant diversity in the area is amazing, featuring more than 3200 species, many of these medicinal. Over 2300 animal species live on and around Mount Emei, including 150 that are either threatened or found nowhere else in the world.

The importance of Mount Emei cannot be overstated. It is the central location from which Buddhism spread to influence the rest of China and, as a result, many other countries of East Asia. There are few places on earth that can attest a religious heritage as influential as Mount Emei.

UNESCO China - Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Sichuan

Both Mount Qingcheng and the irrigation system of Dujiangyan are the remnants of a past more than 2000 years old. The mountain is famous for being the birthplace of the philosophy of Taoism, while the irrigation system is a testament to the development of agricultural technologies in ancient China. These two sites were placed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2000.

The Dujiangyan irrigation system was first constructed in the 3^rd century BCE. It was used to control the Minjiang River and increase food production in the region. Over the years the system has been added to and improved, though much of what was there originally is still in use today. Today, the irrigation system is comprised of a complex system of channels, canals and branches.

The construction of such a project shows the history of a major achievement in the ability of the Chinese people to control and manipulate water. It is also evidence of the advanced technology and social management that was required to get the desired results.

In 142 CE, the scholar Zheng Ling would organize the philosophies of Taoism into a socially usable structure. He is said to have accomplished this on Mount Qingcheng, which has given it the fame it holds today. Several temples have been erected at the site to celebrate and revere the ideas that became one of the largest and most influential religious movements in China. These Taoist temples are further unique in that being some of the first of their kind, they are possessed of an architecture that reflects the traditional regional techniques rather than the grand Imperial designs which would later take precedence.

These sites are vitally important in understanding both the technological and social changes that occurred within China during its early years. Together they helped formed the base of China’s eventual rise to power and place as the most educated and technologically advanced nation in the ancient world. Though the irrigation system was left to decay from the 17^th to the 20^th centuries, it has since been repaired and is still being used today.

UNESCO China – Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu, Shandong

China’s history is rich with philosophers and religious icons, though few are as famous and influential as Confucius. He lived during the 5^th and 6^th centuries BCE, teaching and recording his views of government and life in general and those teachings are still a major part of Chinese culture today. The temple, cemetery and mansion that are associated with this site are located in Qufu, where the scholar was born. Following his death, his original home was turned into the temple and the other buildings incorporated into the religious site. This collection of history was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1994.

The main attraction is the Temple of Confucius. This was originally a modest home, but has been added to so much over the years that it once comprised more than 300 rooms. The temple has been destroyed and reconstructed several times and has experienced damage from fire and vandalism. Today, approximately 100 rooms remain.

The cemetery is truly massive and, in addition to being home to the tomb of Confucius, is the resting place for more than 100,000 of his descendants. The mansion was a small house in Confucius’s time but it too has been added to throughout time. During the height of its expansion in the 16^th and 17^th centuries there were 170 buildings composed of 560 rooms. Some of these buildings no longer exist, but the present complex still consists of 152 buildings with 480 rooms.

The site is surrounded by a wall which was constructed in later years. In addition to the wall, towers, arches, pavilions and gates were all added to the site. The temple complex also contains more than 1000 stelae which record the many donations and sacrifices that Chinese emperors made in reverence of the great scholar. Some of the most outstanding works of art in the world are housed at the site. These include carved stones, calligraphy, paintings, scrolls and carved representations that depict the life of Confucius.

The temple, cemetery and mansion of this Confucian complex are a testament to one of the greatest philosophers in the history of the world. The site was and still remains an important destination for pilgrimages and is considered to be the most important temple in China.

Preservation of the site has never been an issue. Confucian scholars, emperors and officials have all worked to keep it in perfect upkeep for more than 2000 years, adding the subsequent buildings which make up the site today. This complex is a critical piece of Chinese religious and philosophical history and one of the greatest prizes in the country.

UNESCO China – Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, Sichuan

Nine parks and seven natural reserves make up the combined site of the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries. Located in south-central China, together they contain more than 30 percent of the world’s population of pandas and comprise the largest remaining panda habitat in existence. Pandas are an endangered species and a national symbol of China and the Sichuan sanctuaries play an important role in the process of captive as well as wild breeding. This site was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2006.

The parks and reserves contain a wide variety of habitats and some beautiful scenery. More than 6000 species of flora exist in within its boundaries, making it one of the most diverse areas for plants in the world. There are also more than 500 animal species. In addition to giant pandas, the sanctuaries contain a number of other endangered species, such as red pandas, golden monkeys, white-lipped deer, snow leopards and cloud leopards.

All this exists among a landscape that attracts people from around the world to Sichuan for more than just the pandas that live there. Lush valleys, snow-capped mountains, forests and lakes abound. To look upon Sichuan is like looking upon paradise itself. There are also museums in the park for people to visit and learn more about the park’s diversity and the critical role it plays in the preservation of the giant panda.

Still, the highlight of the park is definitely the pandas and visitors are free to watch them from one of many observation areas. It is also possible to adopt a panda by sending in a donation to the sanctuaries, which grants one the ability to name it. The Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries are extremely popular and attract literally hundreds-of-thousands of people every year.

UNESCO China – Mount Huangshan, Anhui

Mount Huangshan is located in eastern China and is considered by many to be the most spectacular mountain in all of China, if not all the world. This amazing scenery is filled with granite peaks enshrouded in mist and those who reach the top are rewarded with an amazing view of the clouds from above. Huangshan’s beauty has been the subject of much art and literature in the past and is still a widely popular subject today for painters, poets and photographers. Anyone even mildly familiar with Chinese art is sure to recognize the mountain and the mist of Huangshan with little difficulty. This unique and striking landscape was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1990.

It took millions of years of tectonic activity to create the wonder that is Mount Huangshan, assisted by glaciers carving away at it and leaving the jagged peaks that exist today. Forests-like formations of stone pillars decorate this rugged landscape, interspersed with waterfalls, stepped lakes and hot springs. Forests of varying types cover more than half of the site, including the many valleys of Huangshan. One of the highlights of the site is the brilliant contrast of colors that occurs between the altering shades of the trees and the shining blues and greens of the water.

Despite the often treacherous land, there is a high diversity of not only flora, but fauna as well. More than 1600 plant species are in the area, including some pines that have been alive for more than 1000 years. 300 species of mammals, fish, birds and reptiles exist at Mount Huangshan, some these endangered.

Mount Huangshan is deeply important to Chinese culture, especially the artistic and philosophical traditions of its people. It is considered to be symbolic of the classic Chinese mountain landscape. Dozens of temples have been built there over the years and steps carved into the mountains to facilitate travel through them.

The popularity of this site has given rise to a plethora of hotels and other structures catered to visitors. People flock to the mountain daily, which means Mount Huangshan is not the most isolated place for tourists to visit. It is, however, one of the most beautiful.

UNESCO China – Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan

In the southern region of the Min Shan Range, along the edge of the Tibetan Himalayan Plateau, lies the Jiuzhaigou Valley, a park that covers approximately 230 square miles. This landscape extends from 6500 feet all the way to 15,000 feet above sea-level and contains a wide variety of forest ecosystems and habitats for many amazing flora and fauna. It has been designated a biosphere reserve and was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1992.

The creation of this unique land is due in part because of its unique location. Jiuzhaigou Valley lies at the meeting point of diverging tectonic plates and is home to several major fault lines. Tectonic activity in the area over millions of years has resulted in what exists there today.

Across the landscape are a number of forests, woodlands, mountains and highlands, as well as some rare high-altitude conic karst land forms. Among the mountains and valleys are a collection of stunning waterfalls. One of the most renowned of these is Panda Lake Waterfall, which contains the largest drop in the park and is known to freeze in winter into an organic icy sculpture.

Jiuzhaigou Valley also holds lakes in abundance. The waters of these lakes are crystal clear and radiate hues of blue and green. Most of them are present in the valleys of Jiuzhaigou and many of them are standing, having been damned up naturally over the years. Some are extensive groupings of stepped lakes, one resting above the next. The most famous of these stepped lake systems are the collections of the 19 Shuzheng Lakes and the 18 lakes of Nuorilang.

No land would be complete without the life that it brings forth, and within the park one can find a more than 2500 plants species, several of them endangered. Monkeys, pandas and some 170 species of other animals live in the park alongside more than 140 species of birds. Seventeen endangered animals are included in these numbers, such as the giant panda, the Sichuan golden monkey and the blue sheep. Due to the importance of the giant panda, Jiuzhaigou Valley has been designated by China as a site for habitat rehabilitation.

There are only around 1000 people scattered across nine small villages living in the area, though human presence still presents a threat. Jiuzhaigou is becoming known for its great backpacking and hiking and attracting large numbers of tourists to the area. Luckily, efforts are being undertaken to ensure that humans will not have any major impact which could threaten the pristine state of this stunning countryside.

UNESCO China – Mount Taishan, Shandong

Mount Taishan is known as the first of the five Sacred Mountains of China. It is located just north of Tai’an city, jutting from the plains of central Shandong. Human habitation in the region dates back as far as 400,000 years, to the Paleolithic period, and the area has been an important center of cultural activity for more than 5000 years. Over time, the mountain has drawn people to it from across China and, over the course of centuries, a complex of temples has emerged, which reflect the religious importance of this sacred spot. Mount Taishan and the Taishan Complex were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1987.

The landscape of the mountain is incredibly beautiful and diverse. Dense forests rest along the sides of the towering mountain and the recorded flora number more than 950 species. More than 450 of these plants are medicinal and important to the practice of Chinese medicine. The mountain is also home to more than 200 animal species and 122 species of birds. Fish are also highly present in the extensive water system that makes its way down the mountain.

Many ancient temples are situated on Mount Taishan, mainly Buddhist and Taoist. Construction of the first two temples in the area came about as early as 351 BCE, and the tradition has been followed ever since. In addition to the temples are many architectural complexes as well as stone sculptures and hundreds of inscriptions. Some of these announce the presence of emperors who have made pilgrimage to the mountain throughout history. In fact, 72 emperors of China are recorded to have visited the sacred mountain.

Mount Taishan has been a place of Imperial pilgrimage ever since the Shang Dynasty, 3000 years ago. They made their way to the mountain for important ceremonies and sacrifices. Over time, however, the mountain became important to more than just emperors and priests, taking on a sacred significance among the general populace that has lasted through the ages.

Countless Chinese artists have been inspired by the majesty of Mount Taishan. Painters, poets and even Confucius himself crafted works in the mountain’s honor. Many of these were left on the mountain, at temples, and can been seen today.

Though the buildings have sustained damage over the years, the spiritual importance of the site has prompted timely repairs and restorations. This mountain still lives in the hearts and imaginations of the Chinese people and the sheer amount of tourism it enjoys from citizens of China today is testament to its enduring legacy.

UNESCO China – Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom

The ancient kingdom of Koguryo once stretched throughout the area of eastern China and the northern Korean peninsula. The people who lived in this region are the precursors to modern Koreans, though the site of the Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom lie in Chinese territory. Many other tombs are present on the North Korean side of the border, but some of the best examples of this ancient society are presently controlled by the Chinese. These cities and tombs were placed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2004.

The Koguryo Kingdom existed from 277 BCE to 668 CE. Later, these people would mix, through conquering and cultural exchange, with the people of the southern peninsula to form an identity which could be seen as more Korean in nature. Before that time, however, Koguryo received much of its cultural and technological influence from China, who was far advanced over their neighbors during this period.

The collection of sites consists of three capital cities and 40 tombs. Though there are more than 7000 total tombs in the area, these 40 were chosen as superior representations of the tomb-building tradition and for their relative importance as the resting places of kings and important nobles.

The three cities are Wunu Mountain City, Guonei City (which lies within the modern city of Ji-an) and Wandu Mountain City. Wandu and Wunu were once capitals, while Guonei was used as a supporting capital. These three sites show some of the earliest examples of mountain city planning and construction – a tradition that would be used as a basis for many other capitals within the span of the Koguryo Dynasties.

Among the 40 tombs are 14 which were created for Imperial families and 26 for other, lesser but still important nobles. They are decorated with wall paintings and use clever construction techniques which reinforce the integrity of the earth and piled-stone architecture without the use of interior columns. One of these tombs is home to the famous Haotaiwang stele. On this stele is an inscription in Chinese (which the Koguryo would adopt as their writing system) that is the longest Koguryo written text known to date.

By studying these sites, the links between Koguryo and China can be seen in the form of technological and cultural exchange. China’s transmission of its traditions to its neighbors was an important part of the historical development of Asia during this period and accounts for much advancement in the region. This process of diffusion would continue for hundreds of years and shape the Asian identity that would eventually emerge.

UNESCO China – Fujian Tulou, Fujian

The Fujian Tulou, or “earthen houses,” site consists of 46 buildings in the southwest of Fujian Province in China. These amazing works of architecture are situated within agricultural fields of rice, tea and tobacco, among the mountainous terrain. Dating from the 13^th to the 20^th centuries, these are more modern tulou which carry on a tradition of defensive house-building that dates back 6000 years. Round or square in shape, the tulou make use of an outside earthen wall as the primary defense. Some of these buildings house up to 800 people in one structure. The Fujian Tulou were placed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2008.

The tulou are several stories tall and face inwards, to a centralized courtyard. Within each courtyard is an assortment of public buildings, such as baths, ceremonial halls, weapon storage, wells and the ancestral hall of the community. Each structure was built to house an entire clan, though some larger ones are home to more than one. One could consider the tulou as cities in miniature, containing virtually everything needed for the families within to survive against seize.

The defensive capabilities of the tulou are many. There is but one entrance to each structure and all the windows are placed well above ground level. The exterior is a construction of mud and cobblestone walls, built upon and topped with tiled roofs and wide eaves. This particular design makes the outside of the tulou nearly impregnable. Gunfire and arrows are useless and even cannons and tunneling have little effect. The main gate is a heavy construction of wood, reinforced with iron plates and treated to be fire-resistant. Near the top lie gun ports from which residents of the tulou may fire back upon their enemies.

Another important aspect of the tulou is that they functioned as equal communities.

Every room is the same size and families are organized vertically. There is no special treatment or privilege for any of the residents. Everything within these communities was shared, including farmland and other resources.

The Fujian Tulou were a unique response to a hostile environment and are remarkable examples of the cleverness of the people of this region. Many are still used to this day, though most residents have moved to more modern housing over the years, only returning to celebrate festivals or enjoy family reunions.

UNESCO China – Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains, Hubei

The Hubei Province of east-central China is home to the Wudang Mountains, a site of spiritual importance where once Emperors commissioned the building of many structures, both religious and secular. The majority of the constructions were made from the 14^th to the 17^th centuries, though some Taoist buildings date back as far as the 7^th century. These structures were built in the valleys and on the slopes of the mountains in traditional Chinese style, taking great care to integrate the mad-made and the natural in harmony. The Ancient Building Complex was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1994.

The complex is a journey through the architecture and art of China that covers nearly 1000 years of changes and innovations. The first structure built at Wudang was the Five Dragon Hall, erected by Emperor Taizong from 627 to 649 CE in honor of one of his governors. Other buildings followed quickly behind and the project continued throughout the centuries.

One of the largest of the projects came during the reign of Emperor Zhu Di. He had a total of nine temples, nine palaces, 36 monasteries, 72 cliff temples and more than 100 bridges built during his time, making his contribution the bulk of the Wudang complex. This site was once a bustling spiritual location which was home to thousands of Taoists and its own military force. Hundreds of laws were enacted in order to keep the complex preserved and make sure that visitors and residents alike acted in a proper manner while present.

The various structures are scattered throughout the valleys, built onto the sides of the mountains and interconnected through a series of pathways. Visiting the Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains is an experience in the tradition of Chinese building that will leave one breathless.

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