Editor's note: Ren Yan is a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN. The article reflects the author's views and not necessarily those of CGTN.

With the recent addition of the Xixia Imperial Tombs to the World Heritage List, China now has 60 World Heritage sites – placing it among the global leaders in cultural preservation. This achievement marks more than just a numerical milestone; it showcases China's comprehensive approach to balancing historical conservation with modern development, reflecting an ancient civilization's enduring wisdom.

The Xixia Imperial Tombs, a remarkable complex of 11th-13th century burial sites, stand as living proof of the vibrant cultural exchanges along the Silk Road. These mausoleums masterfully blend Tang and Song dynasty tomb architecture with distinctive Buddhist influences and unique Tangut traditions – creating a fascinating fusion that mirrors the Xixia Dynasty's crucial role as a cultural bridge between East and West.

60 UNESCO heritage sites: behind and beyond

Since joining the World Heritage Convention in 1985, China has built one of the world's most comprehensive systems for protecting both cultural and natural treasures.

The first group of Chinese sites inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1987 included globally renowned landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang with its Terracotta Army, and the Mogao Grottoes. China established the nationwide Cultural Heritage Day in 2006 on the second Saturday in June, which was later renamed as the Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in 2017. The theme of this year's event was "revitalizing cultural heritage to showcase new brilliance," which highlighted efforts to preserve and rejuvenate the nation's cultural relics. Nationwide cultural heritage authorities and institutions organized over 7,000 online and offline activities to enhance public awareness and engagement.

Legal framework and financial commitment

China has established a robust legal system for heritage protection, with the Law of Cultural Relics Protection serving as the cornerstone since its adoption in 1982. Over the past four decades, this legal framework has been continuously strengthened, including six administrative regulations, ten departmental rules and over 400 local legislations, highlighting China's determination and strength in protecting cultural relics. According to China's Supreme People's Procuratorate, in the first five months of 2025, a total of 2,160 public interest litigation cases were filed as part of intensified efforts to safeguard cultural relics and heritage sites.

The central government has allocated substantial financial resources to support conservation projects nationwide. Taking 2024 alone as an example, China's Ministry of Finance allocated 6.38 billion yuan (approximately $880 million) to the National Cultural Relics Protection Funds. These investments have enabled the restoration of numerous historical structures and artifacts while upgrading preservation infrastructure nationwide.

Technological innovations and public involvement

China has made remarkable progress in applying cutting-edge technologies to heritage conservation. In the field of ancient mural preservation, Chinese conservators have developed advanced techniques for stabilizing pigments and repairing damaged surfaces. For painted pottery artifacts, innovative methods have been devised to prevent color fading and structural deterioration. These technological innovations, many of which have received international recognition, underscore China's substantial contributions in the fields of heritage science and conservation engineering.

The development of AI technology has become a powerful tool to break time and space barriers, bringing historical artifacts to life through visual effects. Museums across the country have embraced digital technologies to create immersive exhibitions that attract younger audiences. Traditional culture-themed study tours during school holidays are gaining popularity, bringing textbook history to life for students. The rise of social media platforms enables a new generation of content creators to share their passion for cultural heritage with millions of viewers through compelling storytelling.

International cooperation in preserving humanity's shared legacy

China has been actively involved in global heritage conservation efforts through its participation in UNESCO programs. China has served four terms on UNESCO's World Heritage Committee and twice hosted its annual conference – in Suzhou (2004) and Fuzhou (2021), where it pioneered the "Fuzhou Declaration" establishing new guidelines for sustainable heritage management.

Recognizing the importance of international collaboration, China has shared its conservation expertise with developing countries through training programs and technical assistance. These initiatives have contributed to capacity building in heritage preservation worldwide.

Every civilization contributes to the richness of human heritage. The Xixia Imperial Tombs' listing stands as more than China's 60th UNESCO site – it represents humanity's collective legacy and history. Like all great civilizations, China understands that cultural heritage forms the bedrock of our shared humanity. Through robust legal protection and financial support, cutting-edge conservation technology, vibrant public participation, and global knowledge sharing, China's model and approach is not just about preserving artifacts, but actively shaping a future where cultural diversity thrives, and every civilization's story continues to inspire generations to come in the increasingly interconnected world.

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