52 World Heritage sites in China

[Photo by Bao Xinguo/Asianewsphoto]

29 Temple of Heaven: An imperial sacrificial altar in Beijing

Located in the southern part of Beijing, the Temple of Heaven was built in 1420 during the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), originally as an altar for the worship of both heaven and earth. The Temple of Heaven was added to the list in November, 1998.

[Photo by Sun Yang/Asianewsphoto]

30 The Grand Canal

As the world's longest man-made canal, the Grand Canal is one of the greatest hydraulic projects in human history, stretching 1,794 kilometers. As an artery connecting northern and southern China, it has long contributed to the nation's prosperity. It was added to the list on June 22, 2014.

[Photo by Zou Weilin/Asianewsphoto]

31 The Great Wall

The Great Wall is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, rammed earth, wood, and other materials. It was built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China to protect the Chinese states and empires against the raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe. The Great Wall is of great architectural, historic and strategic importance. It was added to the list in December, 1987.

[Photo provided to China Daily]

32 Tusi Sites

Tusi refers to tribal chieftains governing the non-Han ethnic groups in Southwest China, appointed by the central government from the 13th to the mid-20th century. The area is made up of three sites – Laosicheng, Tangya and Hailongtun Fortress. It was added to the list on July 4, 2015.

[Photo/Xinhua]

33 West Lake cultural landscape of Hangzhou 

The West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou, comprising of the West Lake and the hills surrounding its three sides, has influenced poets and painters throughout Chinese history for its natural beauty and historic relics. It has also been among the most important sources of inspiration for Chinese garden designers. It was added to the list in June, 2011.

[Photo/Xinhua]

34 Yinxu

Yinxu is the site of one of the ancient and major historical capitals of China. It is the source of the archeological discovery of oracle bones and an oracle bone script, which resulted in the recognition of the earliest known Chinese writing. Yinxu was added to the list in July, 2014.

[Photo by Chen Xiaodong/Asianewsphoto]

35 Yungang Grottoes

Yungang Grottoes were chiseled during the Northern Wei Dynasty (AD368-534). It was the first large-scale royal grotto project constructed by the state since Buddhism was introduced to China during the Han Dynasty (202 BC- AD 220). It is composed of 254 caves, including 45 major ones, which stretch one kilometer from west to east. Yungang Grottoes were added to the list in December, 2001.