52 World Heritage sites in China

[Photo/Xinhua]

43. Qinghai Hoh Xil

Hoh Xil, which means "beautiful girl" in Mongolian, is located in the north-eastern extremity of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau and listed as the largest and highest plateau in the world. It’s China’s largest and the world’s third largest uninhabited area and home to more than 230 species of wild animals including the endangered Tibetan antelope.

In July 2017, Qinghai Hoh Xil was added to the World Natural Heritage List.

[Photo/Xinhua]

44. Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains

Home to more than 30 percent of the world's giant pandas, Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries are located in southwest Sichuan province. Along with the giant panda, the sanctuary is a refuge to some endangered species and home to between 5,000 and 6,000 species of flora.

In 2006, Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries was added to the World Natural Heritage List.

[Photo/Xinhua]

45. South China Karst

South China Karst, which is made up of the karst landscapes in Yunnan province, Guizhou province and Chongqing city, is one of the world’s most spectacular examples of humid tropical to subtropical karst landscapes. It is also noted for the rich biodiversity found across the 176,228 hectares.

It was first inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List as a natural property in 2007, focusing on three sites. In 2014, another three were added to the list.

[Photo/China.org.cn]

46. Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas

In the high mountains of Southwest China's Yunnan province, three rivers – Jinsha, Nujiang and Lancang – originating from the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, run roughly parallel, north to south for some 170 kilometers. The Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas consists of 15 protected areas in eight geographic clusters.

It was inscribed on the World Heritage List as a natural property in 2003.

[Photo/Chinanews.com]

47. Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area

Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area sits in Hunan province. It is well-known for more than 3,000 narrow sandstone pillars and peaks together with attractive streams, pools, lakes, rivers and waterfalls.

It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

[Photo/IC]

48. Xinjiang Tianshan

Xinjiang Tianshan, comprising four components—Tomur, Kalajun-Kuerdening, Bayinbukuke and Bogda, is part of the Tianshan mountain system of Central Asia, one of the largest mountain ranges in the world. Xinjiang Tianshan features unique landscapes and is an important habit for endemic and relic flora species.

In 2013, Xinjiang Tianshan was added to the World Natural Heritage List.

[Photo/bbs.chinadaily.com.cn]

49 Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area

Located on the western rim of the Sichuan Basin, in Sichuan province, Mount Emei is one of the four scared Buddhist mountains of China. Over the centuries, the cultural treasures in Mount Emei Scenic Area have grown. The Giant Buddha of Leshan is the most remarkable. There is also diverse vegetation ranging from subtropical to subalpine pine forests.

It was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.