Xixia Tombs Added to UNESCO World Heritage List

The Xixia Imperial Tombs in northwestern China have been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, marking China's 60th entry on the World Heritage List. Known as the 'Oriental Pyramids,' the tombs are the largest and most intact archaeological site from the Western Xia Dynasty (1038–1227), founded by the Tangut people. The site spans nearly 40 square kilometers and includes nine imperial mausoleums, 271 subordinate tombs, and extensive architectural and flood control works. The World Heritage Committee recognized the tombs for their demonstration of cultural fusion, multiethnic integration, and significant role in Silk Road exchanges. Chinese officials described the inscription as a milestone for the Global Civilization Initiative and stressed their ongoing commitment to heritage protection. Preservation of the site provides insights into the artistry, engineering, and intercultural connections of medieval China.