Heritage sites at risk from over exploitation

With the inclusion of Gulangyu Island, called Kulangsu in the local dialect and known for its well-preserved historical buildings, and Hol Xil, a plateau famous for its natural beauty and biodiversity, China now has 52 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, which was established to safeguard unique and irreplaceable cultural and natural sites around the world.

The decisions, announced on the weekend, should not only be seen as another reason for the Chinese people to take pride in their history and culture, but also a reason to take pride in the conservation efforts that enabled these two sites to meet the selection criteria. Their inclusion means only Italy, with 53, has more sites on the list.

This feat has not been easy, given that China only became a signatory to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1985, and each country is allowed to nominate only two sites each year.