Sacred Destinations
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World Heritage Sites in China

There are currently 27 cultural sites in China that are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Many of these are religious in nature and profiled on Sacred Destinations. Below is an index of World Heritage Sites in China with articles on this website, with the World Heritage number listed in parantheses next to the title. Scroll down for the full list of cultural World Heritage Sites in China.



Dazu Rock Carvings
Sichuan
These magnificent Buddhist sculptures were carved in stone cliffs around Dazu, Szechuan province, between 892 and 1245. They are a World Heritage Site for their importance to Buddhist art.
Emei Shan
Sichuan
Mount Emei is the highest of the four Buddhist sacred mountains of China, rising 3,099 m. It is noted for its breathtaking scenery, mysterious natural wonders, and historical Buddhist sites.
Giant Buddha of Leshan
Sichuan
This is the tallest stone Buddha statue in the world, carved out of a cliff by an 8th-century monk to calm the turbulent confluence of three rivers. Each eyebrow is 18 feet long.
Longmen Caves
Henan
Stretching for a half-mile along the west bank of a river, this site includes some 1,350 caves and 40 pagodas, filled with thousands of Buddhist statues carved out of the hard limestone cliffs.
Mogao Caves
Gansu
These Buddhist cave temples were a center of culture on the Silk Road from the 4th to the 14th centuries and contain well-preserved religious murals and carvings spanning that entire period.
Tai Shan
Shandong
Mount Tai is the most important of five sacred Taoist mountains in China and an important historic site. Rising to a height of 5,000 feet, it is home to 22 temples plus many ruins and inscriptions.
Temple and Cemetery of Confucius
Shandong
The memorial temple of Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher and educator, was built next to his family mansion and family cemetery in 478 BC. Rebuilt several times since, it is now a World Heritage Site.
Temple of Heaven
Beijing
Completed in 1420, this magnificent temple was considered the meeting point of Earth and Heaven. For 500 years it hosted the emperors' sacrifices and prayers for a good harvest at the winter solstice.

List of All Cultural World Heritage Sites in China


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