China’s ancient Silk Road tombs join Unesco World Heritage list
Western Xia imperial burial site recognised for history of cultural fusion is China’s 60th landmark to earn UN cultural agency designation
The site dates back to the Western Xia dynasty (1038–1227), which was ruled by the Tangut people, an ancient branch of the Qiang ethnic group.
The site is located some 30km (19 miles) west of today’s Yinchuan, capital of northwest China’s Ningxia Hui autonomous region.
The 40 sq km (15 square mile) site is home to nine imperial mausoleums, their 271 accompanying subordinate tombs, 32 flood control works sites with walls and discharge trenches, as well as a five-hectare (12 acre) northern architectural complex site for purposes such as worship and management of the tomb area.
According to Xinhua, the World Heritage Committee said the site was a testament to the cultural fusion and interactions among diverse traditions that occurred during the period.