A historic imperial burial site in northwest China has become the country’s 60th UNESCO World Heritage site.
Honoring a legacy of cultural fusion
The Xixia Imperial Tombs, located at the foot of Helan Mountain in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, were officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 11, 2025, during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris. The tombs are celebrated as the largest and best-preserved remains of the Xixia Dynasty (1038–1227), a little-known yet culturally rich period in Chinese history.
With nine imperial mausoleums, 271 smaller tombs, an architectural complex, and over 30 flood control facilities, the site offers rare insight into imperial funeral architecture and Silk Road-era cultural diversity.
“[The Xixia Imperial Tombs] serve as crucial physical evidence for studying ancient ethnic relations, architectural arts, and funerary traditions in China]” said Xinhua Silk Road, the release source. “Their successful inscription enriches the diversity of global cultural heritage.”
A blend of dynastic tradition and local culture
Unearthed artifacts—more than 7,100 to date—include a gilded bronze ox and a glazed Chiwen, reflecting the advanced craftsmanship and deep symbolism of the Xixia civilization. UNESCO recognized the unique blend of Tang and Song imperial mausoleum styles with Buddhist influences and ethnic traditions as a clear example of multicultural fusion.
The tombs’ layout and construction highlight the dynasty’s key role in cultural and commercial exchanges along the historic Silk Road.
Global praise for Chinese preservation efforts
The UNESCO committee also commended the ongoing protection work led by the Chinese government. Named a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 1988, the site has benefited from:
- 60 restoration and reinforcement projects since the year 2000
- Removal of over 100,000 square meters of modern buildings from the heritage zone
- Installation of a custom monitoring and early-warning system
These measures have helped safeguard the authenticity and integrity of the site while preventing erosion and structural instability.
A timeless site with modern impact
With its new title, the Xixia Imperial Tombs stand not only as a national treasure but a global cultural asset. Their legacy continues to inform studies on dynastic history, desert-edge architecture, and the evolution of cultural identity along the Silk Road.
