UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Beijing

The Great Wall

• Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1981

The Great Wall is the largest defense project in China and the world with the longest span of construction time. Its construction has been on and off for over 2,000 years since the 7th century BC, with a vast expanse of the territory in the northern and central parts of China. Extending as long as 50,000 kilometers, it is a massive project rarely found, hailed as one of the seven wonders in the medieval world along with the Colosseum in Rome and the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. More about Great Wall »

The Forbidden City

• Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1987

The Forbidden City was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1987 by UNESCO. Its design exerted great influence on East Asian, and even modern architecture. Many movies were shot by using this site, such as “the Forbidden City” and “the Last Emperor”.  More about Forbidden City »

The Temple of Heaven

• Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1998

Built in the first half of the 15th century, the Temple of Heaven is located amidst the royal garden, surrounded by old pine trees. Today, it is the most complete existing temple structure in China. It is characterized by the relationship of man and heaven whether in its overall architecture. The view on this relationship is central to Chinese cosmology. More about Temple of Heaven »

The Summer Palace in Beijing

• Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1998

The Summer Palace in Beijing was initially built in 1750, severely damaged in the smoke and fire of war in 1860, and renovated on the original site in 1886. Artificial landscapes such as pavilions, halls, corridors, temples and small bridges all live side by side in harmony with the nearby hills and the vast lake to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value. It undoubtedly deserves its reputation as a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. More about Summer Palace »

Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian Beijing

• Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1987

The remains of the Peking man, located at Zhoukoudian, are 48 kilometers to the southwest of Beijing. Excavations and scientific study are being carried out at the site. Today, scientists have discovered remains of Homo erectus there, thought to live in the Middle Pleistocene. Additionally, remains of everyday tools were discovered, dating back to 18,000 to 11,000 BC. The remains in Zhoukoudian are a testament to the evolutionary process of human beings.    More Zhoukoudian »

Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties

• Listed as a World Heritage Site in 2000

The location of the Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties was chosen in consideration of the theory fengshui. Various architectures were buried underground in these tombs. They represent the product of human activity as their environment changed as well as a glimpse into traditional Chinese architectural styles. They are a vivid reflection of the feudal world view that has influenced China for over five hundred years.  More Details »