Paris: The Xixia Imperial Tombs, first constructed nearly a millennium ago, have been officially inscribed on the World Heritage List, underscoring their significance in illustrating a multicultural civilization rooted in agro-pastoralism and trade in northwest China. The announcement was made during UNESCO's 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris, France, increasing the total count of World Heritage sites in China to 60.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the Xixia Imperial Tombs are located at the base of Helan Mountain in Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Built by the Tangut, an ethnic group that flourished in northwest China from the 11th to 13th centuries, the site includes nine imperial tombs, 271 subordinate tombs, an architectural complex covering five hectares, 32 flood control sites, and over 7,100 artifacts, revealing the dynasty's engineering, artistry, and cultural accomplishments since excavations began in 1972.
The World Heritage Committee noted that the site exemplifies cultural fusion and the interactions of diverse traditions. It also highlights the pivotal role of the Xixia Dynasty (1038-1227) in cultural and commercial exchanges along the Silk Road. The committee praised the Chinese government's efforts in protecting and managing the Xixia Imperial Tombs' cultural heritage.
Rao Quan, vice minister of Culture and Tourism of China, expressed China's commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the World Heritage Convention. He emphasized the importance of enhancing holistic and systematic protection of cultural and natural heritage and improving conservation capacity and standards.
In 1038, the Tangut people from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau founded the Xixia Dynasty, with its capital in present-day Yinchuan. At its zenith, the empire's territory spanned 1.15 million square kilometers, dominating the Hexi Corridor and serving as an ancient Silk Road hub. The empire was eventually destroyed by Genghis Khan's Mongol army in 1227.
During the Xixia Dynasty, various ethnic groups, including the Tangut, Han, Uygur, and Tibetan peoples, coexisted, shaping a distinctive and multifaceted cultural identity. The tombs' location, layout, architecture, and artifacts reflect how the Xixia Dynasty adapted Han models from the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties while incorporating distinct ethnic features, according to Shi Jinbo, a scholar in Xixia history.
Shi highlighted how the tombs, facing the Yellow River and backed by Helan Mountain, mirrored traditional mausoleum locations during the Song Dynasty. Distinctive features such as stupas with solid rammed earth interiors not only echo Khitan architectural styles but also embody Buddhist beliefs, enriching imperial burial traditions and showcasing Chinese civilization's unity and inclusiveness.
Artifacts unearthed from the tombs include stone carvings, ceramics, metalwork, and textiles. A 1.52-meter-tall glazed Chiwen from Tomb No. 6 exemplifies advanced glazing techniques. Yu Jun, director of the history institute of the Ningxia Academy of Social Sciences, noted that these glazed building components demonstrate how Xixia artisans adopted craftsmanship from the Song Dynasty.
The Xixia Imperial Tombs have undergone continuous transformation over five decades, from their first archaeological excavation in 1972 to achieving UNESCO World Heritage status in 2025. Efforts included the removal of approximately 100,000 square meters of buildings and modern facilities, significantly improving conservation conditions. The management office collaborated with the Dunhuang Academy and Ningxia University to tackle core conservation challenges.
Recent enhancements at the site include immersive extended reality experiences, interactive workshops, and over 700 cultural products that bring history to life, helping visitors appreciate the tombs' heritage value. Tourists like Ma Qing from Shanghai expressed amazement at the glazed ceramics and cultural fusion evident at the site.
French scholar Romain Lefebvre remarked on the integration of Han Chinese traditions, Buddhist culture, and distinct ethnic customs in Xixia's mausoleum system, exemplifying China's pluralistic yet unified civilization. This multicultural synthesis provides crucial physical evidence for studying ancient ethnic relations, architectural arts, and funerary traditions.
Chen Tongbin, honorary chief of the Institute of Historical Research of the China Architecture Design and Research Group, emphasized the significance of the World Heritage status in revealing historical wisdom created by ancestors and its relevance for contemporary and future human development.