Beyond the Great Wall: China’s lesser-known Unesco world heritage sites
The debate over the future of Unesco following America’s withdrawal provides a timely reminder of the richness and diversity of China’s own history
The decision by the United States to leave Unesco in protest at what it described as “anti-Israel” bias followed by China’s decision to withdraw its candidate to lead the global cultural organisation has thrown a spotlight on the group’s operations.
The loss of the US and its funding would be a serious blow to the organisation but despite its size and cultural clout America is only 10th on the list of countries with the most world heritage sites.
This may be a reflection of the fact that it is still a relatively young country.
The two countries that top the list – China and Italy – have more than two thousand years of culture and heritage to draw on.
With 52 Unesco world heritage sites – just one fewer than Italy – and a quarter of the globe’s population, China should always have an important part to play in preserving the world’s cultural environment.
