Gulangyu was inscribed on the World Heritage List, raising China’s total number of world heritage sites to 52
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On July 8 local time, at the 41st session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Krakow, a city renowned for its historical and cultural significance in Poland, China’s candidate site for World Heritage status, “ Gulangyu: A Historic International Community,” was successfully inscribed on the World Heritage List as it met the criteria set out in Articles 2 and 4 of the World Heritage Convention. Adding the “Hoh Xil” site, which was listed as a natural heritage site the previous day. To date, the total number of World Heritage sites in our country has reached 52. Gulangyu is located at the mouth of the Jiulong River in Fujian, facing Xiamen Island across the Lujiang Strait. The World Cultural Heritage site of Gulangyu covers the entire island of Gulangyu as well as its nearby waters, with a total area of 316.2 hectares ； The Gulangyu Buffer Zone includes the adjacent islands of Daliu and Houyu, and extends all the way to the coastline of Xiamen Island, covering a total area of 886 hectares. **After the war, based on its traditional settlements, Gulangyu gradually developed into a historical international community characterized by the integration of diverse cultures. Lugang Island still boasts 931 historical buildings and gardens from various periods and styles, a naturally formed network of historical roads, as well as rich natural landscapes, reflecting the integration of modern living concepts with local traditional culture.
The World Heritage Committee considers Gulangyu to be a testament to China’s modernization during the early stages of globalization, featuring significant cultural diversity as well as the standards of modern living from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century. Gulangyu vividly reflects the extensive exchange of diverse cultures in various aspects. Its well-preserved historical relics accurately and completely document its tortuous development process and dynamic stylistic changes, truly reflecting the history of an era marked by intense changes. The development of Gulangyu clearly documents the convergence and spread of different **cultures on this island, as well as the main characteristics of China’s early modern architecture in terms of its adoption of Southeast Asian and Western styles. Gulangyu has also witnessed the history of mutual understanding and joint development among different cultures and value systems around the world, providing a reference for the integrated development of diverse cultures in China and other regions. **Song Xinchao, deputy director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, said in his speech on behalf of China that \" Gulangyu: A Historic International Community\" is a unique living cultural heritage site in China that has witnessed the country’s process of modernization during the early stages of globalization, as well as the exchange and integration of various cultures between China and other countries. It reflects China’s deep and strong cultural roots, as well as its willingness to embrace, incorporate, and develop different cultures and values from around the world. China has carried out extensive efforts in areas such as the conservation of the cultural heritage on Gulangyu, the interpretation and presentation of its cultural value, improving the quality of life for the island’s residents, and enhancing the visiting experience for the public. In response to the recommendations put forward by the World Heritage Committee regarding the need to strengthen control over the number of visitors, improve the monitoring and management of heritage sites, and protect historical buildings, Song Xinchao said that China **will strictly abide by the provisions of the World Heritage Convention and its Operational Guidelines, as well as the resolutions of the World Heritage Committee. It will carry out proper protection, management, and utilization efforts for Gulangyu, control the number of visitors to the island appropriately, improve the condition of the heritage sites themselves, and enhance the capabilities and standards in terms of monitoring and management, so as to present a better version of Gulangyu to the public.
It’s a great place; it lives up to its reputation. :lol
It’s a nice place to go on a trip with the family when you have time