China’s world natural heritage sites are being well preserved, with a new national assessment finding no serious human-induced damage or threats to their universal value. The report presents the country’s first comprehensive review of natural heritage conservation over four decades.

China now has 15 world natural heritage sites and four mixed cultural and natural heritage sites, the highest total globally. Spanning from the southeastern coast to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the northwestern deserts, these sites represent a wide range of ecosystems, including mountains, forests, grasslands, wetlands, lakes, deserts and coastal areas.

Experts say China’s natural heritage is notable for both its high conservation value and diversity. The Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan meets all four natural heritage criteria, while Mount Taishan is recognised for its exceptional natural landscapes and cultural significance – combinations rarely seen worldwide.

Together, the 19 sites cover about 80,000 square kilometres across 20 regions, offering valuable experience in large-scale, cross-regional conservation and contributing to global natural heritage protection efforts.

Source: China Central Television