During the 40^th World Heritage Committee session held on Sunday, July 17, in Istanbul, UNESCO decided to include Hubei province's nature sanctuary Shennongjia in its list of World Heritage Sites. The diversity found in the area's biological and ecological system prompted the organization to recognize the wildlife zone as a significant site. Shennongjia, to date, is China's 50^th site to be included in the world-renowned list.

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Shanghaiist reported that in an application submitted by Shennongjia, it was mentioned that the sanctuary has attracted substantial interest from environmental scientists particularly zoologists and botanists in China. The mountain has become a source of botanical history information for people seeking information on the ecosystems of Hubei and its neighboring provinces.

UNESCO described Shennongjia as an area "located in the Hubei province" which "protects the largest primary forests remaining in Central China and provides habitat for many rare species such as the Chinese Giant Salamander and the Asia Black Bear." UNESCO also stated that Shennongjia is one of the only three places in China which showcases absolute biodiversity, making it a haven for botanical expeditions in both the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

With the news about Shennongjia coupled with an international airport recently opening in the area, tourists to Hebei have been increasing. However, Shennongjia Forestry District Mayor Li Faping has vowed to do everything in his power to keep the sanctuary protected.

Apart from Shennongjia, the three Tsui ruins were also included in the list of UNESCO's World Heritage. China is next to Italy as the country the most number of World Heritage sites. Italy has a total of 51 - one more than China.

TagsUNESCO, unesco shennongjia, unesco hubei, shennongjia hubei, shennongjia hubei unesco, world heritage shennongjia hubei, shennongjia hubei unesco world heritage