This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's accession to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. On July 11, 2025, the Xixia Imperial Tombs were inscribed on the World Heritage List, becoming China's 60th World Heritage site and reinforcing the country's status as having the second-highest number of World Heritage sites globally.

Over the past four decades, China's World Heritage journey has evolved from foundational explorations to today's flourishing achievements. To commemorate this milestone, a new book titled A Long and Arduous Journey: China's World Heritage Nomination Stories, recently published by the CITIC Press Group, explores the unique allure of China's World Heritage sites and the painstaking efforts behind their nominations.

The book features an introduction by Lyu Zhou, director of the National Heritage Center at Tsinghua University, offering readers a professional perspective on the value of World Heritage. 

It highlights 11 iconic World Cultural Heritage sites spanning architectural marvels, religious art, hydraulic engineering, classical gardens of Jiangnan, ancient cities, cliffside rock paintings, multicultural islands, and high-altitude tea mountain. These include the Great Wall, Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, Lushan National Park, Suzhou Classical Gardens, Yin Xu, the Grand Canal, Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, Gulangyu Island, The Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er, and the Beijing Central Axis.

The book also invites 12 cultural heritage experts, including front-line World Heritage nomination drafters, members of nomination teams, and heritage site managers, to provide in-depth interpretations of the unique charm and universal value of each heritage site.

Many of these experts personally experienced the nomination process and share little-known yet fascinating stories behind it. From the initial preparations for inscription to the tireless preservation efforts, these accounts not only highlight China's firm commitment and outstanding achievements in world heritage conservation, but also allow readers to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of safeguarding world heritage.

The publication of A Long and Arduous Journey: China's World Heritage Nomination Stories is an opportunity to showcase China's rich cultural legacy to the world. It also serves as a practical expert-curated travel guide, inviting readers to explore these treasures firsthand.