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Decision : 30 COM 8B.39
Nominations of Cultural Properties to the World Heritage List (Yin Xu)

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Documents WHC-06/30.COM/8B and WHC-06/30.COM/INF.8B.1,

2. Inscribes Yin Xu, China, on the World Heritage List on the basis of criteria (ii), (iii), (iv) and (vi):

Criterion (ii): Yin Xu, capital of the Late Shang dynasty exhibits an exchange of important influences and the highest level of development in China's ancient bronze culture, including the system of writing.

Criterion (iii): The cultural remains at Yin Xu provide exceptional evidence to cultural traditions in Late Shang Period, and are testimony to many scientific and technical achievements and innovations, such as the solar and lunar calendar system, and the earliest evidence of systematic written Chinese language in oracle bones.

Criterion (iv): The palaces, ancestral shrines and the royal tombs of Yin Xu are outstanding examples of early Chinese architecture. They have great significance establishing the early prototypes for Chinese palace architecture and royal tomb complexes.

Criterion (vi): The material remains discovered at Yin Xu provide tangible evidence to the early history of the system of Chinese writing and language, ancient beliefs, social systems, and major historical events, which are considered of outstanding universal significance.

Themes: Inscriptions on the World Heritage List
States Parties: China
Properties: Yin Xu
Year: 2006
Decision Code: 30 COM 8B.39