World Cultural Heritage: Historic Dengfeng Monuments at “the Center of Heaven and Earth” (3)

Standard (III): Can offer unique or at least special witness to a disappeared civilization or cultural tradition.

China’s astronomical observation and exploration started 3,000 years ago and did not cease until the 15th and 16th century. During this historical period of as long as 20 centuries, the rulers of many dynasties advocated and spread “The Center of Heaven and Earth” world view, which was widely accepted by society. The eight architectural compounds of 11 types of the historic Dengfeng monuments at “The Center of Heaven and Earth” represent the various dominant cultures of different times and were the material witnesses to the disappearance of various scientific, educational and religious systems and also the witnesses to the cultural traditions of current Buddhism and Taoism.

Standard (VI): Has direct or substantial relation to universal events, current traditions, ideologies, beliefs or literary and artistic works.

The historic Dengfeng monuments at “The Center of Heaven and Earth” has direct or substantive relation to the relevant beliefs, including the explorations and beliefs regarding astronomical laws, the spread and beliefs regarding the “divine right of emperors,” the advocacy and beliefs regarding worshipping ceremonies, the traditional moral beliefs of the current times, and Buddhism beliefs which originated from and developed in the Shaolin Temple. All the sacred or worldly buildings concentrated in this place are also a direct reflection of the steady and sustained traditional concept of “The Center of Heaven and Earth” as well.

The historic Dengfeng monuments at “The Center of Heaven and Earth” completely deserve to be listed in the World Heritage List and stand in the world heritage forest proudly. They, as the cultural heritage of the entire human race, will be admired and protected by the people of the whole world.