China's Hol Xil natural reserve reviewed for world heritage application

Photo taken on Sept 28, 2016 shows China's Hol Xil nature reserve in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. [Photo/IC]

XINING - China's Hol Xil nature reserve in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has gone through an initial evaluation to become a world heritage site.

The eight-day evaluation was conducted by Chinese and foreign experts, including the completion of the first ever aerial survey of the reserve, according to Buqung, leader of the reserve's management bureau.

Professor Lyu Zhi with the School of Life Science at Peking University, a member of the team, said that the reserve boasted rare natural landscape, abundant wild species and rich biodiversity.

"Through initial evaluation, experts have recognized its value as a natural heritage site and its competitive edge," she said.

At an average altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level, the reserve in Qinghai Province is the habitat of endangered Tibetan antelopes, wild yaks and wild asses, and has more than 7,000 lakes and 255 glaciers.

An inspection report will be submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Center, while the final findings are expected to be released in the summer of 2017 at the 41st session of the World Heritage Committee.

China currently has 10 world natural heritage sites.

UNESCO has acknowledged 1,031 world heritage sites across the globe: 802 cultural sites, 197 natural sites and 32 mixed sites. China has 48 such sites, just below Italy, according to the UNESCO official website.