Skip to content

Chinese historical document collections enlist on UNESCO's World Memory Registry

UNESCO adds three Chinese documentary heritage collections to its Memory of the World Register, according to a statement made on Thursday by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Chinese historical document collections enlist on UNESCO's World Memory Registry

Article Rewrite

The Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng graces the halls of Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China, while steles from Shaolin Temple stand proudly in Dengfeng City, both emblems of China's rich cultural heritage. These prestigious artifacts, along with the Trilingual Inscription, earned their place in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, announced by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on the 17th of April, 2025.

The Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng, a set of ancient Chinese bronze bells, dates back to roughly 433 BC, making it over 2,400 years old. Discovered in 1978 from the Tombs of Marquis Yi in Suizhou, these bells symbolize the refined craftsmanship and cultural achievements of the time. The Bianzhong is more than just a collection of 65 bells, each with its unique tone, they are a testament to the musical and historical prosperity of ancient China.

On the other hand, while the Shaolin Temple is revered worldwide for its martial arts and cultural heritage, the provided search results do not delve into the specific steles from the temple being recognized in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. However, it's worth noting that a stele related to Ming navigator Zheng He's voyage was included in UNESCO's prestigious register, signifying China's enduring commitment to preserving and showcasing its historical maritime trade and cultural exchange.

The newly inscribed Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng joins the ranks of other cultural treasures like the Trilingual Inscription, reinforcing China's status as a global guardian of history and culture.

  1. The Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng, inscribed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2025, is a testament to China's political and cultural legacy, showcasing the refined craftsmanship of over 2,400 years ago.
  2. The Marquis Yi of Zeng's Bianzhong, with its 65 unique bells and historical significance, is a centerpiece of the policy-and-legislation surrounding the protection and promotion of China's general news and cultural collections.
  3. The UNESCO recognition of the Shaolin Temple's steles, like the one commemorating Ming navigator Zheng He's voyage, is a reminder of China's role in fostering maritime trade and cultural exchange through its rich historical artifacts.
  4. The 2025 UNESCO inscription of the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng underscores China's position as a key player in policy-and-legislation concerning the preservation and presentation of the world's cultural heritage, alongside other renowned artifacts such as the Trilingual Inscription.
UNESCO adds three Chinese documentary heritage collections to its Memory of the World Register, according to a statement issued on Thursday.
Three sets of historical documents from China have been added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, as declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on Thursday.
UNESCO adds three Chinese documentary heritage collections to its Memory of the World Register, as per the announcement made on Thursday by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Read also:

Latest