Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
Country
China
Inscribed in
1996
Criteria
(iv)
(vi)
(x)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
The first Buddhist temple in China was built here in Sichuan Province in the 1st century A.D. in the beautiful surroundings of the summit Mount Emei. The addition of other temples turned the site into one of Buddhism's holiest sites. Over the centuries, the cultural treasures grew in number. The most remarkable is the Giant Buddha of Leshan, carved out of a hillside in the 8th century and looking down on the confluence of three rivers. At 71 m high, it is the largest Buddha in the world. Mount Emei is also notable for its exceptionally diverse vegetation, ranging from subtropical to subalpine pine forests. Some of the trees there are more than 1,000 years old. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 Oct 2025
Good
Current state and trend of VALUES
Low Concern
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Exceptionally rich plant diversity of special significance to conservation and science
Criterion
(x)
Located transitionally between the Sichuan Basin and the eastern Himalayan mountains, Mt Emei has an exceptionally rich floral diversity consisting of some 3,200 plant species, of which more than 100 species are endemic (World Heritage Committee, 2012). These are approximately one third of the total number of plant species in Sichuan province and a tenth of those found in China. They include some 1,600 species of medicinal plants, and 600 species of economic or scientific value (UNEP-WCMC, 2011). This is due to its transitional location at the edge of the Sichuan basin and the eastern Himalayan highlands. Within its elevation range of 2,600 m are found a great variety of vegetation zones including subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest, mixed evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved forest, mixed broad-leaved and conifer forests, and subalpine conifer forest (State Party of China, 2023).
Rich fauna of global importance
Criterion
(x)
The fauna is unusually rich in species. Some 2,300 species have been recorded of a fauna comprised of 51 mammals, 256 birds, 34 reptiles, 33 amphibians, 60 fish, 42 oligochaetes and over 1,000 insect species. Of these, 29 species are under state protection and 157 species are threatened or endemic to China. A number of type specimens come from Mount Emei (UNEP-WCMC, 2011).
Other biodiversity values
The Mt Emei property is within a WWF Global 200 Freshwater Eco-region and a Birdlife International Endemic Bird Area. It is identified as a Key Biodiversity Area by Conservation International and an Alliance for Zero Extinction Site. It is noteworthy that protection of the natural values of the site has been enhanced by its long-standing status as a national sacred site. The quite recent new finding of the occurrence of the Sichuan Hill Partrage (Arborophila rufipectus) in Mount Emei has brought with it rather a significance both for the bird and the carrying capacity of the site (IUCN Consultation, 2025).
Varied and scenic range of undulating hills and valleys, deep gullies and high peaks
Mount Emei rises abruptly 2,600m from the western edge of the Chengdu Plain. Its topography is a very varied and scenic range of undulating hills and valleys, deep gullies and high peaks. The three summits of Mount Emei form a characteristic landscape when viewed from a distance. The bedrock is of well developed and easily identified Late Precambrian sedimentary strata. These contain a large number of fossils and are an important source of geological information. Of particular stratigraphic significance are the Late Precambrian to Cambrian Maidiping section, the Triassic Longmendong section and the Mount Emei basalts. These are part of the extensive Emei flood basalts or volcanic trappe, widespread in southwest China, created by a mantle plume in the period of the Permian-Triassic boundary (UNEP-WCMC, 2011).
Rich Buddhist cultural heritage
On Mount Emei, the importance of the link between the tangible and intangible, the natural and the cultural, is uppermost. Mount Emei is a place of historical significance as one of the four holy lands of Chinese Buddhism. Buddhism was introduced into China in the 1st century CE via the Silk Road from India to Mount Emei, and it was on Mount Emei that the first Buddhist temple in China was built. The rich Buddhist cultural heritage of Mount Emei has a documented history of over 2,000 years, consisting of archaeological sites, important architecture, tombs, ritual spaces, and collections of cultural artefacts, including sculpture, stone inscriptions, calligraphy, painting, and music, among other traditional arts (Periodic report, 2023).
Assessment information
Threats to the site’s value mainly stem from tourism developments and operations. There is a strategy to manage visitors, tourism activities and their derived impacts on the World Heritage property but there are some deficiencies in implementation. The habitat of the Emei Tibetan macaque has become increasingly restricted, leading to conflicts with visitors. The potential impacts of the new cable car to Wanfoding Summit need to be carefully addressed and minimised. Furthermore, there should be corresponding emergency plans and management measures for the impact of natural disasters, including wind erosion, high humidity, rainstorms, mountain floods, landslide, and wildfire.
Recreational Activities
(Overcrowding)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
At present, the most obvious threats stem from the large and increasing numbers of tourists and pilgrims, and the consequential development of facilities infrastructure. There is a strategy to manage visitors, tourism activities and their derived impacts on the World Heritage property but there are some deficiencies in implementation (State Party of China, 2023). Daily visitor numbers for the Wanfo Summit are currently capped at 2,000 and visiting hours are between 7 am and 2 pm. Because of the high altitude and the relatively long trek, the summit is temporarily closed to seniors aged 60 and above (Satte Council, 2021).
The habitat of the Emei Tibetan macaque has become increasingly restricted, leading to conflicts with visitors as the monkeys block paths to demand food (Zou, 2023). There is intensive tourism development inside the property. The impact along the tourism sites and trails on vegetation is significant and tourist disturbance also has an impact on soils (Ni, 2016). In a comprehensive microhabitat survey of the existing habitats of amphibians in Mount Emei and Wawu Mountain, the research team found that tourism-related activities such as pond cleaning and trail construction in some areas encroached on or destroyed the habitat (Zhilan Foundation, 2022).
Feeding of Macaque monkeys by tourists remains a problem, having been previously identified (Priston, 2013). Management efforts have been made to control the impact of tourism but their effectiveness remains to be demonstrated. (Lu, 2013, Wang, 2013, Zhu 2013, Fan, 2012, IUCN Consultation, 2017). In particular, construction of tourism facilities has increased significantly around Fuhu Temple and impacts have been observed on the landscape of subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest of Mt. Emei (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
The habitat of the Emei Tibetan macaque has become increasingly restricted, leading to conflicts with visitors as the monkeys block paths to demand food (Zou, 2023). There is intensive tourism development inside the property. The impact along the tourism sites and trails on vegetation is significant and tourist disturbance also has an impact on soils (Ni, 2016). In a comprehensive microhabitat survey of the existing habitats of amphibians in Mount Emei and Wawu Mountain, the research team found that tourism-related activities such as pond cleaning and trail construction in some areas encroached on or destroyed the habitat (Zhilan Foundation, 2022).
Feeding of Macaque monkeys by tourists remains a problem, having been previously identified (Priston, 2013). Management efforts have been made to control the impact of tourism but their effectiveness remains to be demonstrated. (Lu, 2013, Wang, 2013, Zhu 2013, Fan, 2012, IUCN Consultation, 2017). In particular, construction of tourism facilities has increased significantly around Fuhu Temple and impacts have been observed on the landscape of subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest of Mt. Emei (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
Roads, Trails & Railroads
(Cable car development)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
A cable car carries hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to Golden Summit and has accentuated crowding pressure at this popular spot. It also brings more people into the sensitive montane forest belt. A 2.1 km-long light monorail was installed in 1998 to carry people from Golden Summit to Wanfoding Summit. (ICOMOS, 1995; IUCN, 1995; SOC Report, 2000). The monorail is currently not being operated and therefore its impacts are minimized. There are plans to build a new cable car to Wanfoding Summit. The potential impacts of such a development should be thoroughly addressed. According to the "Proposed Approval Announcement for the Jinding Cableway Renovation and Upgrading Project's Environmental Impact Assessment" it is essential to strengthen the protection of the Mount Emei Scenic Area and World Heritage, enhance biodiversity and soil/water conservation, and minimize ecological impacts during construction (E'meishan Ecological Environment Bureau, 2024). The Sichuan Provincial Development and Reform Commission approved the project with Sichuan Development and Reform Society [2023] No. 324, and the Sichuan Provincial Forestry Bureau and the Grassland Bureau approved the implementation of the Jinding Cableway Transformation and Upgrading Project in the Emeishan Scenic Area (Chuan Lin Huhan [2022] No. 900). According to the approved decision, the construction unit should strengthen the ecological publicity and education in the process of project construction, strictly control the scope of construction area, reasonably arrangs the project construction time, and implement the mitigation measures in accordance with the requirements put forward in this report; in strict accordance with the requirements of the "Regulations on the Protection of Emeishan World Cultural and Natural Heritage" and the "Special Chapter on Ecological Impact" of the project, the protection of the Emeishan Scenic Area and the world cultural and natural heritage will be strengthened, and the protection of biodiversity and soil and water conservation in the region will be strengthened, so as to minimize the impact of project construction on the ecological environment.
Geological Events, Severe Weather Events
(Rainstorms, mountain floods, landslide, and wildfire)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
Rainstorms and mountain floods caused secondary disasters such as vegetation destruction and landslides, which caused some vegetation and buildings damages in the Scenic Area. Landslide occasionally blocked transportation, and hindered visiting in some parts of the property. Wildfire is a potential hazard to plant and animal resources and Buddhist relics in the site (State Party of China, 2023).
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
There is adequate coordination between all bodies/levels involved in the management of the property. Mount Emei Scenic and Historic Interest Area Management Committee and Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic and Historic Interest Area Management Committee, in accordance with the relevant management documents formulated, carry out protection and management of Mount Emei and Leshan Giant Buddha Area respectively. Leshan Municipal Government is responsible for management and coordination and subject to the guidance and supervision of higher authorities. The management system attaches importance to and respects human rights. Local residents participate in the protection of the world heritage site and benefit from it, which also promotes local economic development and brings good economic benefits (State Party of China, 2023). Ongoing relocation of local residents have continued and there are now around 12,000 permanent residents in the site, mainly peasant farmers and Buddhist monks (IUCN Consultation, 2020). Residents have participated in a community based enterprise development study and trial (FAO, 2006). Monks have been encouraged to play a larger role in supporting and managing the property (20COM VIII.B).
Legal framework
In 2016, Sichuan Province has formulated the Regulations of Sichuan Province on the Protection of World Heritage. Local people's governments at various levels are responsible for the protection and management of world heritage within their respective administrative areas. Provisions are made from the nomination, planning and management of World Heritage site, and the functions, duties and obligations of relevant functional organizations are clearly defined (State Party of China, 2023).
On December 16, 2019, the Standing Committee of the Municipal People's Congress held a press conference to introduce the "Regulations on the Protection of Mount Emei World Cultural and Natural Heritage" and the "Regulations on the Protection of Leshan Giant Buddha World Cultural and Natural Heritage". These regulations, tailored to Leshan's specific conditions, aim to systematically protect the mountains, waters, forests, fields, lakes, and grasslands of Mount Emei and Leshan Giant Buddha, promoting coordinated protection, utilization, and inheritance of these dual heritage sites. The regulations took effect on January 1, 2020 (The CPC Leshan Municipal Committee and the People's Government of Leshan City, 2019).
Overall, the legal framework for the broader setting of the World Heritage property provides an adequate basis for effective management and protection of the property, contributing to the maintenance of its Outstanding Universal Value including conditions of Authenticity and/or Integrity. There is acceptable capacity/resources to enforce legislation and/or regulation in the World Heritage property but some deficiencies of enforcement remain (State Party of China, 2023).
On December 16, 2019, the Standing Committee of the Municipal People's Congress held a press conference to introduce the "Regulations on the Protection of Mount Emei World Cultural and Natural Heritage" and the "Regulations on the Protection of Leshan Giant Buddha World Cultural and Natural Heritage". These regulations, tailored to Leshan's specific conditions, aim to systematically protect the mountains, waters, forests, fields, lakes, and grasslands of Mount Emei and Leshan Giant Buddha, promoting coordinated protection, utilization, and inheritance of these dual heritage sites. The regulations took effect on January 1, 2020 (The CPC Leshan Municipal Committee and the People's Government of Leshan City, 2019).
Overall, the legal framework for the broader setting of the World Heritage property provides an adequate basis for effective management and protection of the property, contributing to the maintenance of its Outstanding Universal Value including conditions of Authenticity and/or Integrity. There is acceptable capacity/resources to enforce legislation and/or regulation in the World Heritage property but some deficiencies of enforcement remain (State Party of China, 2023).
Governance arrangements
The local government plays a crucial role through the Scenic Area Management Committee, a dedicated agency. At present, Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area is mainly managed by the Management Committee of Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, which has 19 organizations, mainly composed of the Party and Government Office, Bureau of Organization and Human Resources and Social Security, Finance Bureau, Tourism and Culture Bureau, Planning and Construction Transportation Bureau, Ticket Management Center, etc. In addition, there are 6 represented offices: Public Security Bureau, Industry and Commerce Bureau, Urban Management Team and Fire Brigade. Their main responsibilities are to publicize, implement and undertake the protection, utilization and unified management of the scenic area; formulate and organize the implementation of protection measures, cultivate and expand the tourism and cultural industry; build infrastructure and public facilities, and do a good job in safety emergency plan and other related maintenance and management work. Mount Emei Scenic Area is managed and operated by the Management Committee, a county level agency of Leshan Municipal People's government. Mount Emei Scenic Area Working Committee of the Communist Party of China is the management organization of Mount Emei Scenic Area. It works together with Mount Emei Management Committee. At present, there are 18 public management units and 7 government-sponsored institutions. The setting of their organizations is basically the same as that of the Management Committee of Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area. The division of their labor and responsibilities of the organization are clear and in place. Each performs its own duties, and reasonably and effectively carries out the relevant operation work of scenic area protection, utilization and management (Xu, 2020).
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
In 2023, the General Office of the People's Government of Sichuan Province issued the "Sichuan Province Plan for Building a World-Class Tourist Destination (2023-2035)". It aims to leverage the resources of Mount Emei and the Giant Buddha of Leshan to create a world-renowned heritage tourism paradise, a world-class health and wellness resort, and a leading global destination for educational tours, with the ultimate goal of establishing Sichuan as a world-class tourist destination (People's Government of Sichuan Province, 2023). In 2024, The "General Plan for the Territorial Space of Leshan City (2021-2035)" has been approved, requiring the coordinated management of historical and cultural protection and urban development, the establishment of a reasonable historical and cultural protection system, strict implementation of the control requirements for historical and cultural protection lines, and the focused protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of Mount Emei - Leshan Giant Buddha (Leshan Municipal Bureau of Natural Resources and Planning, 2024).
Boundaries
The boundaries are sufficient to maintain the property's Outstanding Universal Value and are known to both the management authority and local communities/landowners. While the buffer zones do not hinder the maintenance of this value, improvements are needed. Currently, only the management authority is aware of the buffer zones, which have not been announced to the public. To address this, the management agency will soon publicize the buffer zone boundaries and raise public awareness (State Party of China, 2023).
Overlapping international designations
No overlapping.
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
No recent Committee recommendations to implement (State Party of China, 2023).
Climate action
The Mount Emei Scenic Area and Sichuan University collaborated to build a joint atmospheric environment observation points to continuously monitor the environment of Mount Emei. The Leshan Giant Buddha World Cultural Heritage monitoring and early warning system was established to carry out real-time monitoring of 56 indicators of 16 categories, including the disease of the Giant Buddha itself, natural environment and fire safety. The disaster evacuation and rescue passage projects, the fire prevention and fire pipeline development project, the cable bridge maintenance and reinforcement project of Mount Emei scenic area have been completed. The Emergency Plan for Forest Fire Prevention and Extinguishing and the Emergency Plan for Flood Control and Mountain Flood Disaster have been formulated (State Party of China, 2023). However, further attention is needed for natural disasters such as wind erosion, high humidity, rainstorms, and landslides.
Management plan and overall management system
In 2024, the Leshan Giant Buddha Management Committee developed the "Leshan Giant Buddha World Cultural Heritage Protection and Management Plan" and the "Five-Year Action Plan for the Protection and Utilization of Leshan Giant Buddha (2024-2028)" (The Management Committee for the Conservation of the Leshan Giant Buddha, 2024). In 2022, the Emeishan Scenic Area Management Committee drafted the "Overall Plan for Emeishan Scenic Area (2022-2035)" and sought public opinions (The Management Committee of Mount Emei Scenic Area, 2022). Approval status for these plans is unknown.
Law enforcement
Overall, the legal framework for the broader setting of the World Heritage property provides an adequate basis for effective management and protection of the property, contributing to the maintenance of its Outstanding Universal Value including conditions of Authenticity and/or Integrity. There is acceptable capacity/resources to enforce legislation and/or regulation in the World Heritage property but some deficiencies of enforcement remain (State Party of China, 2023).
Sustainable finance
The available budget is inadequate for basic management needs, severely limiting management capacity. The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced tourist numbers and income, exacerbating the budget shortfall (State Party of China, 2023).
Staff capacity, training and development
Human resources partially meet the management needs of the World Heritage property. Each division organizes technical training supported by higher departments to improve overall capacity. A site-based capacity-building plan is in place and partly implemented, with some skills transferred to local managers, but most technical work is done by external staff (State Party of China, 2023).
Education and interpretation programmes
The world heritage site adopts a series of interpretation systems and emerging technologies such as 5G, AR/VR, holographic images, etc., to display the charm of the Emei Mountain-Leshan Giant Buddha World Heritage in an all-round way, and to improve the understanding and protection level of the heritage site. There is a limited and ad hoc education and awareness programme for children and/or youth (State Party of China, 2023).
Tourism and visitation management
There is a strategy to manage visitors, tourism activities and their derived impacts on the World Heritage property. The overall plan of Mount Emei Scenic and Historic Interest Area and the overall plan of Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic and Historic Interest Area stipulate the maximum number of tourists and tour routes. There is good cooperation between those responsible for the World Heritage property and the tourism industry to present the Outstanding Universal Value and increase appreciation. The presentation and interpretation of the Outstanding Universal Value of the property is acceptable but improvements could be made (State Party of China, 2023).
Sustainable use
Sustainable development is integral to the management plans of both Mount Emei and Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Areas. Local residents are permitted to conduct small business activities within the heritage site, enhancing protection and management efforts. Fees contribute substantially to the management of the World Heritage property. Annually, special funds and pension subsidies are distributed to local villagers, sharing tourism benefits and providing jobs (State Party of China, 2023).
Monitoring
Concern has been noted regarding the lack of monitoring of impacts on natural values in the past (WCMC, 2012). However, there are now three atmospheric automatic monitoring stations and forest resource positioning research stations and other heritage monitoring facilities in the scenic spot, with the monitoring data released through the official website (IUCN Consultation, 2020). There is a comprehensive, integrated programme of monitoring, which is relevant to management needs and/or improving understanding of the Outstanding Universal Value. Information on the values of the World Heritage property is adequate and key indicators have been defined but monitoring of the status of indicators could be improved (State Party of China, 2023).
Research
A rescue and breeding project for Parakmeria emei population rejuvenation was implemented. The Forest Ecosystem Research Station and atmospheric environment observation station on Mount Emei were established, along with comprehensive environmental monitoring projects. Additionally, a real-time monitoring and early warning system for the Leshan Giant Buddha World Cultural Heritage was set up to monitor its condition, natural environment, and fire safety. There is considerable research but it is not directed towards management needs and/or improving understanding of Outstanding Universal Value. Research results are shared with local communities and partners but there is no active outreach to national or international agencies (State Party of China, 2023).
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
The threats outside the site are mainly natural disasters, including wind erosion, high humidity, rainstorms, mountain floods, landslide, and wildfire. Rainstorms and mountain floods caused secondary disasters such as vegetation destruction and landslides, which caused some vegetation and buildings damages in the Scenic Area. Landslide occasionally blocked transportation, and hindered visiting in some parts of the property. Wildfire is a potential hazard to plant and animal resources and Buddhist relics in the site (State Party of China, 2023). Efforts are underway to address these threats in particular through monitoring efforts and developing early warning systems.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
Overall threats to the property are generally of low impact. The threats noted in the last assessment relate to acidification of freshwater bodies and soil from air pollution had been effectively controlled. Existing factories in the world heritage site have been shut down or moved out. Meanwhile, traffic diversion management, clean energy and new energy sightseeing bus are employed to control the pollution emission (State Party of China, 2023). A comprehensive sewage treatment system has been established to effectively protect the landscape environment of Emei mountain. As a result, the ecological environment has been continuously improved, and the excellent air quality rate has remained stable at over 90% (Mount Emei Scenic Area Management Committee, 2024). At present, the most obvious threats stem from the large and increasing numbers of tourists and pilgrims, and the consequential development of facilities infrastructure. Protection and management in recent years, especially with increased tourist pressure, is mostly effective and being improved.
The heritage site rigorously adheres to relevant laws and regulations to ensure the effective protection and management of its integrity and authenticity, thereby preserving its Outstanding Universal Value. Nevertheless, certain challenges remain that require attention, most notably regarding human and financial resources. The available budget is inadequate for basic management needs, severely limiting management capacity. The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced tourist numbers and income, exacerbating the budget shortfall. In 2024, the Leshan Giant Buddha Management Committee developed the "Leshan Giant Buddha World Cultural Heritage Protection and Management Plan" and the "Five-Year Action Plan for the Protection and Utilization of Leshan Giant Buddha (2024-2028)". In 2022, the Emeishan Scenic Area Management Committee drafted the "Overall Plan for Emeishan Scenic Area (2022-2035)" and sought public opinions. However, the approval status for these plans is unknown.
Good practice examples
In terms of local community residents (what are the typical practices that have been undertaken to effectively address the needs of local stakeholders in the management system and to enable their full and active participation) a variety of measures have been taken to effectively share benefits with local residents. The scenic area provides many job opportunities, for example, sanitation workers, forest rangers, interpreters and other jobs in the scenic area to local villagers and to enable them participate in heritage protection together with the heritage manager. It also provides vendor stalls for local residents to sell tourist products, souvenirs and to rent clothes, and at the same time license them to run tourist hotels in the scenic area, so that the local residents can run the business and shift their livelihood from agriculture to tourism, with which their economic income significantly increased and their living conditions greatly improved. At the same time, local residents get compensation for returning farmland to forest every year. The management authority also give 8% of the ticket revenue to local residents as special subsidy including annual subsidy of $154.8 for each villager and monthly pension of $77.4 for each women aged over 55 and men aged over 60 (State Party of China, 2023).
Exceptionally rich plant diversity of special significance to conservation and science
Low Concern
Trend
Stable
The potential impacts of the new cable car to Wanfoding Summit need to be effectivles addressed. According to the "Proposed Approval Announcement for the Jinding Cableway Renovation and Upgrading Project's Environmental Impact Assessment", it is essential to strengthen the protection of the Mount Emei Scenic Area and World Heritage, enhance biodiversity and soil/water conservation, and minimize ecological impacts during construction (E'meishan Ecological Environment Bureau, 2024). Rainstorms and mountain floods caused secondary disasters such as vegetation destruction and landslides, which caused some vegetation and buildings damages in the Scenic Area. Wildfire is a potential hazard to plant and animal resources and Buddhist relics in the site (State Party of China, 2023).
Nevertheless, various conservation efforts have shown positive results for the floral diversity of the property. At the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (COP16) the Emei pseudoparthenolia project funded and recommended by the International Botanic Garden Conservation Union (BGCI) was recognized by the United Nations for its outstanding achievements in rescue and protection. After years of efforts, Emei pseudoparthenocarpa has gone from less than 100 plants found in the wild, to 3,200 seedlings cultivated, 900 plants returned to the wild, and 390 plants conserved ex situ, and its conservation work has achieved remarkable results (Jiang, 2024). Additionally, the ongoing protection efforts for Parakmeria omeiensis (a tall evergreen tree of the genus Magnoliaceae) are commendable with artificial pollination showing positive results. The increase in the number of individuals from less than 100 to the current 3,200 has effectively curbed the endangerment trend of the species (Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, 2023).
Furthermore, the importance of the property as habitat for Davidia involucrata has been reconfirmed by Xuling et al. (2021).
Nevertheless, various conservation efforts have shown positive results for the floral diversity of the property. At the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (COP16) the Emei pseudoparthenolia project funded and recommended by the International Botanic Garden Conservation Union (BGCI) was recognized by the United Nations for its outstanding achievements in rescue and protection. After years of efforts, Emei pseudoparthenocarpa has gone from less than 100 plants found in the wild, to 3,200 seedlings cultivated, 900 plants returned to the wild, and 390 plants conserved ex situ, and its conservation work has achieved remarkable results (Jiang, 2024). Additionally, the ongoing protection efforts for Parakmeria omeiensis (a tall evergreen tree of the genus Magnoliaceae) are commendable with artificial pollination showing positive results. The increase in the number of individuals from less than 100 to the current 3,200 has effectively curbed the endangerment trend of the species (Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, 2023).
Furthermore, the importance of the property as habitat for Davidia involucrata has been reconfirmed by Xuling et al. (2021).
Rich fauna of global importance
Low Concern
Trend
Data Deficient
The status of the rich fauna, which includes a number of threatened or near threatened species such as the red panda, Asiatic black bear and golden cat within the site, is currently unknown. There is little monitoring data publicly available on the current population trends of key species and therefore this value is assessed as data deficient. The habitat of the Emei Tibetan macaque has become increasingly restricted, leading to conflicts with visitors as the monkeys block paths to demand food (Zou, 2023). However the ongoing discoveries of new species occurrences like the Sichuan Partridge (Arborophila rufipectus) and amphibians e.g. Scutiger chintingensis (Zhilan Foundation, 2022) indicates that the property remains a critical refuge for globally important fauna.
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Data Deficient
Overall threats to the property are generally of low impact and the key attributes remain in good condition and of low concern with projects supporting seedling cultivation, artificial pollination and enhanced protection measures for the rich plant diversity. While the status of key animal species is unknown, there continue to be new discoveries (e.g. Sichuan Partridge and amphibians) demonstrating the site remains an important refuge. The threats noted in the last assessment relate to acidification of freshwater bodies and soil from air pollution had been effectively controlled. Existing factories in the world heritage site have been shut down or moved out. Meanwhile, traffic diversion management, clean energy and new energy sightseeing bus are employed to control the pollution emission. A comprehensive sewage treatment system has been established to effectively protect the landscape environment of Emei mountain. As a result, the ecological environment has been continuously improved, and the excellent air quality rate has remained stable at over 90%. At present, the most obvious threats stem from the large and increasing numbers of tourists and pilgrims, and the consequential development of facilities infrastructure.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important biodiversity values
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
There is a lack of comprehensive monitoring data publicly available to assess the state and trend of the other biodiversity values.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important values
Good
Stable
The Integrity of the World Heritage property is intact (State Party of China, 2023).
Additional information
History and tradition
The property is of exceptional cultural and spiritual significance as the birthplace of the Buddhist religion in China and the place from where it spread widely through the East. It is one of the four holy lands of Chinese Buddhism. It also contains a magnificent array of religious monuments and treasures, including the largest carved statue of Buddha in the world.
Outdoor recreation and tourism
The Mt Emei property is one of the most important Buddhist worship centres in the world and attracts huge numbers of domestic and international pilgrim visitors.
The property provides employment opportunities like tour guides, cleaners, and servers for community residents, supporting their participation in heritage site operations. This enables residents to gain economic benefits while fostering a deeper understanding and respect for world heritage. As a result, they become advocates for heritage protection, forming a united effort (Mount Emei Scenic Area Management Committee, 2024).
References
| № | References |
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| 1 |
E'meishan Ecological Environment Bureau (2024). Announcement on the Proposed Approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment Document for the Renovation and Upgrading Project of the Jinding Cableway. https://www.emeishan.gov.cn/emss/gsgg/202401/139bb5f2cd1b42…. Accessed 20 February, 2025.
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| 2 |
Fan Z, Zhong S, Zhang W. (2012). Harmonious tourism environment and tourist’s perception: An empirical study of mountain-type world cultural heritage sites in China. Journal of Service Science and Management, 5(01), 95.
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| 3 |
IUCN Consultation. (2017). IUCN Confidential Consultation- Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, China
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| 4 |
Jiang, L. (2024). 获联合国认可！峨眉山这一植物界的“大熊猫”保护工作成效显著. Leshan Forestry and Garden Bureau. Published online 6 November 2024. Available at: https://lcj.sc.gov.cn/scslyt/sxdt/2024/11/6/3d8c18f03d7a4a6…
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| 5 |
Leshan Municipal Bureau ofNatural Resources and Planning (2024). General Plan for the Territorial Space of Leshan City (2021-2035). https://szrzyhghj.leshan.gov.cn/sgtzyj/tdlyztgh/202403/74fc…. Accessed 20 February, 2025.
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| 6 |
Lu S, Xie K P, Li C H. (2013). Preliminary studies on the evaluation system of endangered wild officinal plants in Mount Emei[J]. Guihaia, 33(2), 229-235.
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| 7 |
Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China (2023). 生物多样性优秀案例（44） | 四川极度濒危植物峨眉拟单性木兰拯救保护. Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China. Published online 22 May 2023. Available at: https://www.mee.gov.cn/ywgz/zrstbh/swdyxbh/202305/t20230522…
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| 8 |
Mount Emei Scenic Area Management Committee (2024). Feedback site manager_Mount Emei Scenic Area. Accessed 20 February, 2025.
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| 9 |
Ni, S.S., et al., (2016). Impact to tourism disturbance on soil and vegetation in Emei. China Agricultural Resources and Zoning, 37(03), 93-96.
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| 10 |
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