The Outstanding Universal Value of Mount Emei, Sichuan, China (Part 2)

Being one of the four holiest sites resembling Chinese Buddhism, Mount Emei carries significant historical, natural and cultural value. Buddhism was introduced into the Chinese territory through the Silk Road from India to China. It was in the 1st century when the first Buddhist temple was built in Mount Emei. Research on Mount Emei has shown the mountain recorded a long history of above 2000 years. Researchers have found valuable architectural design, tombs, spiritual sites and varieties of traditional cultural artifacts which includes stone carving, traditional Chinese calligraphy, paintings and music.

Covering a total area of 15,400 ha, the heritage zone of Mount Emei has been categorized as a sacred Buddhist Mountain in the country and has been treated as a protected site for the past 3000 years. Since 1982, Mount Emei has established its reputation as a “Scenic Area” since the modern era through the introduction of environmental and cultural heritage laws. As the mountain covers a huge zone of inaccessible terrain, much of its area remains unexplored.

Mount Emei consists of a combination of man-made elements and natural environment. The strong relationship between these elements leads the high authenticity of the mountain. Since its incorporation into the Scenic Area category, ongoing projects have been developed to conserve and restore individual buildings within the mountain. However, the authenticity of the buildings are carefully preserve to maintain its historical value. Today, Mount Emei is under proper management where development of the buildings must adhere to strict standards.

The value of Mount Emei as a cultural heritage and tourists attraction has received major attention by the Chinese government. Since the implementation of the first General Administrative Plan of Mount Emei and the central government’s Regulations on Scenery Areas, management of the site is required to follow strictly so that the scenic zone is protected from modern exploitation. Besides that, other regulations implemented by the provincial government include Regulations on World Heritage Protection of Sichuan Province and Regulations on Scenery Areas of Sichuan Province. The government has also set up a committee who came up with a Revised Master Plan. The master plan outlined the legal basis and policy structure to the management to effectively conserve the heritage site. Development projects which are considered exploiting the natural environment are strictly controlled and require approval from the government as it might negatively impact the landscape. As a 5A tourist attraction, the management of Mount Emei receive financial support from the provincial and central government to ensure the originality of Mount Emei is preserved.