World Heritage Day: 10 must-visit archaeological sites in China

6. The Jinsha site, Sichuan province

Located in Chengdu, capital city of Sichuan province, the Jinsha site is the urban center of the ancient Shu Kingdom and features the distinct Shu culture that emerged during the Shang and Zhou dynasties (c.16th century-256 BC). Its civilization, along with the Sanxingdui civilization, was two of the peaks of development in ancient Shu history.

The Jinsha site has excavated the densest collection of ivory and the most abundant gold and jade artifacts of any site dating back to the same period globally. The most famous "Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament", has been designated as a symbol of Chinese cultural heritage and the symbol of Chengdu's urban image.