Core Viewpoint - The inscription of the "Western Xia Tombs" as China's 60th World Heritage site highlights its cultural significance and historical value, marking it as Ningxia's first World Cultural Heritage site [1] Summary by Relevant Sections Historical Context - The Western Xia Dynasty was established in 1038 AD and lasted until 1227 AD, coexisting with the Song, Liao, and Jin dynasties, with its capital located in present-day Yinchuan, Ningxia [1] - At its peak, the Western Xia Dynasty controlled an area of 1.15 million square kilometers and held significant power over the Hexi Corridor [1] Archaeological Significance - The Western Xia Tombs, located on the Helan Mountain alluvial fan, consist of 9 imperial tombs, 271 accompanying graves, and cover an area of nearly 40 square kilometers [1] - Over 7,100 artifacts have been unearthed from the site, including architectural components, stone tablets, ceramics, horse gear, coins, and remnants of murals, with architectural components being the most abundant [1] Cultural Artifacts - Notable artifacts include a large green-glazed "Chiwun" (a type of mythical creature) that reflects the craftsmanship and artistic innovation of the Western Xia, showcasing a blend of Tang and Song styles [5] - The gilded bronze bull, weighing 188 kilograms, exemplifies advanced metalworking techniques and the cultural exchanges between the Western Xia and the Central Plains [11][12] - The red sandstone sculpture of a warrior and the gold-plated decorative items highlight the unique artistic styles and high-level craftsmanship of the Western Xia period [15][16] Linguistic and Cultural Legacy - The Western Xia script, created by Emperor Li Yuanhao, consisted of nearly 6,000 characters, which became largely undecipherable after the dynasty's fall, but significant progress has been made in recent years to understand it [16] - The Western Xia Tombs serve as a crucial testament to the multi-ethnic and multicultural exchanges along the Silk Road, contributing to the understanding of China's diverse historical narrative [16]