Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, Fujian province, is seeking UNESCO cultural heritage status at the 41st session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee being held from July 2 to 12 in Krakow, Poland.

A short ferry ride from downtown Xiamen, the 1.87-square-kilometer island is a famous tourist spot with sandy beaches, winding lanes and historical sites.

Gulangyu Island, which has a number of historical buildings, is a 1.87-square-kilometer retreat a ferry stop away from the downtown area of Xiamen, Fujian province. Zhu Xingxin / China Daily

The island has witnessed clashes of culture and integration between the East and the West since Xiamen was opened to foreign trade in 1844. So far, many historical relics and representative natural scenic spots are still well-preserved on the island.

The island began the application process in 2008. In 2012, it was included in the preparatory directory for World Cultural Heritage Sites in China, a prerequisite in China for the application of UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

With the approval of the State Council, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage submitted the application to the World Heritage Committee in January 2016.

Fifty-one historical buildings and mansions, four historical roads, seven natural sceneries and two cultural relics were included in the application.

China has the second-highest number of World Heritage Sites in the world - after Italy - despite only making the list for the first time in 1987.

During its 41st session, the committee will assess the nomination of 34 sites for inscription on UNESCO's list, including another Chinese site — Hoh Xil in Qinghai province.