Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in “The Centre of Heaven and Earth”

Interpretation of “The Centre of Heaven and Earth” World Heritage Nomination and the Tensions of Cultural Transmutation: From Ancient Cosmology to Contemporary World Heritage Contestation

Mount Songshan, China’s central sacred mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, embodies the ancient cosmological concept of 'The Centre of Heaven and Earth.' This study reveals that while the site’s World Heritage nomination reflects this cultural significance, it also highlights tensions arising from its evolving interpretations. The research demonstrates the need for a reinforced indigenous narrative to acknowledge the long-term transmutability of culture and its multiple possibilities. By tracing critiques from ancient cosmology to contemporary contestations, the paper offers insights into localized applications of World Heritage theory, emphasizing the dynamic nature of cultural heritage.