Germany - Moravian Church Settlements (Germany)

 Moravian Church Settlements is a proposed transnational extension of Christiansfeld, a Moravian Church Settlement (Denmark) founded in southern Jutland 1773 as a colony of the Moravian Church, a Protestant denomination in the free church tradition centred in Herrnhut, Saxony. The serial extension comprises three component parts: Herrnhut (Germany), the ‘mother’ or ‘founding town’ of the Renewed Moravian Church, established in 1722 in Saxony and which emerged in step with the evolution of Moravian theology and societal ideals, defining the principles of all Moravian Church settlements; Historic Moravian Bethlehem (USA) founded in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1741, highlighting the most prolific settlement building decade and its early transatlantic dimension, and adding the cultural dimension of the Moravians’ outreach to Native Americans; and Gracehill (UK) founded in Northern Ireland in 1759, representing the importance of the Moravian Church in the UK and representative of a series of ‘ideal’ urban plans, and one which illustrates a remarkable axis of gender symmetry. 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

The town of Hernnhut is hilighted in Germany's nomination as a Monrovian settlement as a tentative list for the UNESCO World Heritage. Thanks to Marcel of Germany.

Bahrain - Saar Heritage Park

The following monuments are located with this area: Early Dilmun town South Burial Complex (the "Honeycomb" complex) * North Burial Complex * Late Dilmun temple * Single Burial mounds To maximize their appeal to the general public, these monuments should be promoted collectively as a single attraction. This should be done by creating a Saar Heritage Park to protect and develop all the monuments listed above. * Early Dilmun town The Dilmun Town covers an area of 2.25 hectares. The main characteristics of the town are: a wide street with subsidiary alleyways running off approximately at right angles; a temple on the highest point; housing blocks sometimes arranged around an open square; and two-and three roomed houses with regular suites of domestic installations. The buildings are remarkably well-preserved, with walls standing over 3m high in places and domestic ovens and hearths intact. The settlement is the only one on Bahrain to have been excavated extensively and visitors are afforded a unique glimpse of daily life in Bahrain 4,000 years ago. * South Burial Complex The so-called 'Honeycomb Cemetery-lies less than half-a-kilometre to the south of the Dilmun town.

Source: Unesco World Heritage Tentative List


A private house of the Dilmun period in Ancient Saar, Bahrain (2000 BC). Thanks to Marcel of Germany.


Greece - Minoan Palatial Centres (Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, Zakros, Kydonia)

"Knossos - Phaistos - Malia - Zakros -Kydonia"

"Crete, prominently and strategically located in the East Mediterranean Basin, formed the bridge between the peoples and cultures of three continents, Europe, Africa and Asia, and was the cradle of a splendid prehistoric civilisation in the land of Greece, the Minoan civilisation.

The civilisation was named “Minoan” by Arthur Evans, the excavator of Knossos, which, according to myths preserved by ancient writers, was the seat of King Minos. The Minoan civilisation is connected to a great chapter in Greek mythology: the abduction of Europa by Zeus in the form of a bull, the ingenious Daedalus and his son Icarus, the Minotaur and the Labyrinth, the seven youths and seven maidens sent from Athens as tribute to Minos, the Athenian hero Theseus - who, with the assistance of Ariadne, rid his city of this blood-tax - the bronze giant Talus and the Argonauts, are all inextricably linked with the civilisation of Crete and its palaces, and have been a source of inspiration not only for ancient Greek culture but also for world art, music and literature." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List



Postcard 1
The Palace of Knossos and the Prince with the Lilies. Thanks to Anne of Finland.



Postcard 2
View of Festos (Phaisto) archaelogical site, in Crete, Greece. Thanks to Dustin of Germany.






Postcard 3
The Queen's Hall with frescos of dolphins, Palace of Knossos, Crete with matching frescos of dolphins stamp. Thanks to Dustin of Germany.



Postcard 4
Gold Jewel from Malia 1800 BC in Archaelogical Museum of Herakleion, Greece. A great addition to my museum postcard collection worldwide. Thanks to Dustin of Germany.

Georgia - Gremi Church of Archangels and Royal Tower

City of Gremi, capital of vanished Kachetian Kingdom of Georgia, located on the Gilian-Shemakha branch of the Great Silk Road, was destroyed by the army of Shah Abbas in XVI c. and never been restored since then. The ruins of Gremi city are now important Late Medieval archaeological site with ruins of churches, trading arcades, baths and dwellings. Gremi attracts visitors with the well-preserved architectural complex: Church of Archangels Michael and Gabriel and the Royal Tower.

The Gremi Church was built and painted upon the order of King Leon in 1565. Peculiar relation of proportions to separate volumes of Gremi Church attaches new features to traditional structure of Georgian cross-cupola churches. The main cross of the building is very high and narrow. The arches are arrowed and have not capitals or tractions. The dome is supported on two free-standing piers and the extensions of the apse. The fabric is of so-called Georgian brick. The façades are samples of developed brick church decorative system characteristic to late feudal epoch in Georgia. The forms of décor are achieved through deepening of planes and turquoise fittings. The wall painting of construction period is preserved inside the Church. The Gremi Church has become a prototype for a whole group of other church buildings in Georgia.

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative  List




Gremi, 16th-century architectural monument, consists of the royal citadel and the Church of the Archangels located n Kakheti, Georgia. Thanks to Uli of Austria.



Turkey - The Bodrum Castle

"The Bodrum Castle (Castle of St. Peter) is located on a small rocky peninsula set between two sheltered bays in Bodrum, on the south- west coast of Anatolia. This peninsula inhabited and known in the ancient world as Zephyrion and was probably used as a rear base by the Byzantines in the early Middle Ages and then by the Turks. The Castle was built by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem (also called Knights of St.John, Knights Hospitallers, Knights of Rhodes) under the mastership of The Grand Master Philibert de Naillac, at the beginning of 15th century A.D., and ruled by them almost 120 years until the conquest of Rhodes by Suleiman I (Suleiman The Magnificent) in 1522. In Ottoman Period, the Bodrum Castle is used as a small garrison base and in 1895 it was transformed into a prison. During the 1st World War, the castle was bombed on the 26th of May 1915 by a French battleship. This caused great damage to the castle, the prisoners were moved inland and the castle was evacuated. Then the Italians invaded Bodrum and they posted their soldiers at the castle and used it as their headquarters. Following the success of the Turkish War of Independence under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal on the 5th of July 1921, the Italian military forces were dispersed. Between the years 1939-1945 during the 2nd World War, the Castle was yet again used as a military base but was evacuated at the end of the war. Today, the Bodrum Castle is home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which is unique in Turkey, and one of the most significant Underwater Archaeology Museums in the world."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Bodrum Castle (Castle of St.Peter) in Bodrum, a seaport in southwestern Turkey. It is nominated in the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage. Thanks to Marcel of Germany. 

United Arab Emirates - Ed-Dur Site

Ed-Dur Site is one of the of the largest archaeological sites in the United Arab Emirates, overlooks Al Beidha Lake. It is naturally surrounded by a series of high sand dunes that protect it from the northern offshore wind prevailing in the region. The site is associated with Meliha site in the Emirate of Sharjah, with which it had strong ties. It was considered the food supplier by using marine transport, while Meliha was concerned with agricultural products that were not available in Ed-Dur. These transactions led to the existence of a unified economy with its own currency . The location of Ed-Dur represents a junction between "Shrax" in southern Mesopotamia and the "north-west of India that serves in supplying water and other items, facilitating the commercial trips. This is indicated in the wells found by the archaeological Mission of Belgium, in addition to many goods imported such as coins, pottery and stone vessels.

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Nice Ed Dur archaelogical site postcard with matching stamps. Thanks to Jean-Pierre of France.



India - Tamil Nadu - Temples of Kanchipuram

Another aspect of Kanchi is its rich political legacy. Kanchi was an important city mentioned in the Sangam literature under the rule of the Cholas. However, with the rise of the Pallavas under Simhavishnu about sixth century CE, who made Kanchi as his capital, it gained more political clout and importance. It remained the capital city of the Pallavas for next two centuries. It continued to be a secondary capital under the Cholas as always, they took pride in possessing it and embellishing it with many temples.  After the end of Chola rule in thirteenth century and till toady it never lost its pre-eminence as a centre of culture, religion and sacredness. The ensemble of religious, cultural, social and political efflorescence for several centuries made Kanchipuram a vibrant centre of built heritage, particularly temples dedicated to Siva and Vishnu, in all more than one hundred and fifty temples. The 11 temples are identified under this nomination, are as follows:

  1. The Rajasimhesvaram or Kailasanatha Temple
  2. Piravatnesvara temple
  3. Iravathanesvara temple
  4. Paramesvara Vinnagaram or Vaikuntaperumal temple
  5. Muketswara temple
  6. Arulala or Varadharaja Perumal temple
  7. Ekambaresvara temple (Thirukachiekambam)
  8. Jvaraharesvara temple
  9. Pandava Dootha Perumal Temple
  10. Yathothkari Perumal Temple
  11. Ulagalanda Perumal Temple

Sri Vaikuntaperumal Temple at Kanchipuram. Thanks to Michael of Germany.



Ethiopia - Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP)

"The Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP) is a world heritage property located some 800km north of Addis Ababa in Amhara National Regional State in the northern Ethiopia highland massif. The property area was only 136 square kilometers when it was originally established under the Negarit Gazetta No 4 of 31st October 1969, Order No 59 of 1969. More recently, the Simien Mountains National Park boundary had been extended in order to secure larger areas of suitable habitat for the Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolf and to protect the entire afro-alpine and afro-montane vegetation communities on a scenic landscape in the year 20010-2013. In the effort of the participatory re-demarcation process of the national Park, important sites including Mesarerya and Limalimo Wildlife Reserves; and the Silki, Kidus Yared and Ras Dejen Mountains with the interconnecting corridors had become part of the property and exclude some villages situated on the edge of the park and some areas under cultivation based on the need to comply with the national conservation laws and policies that prohibit settlements and cultivation; and regulate extractive use of resources in national parks. Thus, the current Simien Mountains National park extends from 37051'26.36''E to 38029’27.59’’E longitude and from 13006'44.09 '' N to 13023'07.85'' N latitude with a total area of about 412 square kilometers and formally gazetted in the national law in the year 2014 with the regulation No 337/2014."

Source: UNESO World Heritage Tentative List


A cool postcard of Simien Mountains of Ethiopia. Simien National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A nice bushbuck deer stamp used. Thanks to Anna who is living in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.


Sao Tome and Principe - Volcanic Islands of Sao Tome and Principe

"Located off the coasts of Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, the volcanic islands of the Gulf of Guinea include the islands of Principe, Sao Tomé (together forming the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe), Bioko and Annobon (part of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea), which all join the volcanic line of Cameroon. The nominated property includes the islands of Sao Tome and Principe. The island of Sao Tome, with a total area of ​​857 square kilometers, lies 255 km west of Gabon and has several islets, the largest of which are llha das Cabras in the north, Santana in the east and Sete Pedras and Rolas to the south. The equator passes through the center of the Rolas islet. The highest point, Pico de Sao Tomé, is 2024 meters above sea level. The island of Principe, with a total area of ​​139 square kilometers, lies 220 km west of the island. continental Africa. Pr[ncipe Island is associated with six main satellite islets: Pedra da Galé, Mosteiros and Born-Born to the north, Caroço to the southeast, and Tinhosa Grande and Tinhosa Pequena which lie about 20 km to the south. The highest point, Pico do Principe, is 942 meters above sea level. In 2006, Parque Natural "Obô" de Sao Tomé and Parque Natural "Obô" de Principe were created, with areas of 19,500 ha and 8,500 ha on the respective islands (a total area of ​​approximately one-third of the country) to protect their representative forest, coastal and marine ecosystems. The “Obô” Natural Park of Sao Tomé and Principe is the nominated property of the State Party of Sao Tomé and Principe."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Pico Cão Grande (Great Dog Peak) of Obo National Park is a landmark needle shaped volcanic plug in the south of Sao Tome island. Thanks to Uli of Austria who visited Sao Tome and Principe.

Singapore - The Padang Civic Ensemble

"The Padang (Malay for ‘field’) is a multi-use open green space set at the heart of the historic Singapore settlement that combines the features and functions of a playing field, ceremonial parade ground, and tropical civic square. As one of the oldest open spaces in Singapore, the Padang is a seemingly nondescript yet dynamic green that has evolved organically and accrued diverse functions since its formation in the early 1820s. Shortly after the establishment of a British trading post in Singapore in 1819, the Padang originated as a military parade ground within the larger cantonment which served as the settlement’s military and governing centre. It also served as a defensive esplanade and provided a clear field of fire to defend the fledgling British settlement against foreign naval invasions and internal uprisings. Once the military threat subsided, the site soon gained new and overlapping functions –developing over time into a playing field for British sports like cricket, the town’s municipal and civic centre, and a commemorative venue for pageantries, royal celebrations and Singapore’s independence day parade. Continuously activated over two centuries, the Padang has been a mainstay in Singapore’s urban and social fabric since the colonial era till present.

The Padang is the focal point of a British colonial civic square which was developed by the former colonial administration as its municipal headquarters, and subsequently appropriated by the post-independence government. Sharing the evolutionary trajectory of similar open spaces and civic squares found in former British settlements, the property bears testament to the widespread phenomenon of decolonisation and the globally significant transition of long-held British territories to newly independent nations in the decades following World War II.

With the Padang as its centrepiece, the property comprises the Former City Hall and Former Supreme Court buildings (currently the National Gallery Singapore), Saint Andrew’s Cathedral, Old Parliament House (currently the Arts House), Former Town Hall and Victoria Memorial Hall (currently Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall respectively), and the Former Empress Place building (currently the Asian Civilisations Museum) which all date to the period of British colonial rule in Singapore (1819–1963). This cluster of Neoclassical buildings juxtapose against the adjacent New Parliament and New Supreme Court buildings which were constructed during the post-independence era (1965–present). Two sporting clubs, the Singapore Recreation Club and the Singapore Cricket Club occupy the Padang’s north and south ends respectively, and contribute to the site’s long-running recreational character. The Padang Civic Ensemble collectively represents the administrative, legislative, social, recreational, religious and cultural functions that served colonial and post-colonial society in Singapore."

Source: UNESCO WHS Tentative List


Postcard 1
Aerial view of Padang, Singapore. Bought this postcard in Singapore and cancelled it at Changi Airport, Singapore.



Postcard 2
Aerial view of Padang and adjacent British Colonial Buildings. Bought this postcard in Singapore and cancelled the stamp at Singapore Changi Airport Post Office.



Postcard 3 
Saint Andrew Catheral - Aerial View.  Bought this postcard inside the Cathedral. 



Postcard 4 
Saint Andrew Catheral - Interior View. Bought this postcard inside the cathedral.

South Korea - Capital Fortifications of Hanyang : Hangyangdoseong Capital City Wall, Bukhansanseong Mountain Fortress and Tangchundaeseong Defense Wall

 Hanyangdoseong 1

Jongno-gu, Seodaemun-gu and Seongbuk-gu Districts, Seoul City


Hanyangdoseong 2

Seongbuk-gu and Jongno-gu Districts, Seoul City


Hanyangdoseong 3

Jongno-gu District, Seoul City


Hanyangdoseong 4

Jongno-gu District, Seoul City


Hanyangdoseong 5

Junggu-District, Seoul City


Hanyangdoseong 6

Jung-gu and Yongsan-gu Districts, Seoul City


Hanyangdoseong 7

Jung-gu District, Seoul City


Hanyangdoseong 8

Jongno-gu and Seodaemun-gu Districts, Seoul City


Bukhansanseong 1

Deokyang-gu District, Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province / Jongno-gu, Seongbuk-gu, Gangbuk-gu and Eunpyeong-gu Distrcts, Seoul City


Bukhansanseong 2

Deokyang-gu District, Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province


Bukhansanseong 3

Deokyang-gu District, Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province


Bukhansanseong 4

Deokyang-gu District, Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province


Bukhansanseong 5

Deokyang-gu District, Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province


Bukhansanseong 6

Deokyang-gu District, Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province


Bukhansanseong 7

Deokyang-gu District, Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province


Bukhansanseong 8

Deokyang-gu District, Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province


Bukhansanseong 9

Deokyang-gu District, Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province


Bukhansanseong 10

Deokyang-gu District, Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province


Bukhansanseong 11

Deokyang-gu District, Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province


Bukhansanseong 12

Deokyang-gu District, Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province


Bukhansanseong 13

Deokyang-gu District, Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province


Bukhansanseong 14

Deokyang-gu District, Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province


Bukhansanseong 15

Deokyang-gu District, Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province


Bukhansanseong 16

Deokyang-gu District, Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province


Tangchundaeseong 1

Jongno-gu, Seodaemun-gu and Eunpyeong-gu Districts, Seoul City and Deokyang-gu District, Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province

The nominated property comprises fortifications that were completed in the 18th century. These fortifications were built to defend Hanyang, the capital of the Joseon Dynasty. Hanyang, located in the center of the Korean Peninsula, was formed to be the core of politics and economy for the new dynasty when it was founded in the 14th century. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the dynasty faced invasions from Japan and China while being constantly threatened by foreign naval forces and artillery attacks. As a result, a new defense system was determined to be needed to protect the dynasty by strengthening its central military command. The Joseon rebuilt Hanyangdoseong, a city wall surrounding its capital, and constructed two other fortifications called Bukhansanseong and Tangchundaeseong north of the capital city. The nominated property thus consists of these three fortifications that inherit the following traditions: 1. structure of the Korean Peninsula’s traditional capital fortifications, and 2. fortress construction technique utilizing natural topography. In this regard, the property illustrates the development stages of the capital defense system which is composed of the 18th century's a capital city wall, a defense fortress on the mountain and a fortress blocking the enemy’s route.


As a serial property, the nominated property constitutes three sites, the Hanyangdoseong Capital City Wall, Bukhansanseong Mountain Fortress and Tangchundaeseong Defense Wall. These three fortresses are located in Seoul and in the mountainous area north of the capital. The Hanyangdoseong Capital City Wall was first built in the 14th century. To strengthen the capital defense system in the 18th century, the Joseon Dynasty not only reinforced the city wall but also constructed a defending fortress on a mountain located 5km north from the capital. Lastly, the capital defense system was completed by adding a third fortress to block the enemy's route between the capital city wall and the mountainous fortress. These three fortifications were combined to form an integrated defense system. The nominated property, Hanyangdoseong Capital City Wall (18.6km), Bukhansanseong Mountain Fortress (11.6km) and Tangchundaeseong Defense Wall (5.1km), forms a total of 35.3 kilometers in length along with local flatland and ridges. It is the largest existing capital fortification in East Asia.


Hanyangdoseong Capital City Wall is located at the center of Seoul City. The wall measures 18.6km in length, including both stone walls and natural bedrocks. Currently, 14.5km of the total wall is visible with naked eye. The fortress is currently protected and managed as a historic site. In the 20th century, survey work was conducted to ascertain its original wall lines. Moreover, regular excavation projects have led to finding additional remains of the fortress and designating them as Korea’s state Cultural Heritage.


Bukhansanseong Mountain Fortress was built to protect local residents around the fortress during emergency. It stretches out to Seoul Metropolitan City and Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province. Out of the 11.6km in total length, 8.6km was built in stones and 3.0km is natural bedrocks. Surveys have identified fortress walls, lookouts, gates and guard posts. Starting with the restoration of the Great West Gate in 1958, repair and maintenance work has been done on a consistent basis. Additional sites were also found in inside of the fortress: a king's emergency palace, a maintenance building, a Buddhist monk soldiers' temple (Residing monks in the temple not only maintained the fortress but also protected the fortress from any foreign invasion.), a storage for weapons and other military supplies. The excavation work for the emergency palace site had been completed and it is currently undergoing maintenance. Excavation and maintenance efforts have also been facilitated for the other sites on a constant basis but more work still needs to be done.



Postcard 1
Seoul Fortress Wall on Mt Bugaksan sent using a 2015 Year of Sheep stamp and special sheep cancellation. Thanks to Park of South Korea.




Postcard 2
Nice night view postcard of Namdaemun Gate, officially known as the Sungnyemun (literally Gate of Exalted Ceremonies), is one of the Eight Gates in the Fortress Wall of Seoul, South Korea, which surrounded the city in the Joseon Dynasty. The gate is located in Jung-gu between Seoul Station and Seoul City Plaza, with the historic 24-hour Namdaemun market is next to the gate. It was unfortunately burnt by arson in 2008 and had been rebuilt. Thanks so much to Dave of Ulsan who took time to find the Year of Ox stamp at Seoul Central Post Office. Finally, I received a postcard with a South Korean Year of Ox stamp. Kamsa hamnida Dave of USA.


Austria - Bregenzerwald (Bregenz Forest)

"An impressive landscape on the north side of the Alps, the Bregenzerwald has largely maintained its traditional farming structure including the specific types of farmstead buildings. In the long-stretched linear or nucleated villages many of the characteristic Bregenzerwald farmsteads of the 18th and 19th centuries have been conserved. They reflect in their shapes and styles the economic history of the country, the regional agricultural conditions, but also the early onset of industrial development in Vorarlberg which is embodied in the rural architecture of the time. Many small textile processing workshops in the farming milieu are a testimony to this development. A number of villages, such as Thal, Schwarzenberg, or Schoppernau, still have some fine examples of original "Walderhauser" (Forest Houses) to illustrate this largest and most uniform housing landscape of Vorarlberg. The wooden buildings covered by characteristic shingle roofing determine the appearance of the cultural landscape, and their various types and shapes document the economic and cultural development of the region."

Source: UNESCO WHS Tentative List




Bregenzerwald (Bregen Forest), Austria is a UNESCO World Herittage Tentative List. Nice stamp used which is the third Covid-19 stamp issued by Austria. It represent a plaster with "TUT GAR NICHT WEH" (DOESN'T HURT AT ALL) to encourage Covid 19 vaccination. Thanks so much to Uli of Austria. Received on July 15, 2022.

Thailand - The Andaman Sea Nature Reserves of Thailand

"The nominated property that make up the Andaman Bioregion of Thailand are 6 national parks, Ranong Biosphere Reserve and mangrove conservation areas; 1) the Mangroves and Inshore Islands, 2) the Offshore Islands and 3) the Beaches and Coastal Gallery Forests.These ecoregions each display geological, characteristic, faunal and floral features that contribute to the overall narrative of Andaman biogeography; together, they combine to create a unique synergy of unparalleled beauty and natural history."

Source: UNESCO WHS Tentative List


Postcard 1 - Mu Ko Surin
Spider crab at Mu Koh Surin Marine Park, Phang Nga.




Postcard 2A - Mu Ko Similan
Mu Ko Similan National Park is a marine park in Phang Nga Province, on the west side of Southern Thailand facing the Andaman Sea. I bought these postcards in Thailand in February 2011.




Postcard 2B - Mu Ko Similan

Argentina - Australia - Denmark - Workers’ Assembly Halls

Workers’ Assembly Halls is a proposed transnational serial nomination that is representative of the global phenomenon of mass organisation of workers by the international democratic labour movement in the context of industrialisation during the formative period of working-class internationalism from 1850 to 1950. Purpose-built and established by international democratic labour movements from the 1850s onwards, the tradition continues with new workers’ assembly halls still being built today. They are located in proximity to industrial zones or directly related to developing industrial areas and were always managed by international democratic labour movements. They were self-confident in architectural expression and intended to stand out in the surroundings, thereby signalling a permanent presence of the international democratic labour movement. The buildings continue to function as meeting places with public access, either in direct continuation or in clear relation to their original purpose. They are in a good state of conservation and still retain the layout and floorplan of their original function. This includes meeting rooms of various sizes, service areas, offices, often kitchens and sometimes apartments, printing press, cooperative businesses, or other sources of income. Decorations and architectural features intended to motivate a sense of community are also preserved.

China - Slender West Lake and Historic Urban Area in Yangzhou

"Slender West Lake, formerly Baozhang Lake, is located in the northwest of Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province, covering an area of two square kilometers. In the mid-18th century, the moats and a large number of suburban villas of salt traders along the moats built in different locations and in different historical period (Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties) were connected elaborately and delicately to welcome the south inspection of Emperor Qianlong, thus forming a beautiful belt of the lake with garden scenery combining natural and human landscapes characterized by the most famous 24 scenes of "rolling stone archway, winding water in west park, spring pillow on the long bank, bright cloud in white pagoda" etc....

The historic urban area in Yangzhou refers to the Yangzhou City built on the basis of Luocheng City of the Tang Dynasty and Dacheng City of the Song Dynasty in the Ming and Qing dynasties covering an area of 5.09 square kilometers which made great contributions to the economic, political and cultural development of Chinese feudal society and had a significant impact on world culture. Relying on its highly developed salt economy, Yangzhou still kept strong vitality and had a great influence in the Ming and Qing dynasties..." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1
Received a nice registered postcard of famous lake view of Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China with special Covid-19 themed pictorial postage printed label used. There is even a Braille embossment. Thanks to Li of Yangzhou, China. Postmarked Yangzhou November 7, 2021 and arrived on December 14, 2021.




Postcard 2
View of Slender West Lake - a find day after sonow in early spring of Twenty four Bridge Scenic Zone. Thanks to Wang of Jiangsu, China who visited here.