Beijing landmarks set for Unesco status?

Two of Beijing's most important landmarks are in the running to receive World Heritage status from Unesco.

The Chairman Mao Memorial Hall and the Monument to the People's Heroes have both been included in China's latest application to the organisation, the South China Morning Post reports.

Beijing is perfect for people who want to delve a little deeper into the Asian country's history and these two sites - although only a few decades old - are definitely worth seeing.

Wei Ruifeng - a deputy director of the Dongcheng District Culture Commission - told the news provider that he feels the landmarks deserve the prestigious Unesco accreditation.

"Both structures constitute heritage and a heritage site does not have to be 100 years old to qualify as a World Heritage site," he remarked.

Many travel experts believe that Beijing represents the "real China" and even though it has undergone rapid modernisation over the years, the city has managed to maintain its traditional character.