The evaluation criteria of world heritages are mainly based on the Article One and Article Two of the "Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage"(Convention). Any heritage, which is to be inscribed into the List, shall go through strict appraisal and approval.

Referring to the evaluation reports submitted by experts, who have been entrusted and dispatched to on-site inspection, the World Heritage Committee will conduct approval work at its annual session.

The on-site inspection for nominated heritages is mainly carried out by experts organised by the World Heritage Committee, the ICOMOS, and the IUCN.

The ICOMOS, fully named "International Council on Monuments and Sites", was established in 1965 and headquartered in Paris. As the unique non-governmental international organisation of its kind, it engages in cultural heritage protection in such aspects as theory, methodology and technology application and promotion. At present, it has more than 80 member countries and over 4,500 individual members.

The World Conservation Union, headquartered in Geneva, formerly named "International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources" (IUCN), was founded in 1948 with the goal to boost and encourage the conservation and permanent use of nature. Its members, who are scattering in 120 countries in the world, include official agencies, civil societies, science institutes, and protection organisations etc.

Authorised by the World Heritage Committee, both the ICOMOS and the IUCN are responsible to conduct respective on-site inspection for nominated heritages, and then submit relevant evaluation reports.