According to Criteria I-VI, heritages that apply to be inscribed into the List shall have authenticity.

All the understanding of the value of the heritages depends on the authenticity and creditability of the information source of the value. 

The analysis and evaluation, of the authenticity, is mainly based on the understanding and knowledge of the information source of the original and later features of cultural heritages.

However, the criteria for evaluating the value of cultural heritages and creditability of related information source may differ from culture to culture, and even differ within a culture. For the sake of respect to different cultures, the evaluation shall take into consideration the specific cultural background of cultural heritages.

According to the categories and cultural background of cultural heritages, the cultural value (recognised by application criteria) that has creditable features as below will be thought to have authenticity.
a)-Shape and design;
b)-Material and entity;
c)-Uses and functions;
d)-Tradition, technique and management system;
e)-Location and background environment;
f)-Language and other intangible heritages;
g)-Spirits and feelings;
h)-Other internal and external factors.

During the evaluation of authenticity, the Spirits and Feelings act as important indicators though they are not easily operational; e.g. in neighbourhood that has sustained successive tradition and culture. All the information, of this kind, serves to take into full consideration the value cultural heritages exhibit in such aspects as art, history, society and science etc. The sources of information for evaluating the value of heritages vary; they can be material, written, oral and graphic. All the information serves to better the understanding of the cultural heritages’ nature, features, significance and history as well.

In the process of applying for List status, the description of the authenticity shall be based on important and applicable features of the authenticity. The Authenticity Declaration shall include the evaluation for the extent to which each and every feature is embodied. As for the authenticity of archeological ruins, historical architectures or historical quarters, only under special circumstances can relevant reconstruction be taken into consideration.