The ruins of China's ancient Shang Dynasty capital in Anyang, Henan province, is open to the public for free to celebrate its successful inclusion onto the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The 3,300-year old ruin was inscribed into the World Heritage List on July 13 by the 30th session of the World Heritage Committee in Lithuania.

The site was China's only cultural heritage site applying for inscription this year and the 33rd Chinese site to be included.

The ruins, covering 24 square kilometers, have been proven by its oracle bone inscription excavated from the site, said to be the earliest of its kind in China, featuring civilization of the Bronze Era.

It also tops the "100 significant archaeological discoveries in the 20th century of China."

The free-admission period will last from July 16 to August 15.

The number of visitors will be controlled to avoid overcrowding as more preservation work is taken to protect the heritage.

(CRIENGLISH.com July 22, 2006)