Ningxia will initiate the application process by the end of October for the local Mausoleum of Western Xia Dynasty to become a world cultural heritage, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Chairman Wang Zhengwei said.

Wang said the application aims to help to develop the ancient Western Xia culture in the region. The provincial government will also announce plans to protect and manage the site.

The local government has set up a research team to gather opinions and suggestions from domestic experts on cultural heritages. The team will survey the authenticity and integrity of the heritage site and evaluate the prospects of the application.

In addition, Ningxia will build a museum at the site to showcase the Western Xia culture and its artifacts, according to a framework agreement signed by Ningxia and the State Administration of Cultural Heritage.

The Mausoleum of Western Xia Dynasty (1038-1227), lying in the east stretch of Mount Helan, boasts the largest imperial mausoleum in China and enjoys a reputation as the "Oriental Pyramid."

The well-preserved mausoleum consists of nine imperial mausoleums and 253 subordinate tombs scattered in an area of 53 square kilometers.