In the first few lectures, lecturer mainly focused on the definition of the world heritage and introduced us the ten primary criteria for assessing the outstanding universal value. Within this two weeks, we went through the first criterion—the masterpiece for the human creative genius. After an in-depth reflection, I find it a bit misleading and vague. For instance, we students hardly define whether a monument can fit for it as the word ‘masterpiece’ means a complete and perfect piece of workmanship. What if a monument is damaged by human being or natural disaster? What if a monument undergoes maintenance? Can we still call it as a world heritage? If no, hardly can those historical monuments meet the requirement. In my opinion, a masterpiece may not be undamaged and intact, however, it should be recognized by one another. More importantly, it should help us to be more aware of our own country and provide an opportunity for us to learn about the beliefs, values and culture of society.

The Parthenon Marbles incident has recently aroused much public debate in both Greece and Britain. Those marbles are a group of sculptures and statues from Greece. Without doubt, the marbles have become one of the most recognized symbols and highest architectural accomplishment of ancient Greeks. These tangible assets are so valuable that reminds audience of Greece’s glorious history and helps Greek build up their social and cultural identity. Nevertheless, the British Museum owns these marbles and are now deciding to loan them to Russia. For me, that is definitely a wrong decision and the Museum seemingly treats these sculptures as a commercial good than a world heritage. Each ancient monument means a lot to their country and it is not just a travel sight. Instead, they are the testimony to the natural wealth of a country and the cultural intelligence of the ancient. Not being able to convey the historical message to the Greek, the Parthenon Marbles inevitably loses its value and become displayed item in the museum. Only if this heritage is sent back to Greece, can it show its precious value behind.

World heritage are great assets to everyone, which help us to understand other culture better and remind us of the fabulous creations of the nature and of mankind. It is high time for us to reflect on the meaning of them and try our very best to pay attention to each monument around us.