A Chinese delegation, led by Lt. Gen. Wang Guanzhong, deputy chief of general staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, visited the historic Diriyah area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the northwestern outskirts of Riyadh.

“The deputy chief of general staff and his accompanying delegation recently visited the historic area,” said an official at the Ariyadh Development Authority (ADA) on Saturday.

The ADA is working on developing the historic area in association with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).

The area, the original home of the Saudi royal family, is a cynosure for VIP visitors.

In fact, the area served as the capital in the late 18th and early 19th century.

The Turaif district in the historic area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.

The Chinese delegation was welcomed by ADA and SCTA officials and witnessed a Diriyah development show.

They also attended a presentation on the area’s developmental program before visiting the site.

He said Wang expressed his admiration for what he saw and lauded the remarkable efforts made by the Kingdom for the preservation of its antiquities and international heritage.

Britain’s Crown Prince Charles visited the historic area in February when he came to the Kingdom to attend the national Janadriyah festival.