Abacus on UNESCO list

The zhusuan, or Chinese traditional abacus, has been listed as a world Intangible Cultural Heritage, UNESCO announced Wednesday in a meeting in Azerbaijan, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

The zhusuan dates back at least 1,800 years, and was listed as a part of China's national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008, China Central Television (CCTV) reported.

It is also the 30th cultural tradition that UNESCO has recognized.

"The entries are the most representative of Chinese culture," said Ma Wenhui, president of Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture, CCTV reported. After carefully examining and debating each one, the abacus really stood out, he added.