Objectives This study aimed to situate Xinjiang’s potential World Heritage nomination within a broader international context by reviewing the nomination status of natural and mixed heritage sites in neighboring regions. By identifying and comparing values, the research sought to reassess the resource areas in Xinjiang that have significant potential for future World Heritage nominations. Additionally, it provided valuable insights for future cross-border nomination efforts in collaboration with neighboring countries. The findings will contribute to both the regional nomination process and the feasibility of transnational collaborations.

Methods The research commenced with an examination of the nomination status and defining characteristics of natural and mixed heritage sites, in addition to the tentative lists of Xinjiang’s neighboring countries. Relevant technical documents from the World Heritage Centre and international advisory bodies served as the basis for this assessment. Following this, the study overlayed existing natural protected areas in Xinjiang, focusing on the criteria for Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and the pivotal resource components. Based on these evaluations, four regions in Xinjiang were selected for further comparative analysis, emphasizing both their distinctive characteristics and potential advantages for nomination.

Results The comparative analysis revealed that the diverse regions of Xinjiang possessed a number of key strengths. The Karakorum-Pamir was distinguished by its towering peaks, with particular potential under Criterion (Ⅹ). The China Altay, representing the southern slope ecosystem, excelled in landscape diversity. The Taklimakan Desert−Populus euphratica forests, was identified as a particularly noteworthy area due to the extent of its vegetation and the richness of its desert resources. Additionally, the Kalamaili Nature Reserve, with its similar natural resources, demonstrated considerable potential for nomination under Criterion (Ⅹ) due to its wild animal resources.

Conclusions The findings confirmed that Xinjiang’s border regions possessed significant value for World Heritage nomination, both in terms of their unique resources and their alignment with evaluation criteria. Moving forward, further research into these resource areas, and potentially others, will be essential. It would be beneficial to undertake specialised studies from a global World Heritage perspective to provide a solid foundation for future nomination efforts, both for Xinjiang and in collaboration with neighboring countries.