Britannica Sources used in this answer

How are cultural World Heritage sites different from natural World Heritage sites?

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Ajanta Caves: reclining Buddha — World Heritage site Reclining Buddha statue, Ajanta Caves, north-central Maharashtra state, India.

The distinction between cultural and natural World Heritage sites lies in the criteria used to define their "outstanding universal value" under the UNESCO framework.12

Cultural Heritage Sites

These sites are primarily human-made or human-influenced. They include:
* Historic buildings and town sites.13
* Important archaeological sites.13
* Works of monumental sculpture or painting.13

Natural Heritage Sites

These areas are designated based on their environmental and biological significance. They must meet at least one of the following criteria:
* Furnish outstanding examples of Earth’s geologic processes or record of life.1
* Provide excellent examples of ongoing biological and ecological evolutionary processes.1
* Contain rare, unique, or superlative natural phenomena of outstanding beauty.1
* Serve as habitats for rare or endangered species or demonstrate exceptional biodiversity.1

Additionally, there is a third category known as mixed heritage sites, which contain elements of both natural and cultural significance.1