This picture is of the three major ingredients used to create Natural Dye(Blue Indigo). The materials consist of Potassium(left), baba plant(bottom), Firewood ashes(top).
This image shows the process of dipping the cloth in the dye pits.
Cloth after completing the Tye-Dye process
The ancient tie-dye pits located in Kano State, Nigeria, are a collection of man-made pits dating over six hundred years(1498) in which natural dyes are used by traditional artisans to dye textiles. The materials used for the dying are all natural. Potassium, Baba tree bark and Firewood ashes. The dyes only produce one colour which is Indigo Blue. The process of forming the dye can take up to 9 months. The pits are reused throughout this period as the older the dye formulation in the pit, the better the quality of the dye. The pits are used to dye the clothing of the royal families' in Kano. They are are known for producing vibrant colors and unique patterns, which are created by the various minerals found in the dye.
Blausee is a stunning natural lake nestled in the Swiss Alps near the town of Kandersteg. Visitors can access the lake by car or public transportation, and there is an admission fee to enter the area. Once there, visitors can take a leisurely walk around the lake, go fishing, rent a rowboat or paddleboat, or explore the nearby hiking trails. Blausee is known for its crystal-clear water and the fish and other aquatic creatures that live there, as well as the variety of wildlife that can be seen in the surrounding forests. There are several restaurants and cafes on site, as well as a souvenir shop and public restrooms. Blausee is committed to sustainability and environmental protection, and visitors are asked to respect the natural beauty of the area and dispose of their trash properly. Overall, Blausee is a peaceful and beautiful destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Blue Tears in Matsu is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the waters surrounding Matsu Islands, Taiwan and China. It is caused by bioluminescent organisms, also known as "sea sparkle," that emit blue light in the ocean, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Blue Tears in Matsu can be observed during summer nights, sometimes on beaches or out at sea, and the best time to view them is usually between April and May. This natural wonder has become a popular attraction for tourists, and an important tourism resource for Matsu.
This is a picture of Jade Dragon(Yu-Long) Snow Mountain.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic and Historic Area
It is a Grade 5A National Scenic Spot officially approved by the National Tourism Administration which include the Jade Dragon mountain, old town of Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Lugu Lake.
The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a group of snow-capped mountains in Lijiang, about 15 km north of Lijiang, is 75 km long and is the nearest mountain range to the equator in the northern hemisphere that accumulates snow all year round. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is known as "Oulu" in Naxi, meaning "Heavenly Mountain". Due to the large drop in height of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, it has a complete vertical zone of natural landscape from the river valley at the foot of the mountain to the peak with subtropical, temperate to cold zones. This is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna, including 13 species of nationally protected animals and 20 species of nationally protected plants. Between 1982 and 2002, the tongue of the largest glacier on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baishui 1, retreated by approximately 250 metres and reduced in thickness and snow area. The end of the glacier rose in elevation from 4,255m in 2004 to 4,320m in 2009; the width of the glacier at 4,680m shrank from 336m in 2004 to 318m in 2009. Global warming is the main reason for the retreat of glaciers on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Arlington Reef of the Great Barrier Reef
This is a photo of Arlington Reef, as one of the major coral reefs of Great Barrier Reef.
Boardwalk through a forest featured in The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
A picture of boardwalk through a forest in The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is the agency responsible for the management and protection of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Australia. It was established in 1975 under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act, with the primary goal of ensuring the long-term conservation and sustainable use of the Great Barrier Reef.
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest and longest coral reef complex located off the northeast coast of Australia in the South Pacific Ocean, stretching for a total of about 2,600 kilometres, with a maximum width of 161 kilometres. There are about 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands of various sizes spread over an area of about 344,400 square kilometres. Built by billions of tiny coral polyps, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing ever built and can be seen even from outer space. It was inscribed on the World Natural Heritage List in 1981 for its rich biodiversity. Climate change, pollution, crown-of-thorns starfish and fishing are the most damaging factors to the health of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. Since 1985, the Great Barrier Reef has lost more than half of its reefs to these hazards, with two-thirds of this loss occurring since 1998.A March 2016 report showed that a third global bleaching event triggered by ocean warming could wipe out the entire north-central reef, accounting for more than 40% of the Great Barrier Reef.
A picture of a mountain goat at Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park(US)
Picture of St Mary Lake in Glacier National Park
A picture of St. Mary Lake and Wild Goose Island, Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
National Park Service (NPS), an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior. The NPS is responsible for the preservation and protection of national parks and other designated sites in the United States.
The Dazu Rock Carvings represent an outstanding example of Buddhist art and architecture, showcasing the evolution of Chinese art over a period of over 700 years. The carvings are located in a series of 75 protected grottoes spread over 40 sites in the steep cliffs of the Dazu area, covering an area of approximately 1,000 square meters. They depict a wide range of Buddhist deities, figures, and scenes, as well as important historical figures, and everyday scenes of life in ancient China. These carvings, which originated in the 7th century, are famous for their remarkable artistic value, preservation of ancient Chinese art, and their historical significance in the propagation of Buddhism (Dazu Rock Carvings, 1999). The carvings showcase over 50,000 statues and 100,000 Chinese characters, presenting intricate depictions of Buddhist teachings, rebirth stories, and the life of Buddha (Denise Patry Leidy et al., 2010). These impressive features have earned the Dazu Rock Carvings a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list since 1999.
Located on the US-Canada border in northwest Montana, the park covers over 4,000 square kilometres, includes parts of two Rocky Mountain subranges and has over 130 named lakes, and is home to over a thousand species of plants and hundreds of animals. The mountains of Glacier National Park began forming 170 million years ago when ancient rocks were forced eastwards and overlain by younger rock formations. These sedimentary rocks, known as Lewisian retrogradational rocks, are considered to be the finest fossils of early life on Earth. Maps and photographs from the mid-20th century show that the 150 glaciers that existed in the park 100 years ago have in many cases retreated significantly, if not disappeared altogether. Based on warming trends in the early 21st century, scientists had estimated that the park's remaining glaciers would melt by 2020. However, a later estimate suggested that the glaciers could disappear by 2030.
Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area in northern Sichuan Province, China, is a natural heritage site with stunning natural scenery. The area boasts ancient forests, cascading waterfalls, and calcified lakes formed from calcium carbonate in the water. The landscape was formed in the Quaternary ancient glacial age, and many Quaternary glacial relics are preserved. The site also has a rich cultural heritage, home to various Tibetan and Qiang communities for centuries. The area is named after the nine Tibetan villages in the area. Jiuzhaigou is also a sanctuary for many endangered species, including giant pandas and Sichuan golden monkeys. The crystal-clear water is filtered through layers of ladder-shaped lakes and comes from snow-capped mountains. The calcium carbonate in the water has formed milky white ridges on the banks of the lake. Jiuzhaigou is a must-visit destination for its unique natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and the chance to see endangered species up close.
The Skye Boat Song is a traditional Scottish folk song that tells the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie's escape to the Isle of Skye after his defeat in the Jacobite uprising of 1746. The song is also known as "Over the Sea to Skye" and was written in the late 19th century by Sir Harold Boulton. The lyrics describe the Prince's journey across the sea to the Isle of Skye with Flora MacDonald, a faithful supporter. The melody is slow and melancholic, reflecting the sadness and hope of leaving behind one's homeland but also the determination to carry on the fight for Scottish independence. The Skye Boat Song is a beloved part of Scottish folk music and has been popularized by numerous artists over the years.
Three Natural Bridges -Tianfu Official Post
Wulong Tiankeng, also known as Three Natural Bridges, is a breathtaking ecological tourist destination that boasts remarkable geological wonders and serves as a prime example of karst landform. The Three Natural Bridges, which are Tianlong Bridge (Sky Dragon Bridge), Qinglong Bridge (Azure or Green Dragon Bridge), and Heilong Bridge (Black Dragon Bridge), comprise the largest group of natural bridges in Asia. Standing over 150 meters tall, 200 meters wide, and with a span of 300 meters, these bridges stand vertically, parallel to each other, and connect the mountains on either side, creating a unique landscape of "three bridges sandwiching two pits." This scene is incredibly uncommon worldwide, with two huge sinkholes on the ground and three natural stone arch bridges above. Beneath the Tainlong Bridge, visitors can find a traditional Chinese structure with a black roof and gray walls. This structure was once an official post built during the Tang Dynasty and later reconstructed based on historical relics. It even served as the only exterior scene for "The Golden Armor in the City" movie.
Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley
The Bamiyan Buddha in Afghanistan should have been a world-class cultural heritage, but in 2001, the Taliban destroyed the heritage for religious reasons, and now only the ruins of the heritage remain. In 2015, a team from China will use data technology to restore the Buddha statue with 3D projection, so that the Buddha statue will briefly reappear in its ruins, giving people a chance to admire and imagine this heritage, after this event, they left the equipment to the local government, hoping that they can present the image of the Buddha to the local people every year.
In 2015, a team from China will use data technology to restore the Buddha statue with 3D projection, so that the Buddha statue will briefly reappear in its ruins, giving people a chance to admire and imagine this heritage
The Bamiyan Buddha in Afghanistan should have been a world-class cultural heritage, but in 2001, the Taliban destroyed the heritage for religious reasons, and now only the ruins of the heritage remain. In 2015, a team from China will use data technology to restore the Buddha statue with 3D projection, so that the Buddha statue will briefly reappear in its ruins, giving people a chance to admire and imagine this heritage.
Blandy Castle in France is the site of a medieval military building in Île-de-France. It is located in the village of Blandy-les-Tours. It was originally the cemetery of the Merovingian Dynasty. In 1992, the castle became the subject of a complete project of restoration, respecting the principal historical stages of the monument.
Hierapolis-Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Turkey, blends natural and historical splendour. The location has a rich history and is known for its beautiful travertine terraces from hot springs and well-preserved Greco-Roman city remains. Founded as a thermal spa in the 2nd century BC, Hierapolis became an influential cultural and healing center. Today, visitors explore ancient landmarks like the theater, Temple of Apollo, Roman baths, and a vast necropolis. Pamukkale, or Cotton Castle, showcases stunning white travertine terraces with turquoise pools, drawing visitors for millennia. Climate change threatens Hierapolis-Pamukkale, with temperature and precipitation shifts potentially degrading both ruins and travertine formations. Protection efforts include climate monitoring, sustainable tourism, and conservation measures. Engaging with Hierapolis-Pamukkale's heritage via digital exhibits and interactive experiences raises awareness about protective action.
Cotton Castle, photographed during the tour on 24 April 2023
Vatnajökull national park aerial pano
This is the aerial pano of Vatnajökull national park
Mawangdui, an archaeological site in Changsha, Hunan Province, China, holds great historical and cultural significance. Dating back to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 9 CE), it offers insights into the customs and culture of that era. The site houses three well-preserved tombs, with Lady Dai's (Xin Zhui) tomb being the most famous. Lady Dai, the wife of the Marquis of Dai, was found remarkably preserved, making her the best-preserved mummy from ancient China. Artifacts found at Mawangdui include silk manuscripts, lacquerware, pottery, musical instruments, and early Chinese silk paintings. The "Mawangdui Silk Texts" are particularly notable, offering a glimpse into ancient Chinese medicine, astronomy, and philosophy. Visitors can explore the on-site museum, which displays the majority of the unearthed artifacts and provides historical context. Mawangdui is an essential destination for those interested in Chinese history and culture, offering a unique window into the Western Han Dynasty and ancient China.
Golden Mountains of Altai is the name of an UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of the Altai and Katun Natural Reserves, Lake Teletskoye, Belukha Mountain, and the Ukok Plateau. Climate change has caused the melting of the permafrost endangering the preservation of these tombs. Over the past 100 years there has been a 1°C increase in temperature across Asia and a 2°C increase in temperature in the footsteps of the Altai, with the increase more pronounced in the winter and spring. From Unesco
South China Karst is one of the world’s most spectacular examples of humid tropical to subtropical karst landscapes. It is a serial site spread over the provinces of Guizhou, Guangxi, Yunnan and Chongqing and covers 97,125 hectares. It contains the most significant types of karst landforms, including tower karst, pinnacle karst and cone karst formations, along with other spectacular characteristics such as natural bridges, gorges and large cave systems. The stone forests of Shilin are considered superlative natural phenomena and a world reference. The cone and tower karsts of Libo, also considered the world reference site for these types of karst, form a distinctive and beautiful landscape. Wulong Karst has been inscribed for its giant dolines (sinkholes), natural bridges and caves.From Unesco
The Ming Imperial Palace, located in Nanjing, China, served as the royal residence during the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Today, remnants of the palace complex and the Ming City Wall offer visitors a chance to explore the past. Key structures include the Meridian Gate, the Gate of Heavenly Purity, and the Palace of Heavenly Favor. Their exquisite design and craftsmanship showcase the opulence of the Ming Dynasty. The well-preserved city wall stands as a testament to the era's engineering prowess. The on-site museum houses artifacts and relics, providing a comprehensive overview of the Ming Dynasty's history and culture. In conclusion, the Ming Imperial Palace is an essential destination for those interested in Chinese history, architecture, and culture, offering unique insights into the lives of emperors and the splendor of the Ming Dynasty.
Osaka Castle, located in Osaka, Japan, was built in 1583 by feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The castle played a crucial role in Japan's unification during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600) and represents Japanese history and culture. The main tower, or "tenshukaku," is an architectural marvel with beautiful gold leaf decorations. Inside, a museum showcases artifacts such as armor, weapons, and art pieces. Surrounded by Osaka Castle Park, the area is known for its cherry blossoms during spring. The park offers walking paths, tea houses, and gardens, creating a tranquil escape. In conclusion, Osaka Castle is an essential destination for those interested in Japanese history, architecture, and culture, providing a unique insight into Japan's past and natural beauty.
The Potala Palace, an awe-inspiring architectural marvel, is situated on the Red Hill in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. With its majestic white and red facades, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dominates the skyline, emanating a sense of grandeur and spiritual significance. Built in the 7th century under the reign of King Songtsen Gampo, the palace was expanded during the 17th century by the Fifth Dalai Lama, transforming it into the winter residence for successive Dalai Lamas. Spanning over 13 hectares, the palace comprises two main sections, the White Palace (Potrang Karpo) and the Red Palace (Potrang Marpo), which are connected by a central courtyard. The White Palace houses the living quarters, offices, and ceremonial halls for the Dalai Lamas, while the Red Palace is dedicated to religious functions, comprising of sacred shrines, chapels, and tombs of the previous Dalai Lamas. A remarkable feature of Potala Palace is its harmonious blend of traditional Tibetan architecture and design, combined with influences from Chinese and Indian styles. The complex stands 13 stories high with more than 1,000 rooms, adorned with intricate murals, exquisite carvings, and priceless artifacts, reflecting the rich Tibetan culture and history. The palace, once the center of Tibetan government and Buddhism, is now a renowned museum and an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world. Visitors are left in awe by its magnificence, the sacred ambiance, and the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Lhasa city from its lofty perch.
Immovable Culture Heritage,Underwater Cultural Heritage
The Terracotta Army, an iconic and awe-inspiring archaeological discovery, stands as a testament to the grandeur and ambition of the ancient Chinese civilization. This impressive collection of life-sized terracotta sculptures was crafted over 2,000 years ago during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of unified China, as part of his elaborate burial complex. Unearthed in 1974 by local farmers in Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, this monumental find has since captivated the world with its remarkable scale and intricate artistry. Comprising approximately 8,000 individual statues, the Terracotta Army was designed to accompany Emperor Qin Shi Huang into the afterlife, serving as his eternal protective force. The sculptures, which include infantry, archers, cavalry, and chariots, are meticulously arranged according to rank and role in the subterranean battle formations. Each figure is unique, showcasing individualized facial features, expressions, and armor that reflect the diversity and craftsmanship of the era. The statues were once adorned with vibrant colors, making them even more lifelike and compelling, although much of the original paint has faded over time. The Terracotta Army offers invaluable insights into ancient Chinese military strategy, technology, and culture. Its discovery has significantly enriched our understanding of the Qin Dynasty, making it a remarkable historical treasure. Today, the Terracotta Army is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has become a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year. It remains a symbol of China's long and storied past, and serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of one of the world's greatest civilizations.