Culture,Immovable Culture Heritage,Tourism
This is a picture of the Dujiangyan Water Conservancy Project.
Dujiangyan is a large water conservancy project built in ancient China and used to this day, located in Sichuan Province, 340 km upstream of the Minjiang River, west of the city of Dujiangyan. The Dujiangyan is said to have been built by Li Bing and his sons, the Sheriff of Shu County in the Qin Dynasty during the Warring States period, from about 256 to 251 years ago. It has been renovated by successive generations and has served a great purpose for over 2,000 years. There are many monuments around the Dujiangyan, including the Erwang Temple, Fulongguan, Anlan Bridge, Yubi Pass, Fengqiwo and Doushitai. The entire Dujiangyan pivot can be divided into two major systems: the head of the weir and the irrigation water network. The head of the weir includes the three main projects of the fish mouth (water diversion project), the flying sand weir (flooding and sand drainage project) and the treasure bottle mouth (water diversion project). The Dujiangyan project is mainly a water diversion and irrigation project but also has a comprehensive function of flood control and sand drainage, water transportation and urban water supply. The Chengdu Plain, which was irrigated by the Dujiangyan project, was known as the 'Land of Heaven' in China.
Culture,Movable Cultural Heritage,Tourism
This is a photograph of a bronze figure wearing a gold masked head.
The Sanxingdui ancient site is located on the south bank of the Yuzi River in the northwest of Guanghan City, Sichuan Province, with a distribution area of 12 square kilometres and a history of 3,000 to 5,000 years ago. It is the largest ancient city, state and cultural site with the longest continuation and richest cultural connotation found in the southwest region to date. The best-preserved eastern, western and southern city walls and the inner city walls of Moon Bay are now in place. The Sanxingdui site has been described as one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, signifying that the Yangtze River basin, like the Yellow River basin, was the motherland of Chinese civilisation, and is known as the 'source of the Yangtze civilisation'. The artefacts unearthed therein are a valuable part of mankind's cultural heritage, and are among the most historically, scientifically, culturally and artistically valuable and ornamental of any group of Chinese cultural relics. Amongst these ancient treasures are a 2.62m high bronze figure, a 1.38m wide bronze mask and a 3.95m high bronze tree, all of which are unique and unparalleled. The gold sceptre and the jade and stone objects, represented by the full-decorated border jangles, are also rare and unprecedented.
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.
Underwater Cultural Heritage,Intangible Heritage
Hakka is a Chinese language spoken by the Hakka people, a Han Chinese ethnic group who primarily reside in southeastern China. Hakka is one of the seven major Chinese dialects and is known for its distinctive tonal system, vocabulary, and grammar. Hakka has a rich history and has been influenced by various cultures and languages over the centuries. It is believed to have originated from northern China and was brought to southern China by the Hakka people during several migration waves in ancient times. Despite being a minority language, Hakka has a vibrant culture and has made significant contributions to Chinese literature, music, and cuisine. Many famous Chinese poets, such as Li Qingzhao, have written in the Hakka language, and traditional Hakka music is considered an important part of Chinese folk music. Hakka is still widely spoken today, especially in Taiwan, where it is one of the official languages. In mainland China, Hakka is also an officially recognized language, and there are efforts underway to preserve and promote the language and culture. In conclusion, Hakka is a rich and fascinating language with a long history and a vibrant culture. It is an important part of Chinese heritage and continues to be spoken and celebrated by millions of people around the world.
Notre-Dame de Paris, also known as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, France. The cathedral has stood for nearly 900 years, surviving wars, revolutions, and natural disasters. However, with the current threat of climate change, Notre-Dame de Paris is facing new challenges. The cathedral may be at risk of flooding due to the rising waters of the Seine River, and extreme weather events such as heatwaves and storms could also cause damage to the delicate stonework and wooden structures. In order to protect this cultural treasure for future generations, it is crucial to take action against climate change and to implement measures to adapt to its impacts. Notre-Dame de Paris serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our historical and cultural heritage, and the need to safeguard it from the effects of a changing climate.
The Forbidden City, also known as Zǐjìnchéng in Chinese, is a grand palace complex located in the Dongcheng District of Beijing, China. It stands at the heart of the Imperial City of Beijing and is surrounded by several lavish imperial gardens and temples, including Zhongshan Park, Beihai Park, and Jingshan Park. These landmarks cover an area of 22 hectares, 69 hectares, and 23 hectares respectively. The Palace Museum is responsible for its administration. In recent years, the climate in the Forbidden City area has shown a trend of rising temperatures, decreasing rainfall, and increasing drought. The vegetation, soil, and water sources in the area have been affected to some extent due to the impact of climate change, and some cultural heritage sites and architectural structures have been threatened as well.
Baiheliang is a submerged rock outcrop in Chongqing, China that was once used as an ancient device to measure water levels of the Yangtze River. It contains 163 inscriptions and pictures, including 114 hydrological annotations that provide detailed records of water levels over 1,200 years, making it the longest such sequence in the world. The fish carvings on the rock serve as markers of the river's lowest water levels. Despite being submerged to a depth of over 30 meters behind the Three Gorges Dam, Baiheliang remains a valuable historical and cultural site. Climate change could affect Baiheliang by changing river hydrology and potentially altering the preservation of its inscriptions and fish carvings. It is important to monitor how climate change may impact the site to preserve this cultural heritage.
Baiheliang Underwater Museum by China Daily
The Dai Water Splashing Festival, also known as the Dai New Year, is a traditional festival celebrated by the Dai ethnic group in China, mainly in Yunnan province. It usually takes place in mid-April and lasts for three days. During the festival, people wear traditional clothes, carry flowers, and pour water on each other to wash away bad luck and bring good fortune for the coming year. Water is also poured on Buddha statues and senior members of the community as a sign of respect. The festival also includes traditional dance performances, dragon boat racing, and other cultural activities. The Dai Water Splashing Festival is not only a celebration of the New Year, but also a symbol of unity, friendship, and respect for nature.
The Dai Water Splashing Festival by Xinhua Net
Dazu Rock Carvings, located in Dazu District, Chongqing, is a series of Chinese religious sculptures and carvings, dating back as early as the 7th century AD, featuring Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist beliefs. These carvings are known for their high artistic value, technical skill, and historical significance, and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climate change could have an indirect impact on the Dazu Rock Carvings by altering local weather patterns, which could affect the physical and chemical processes that cause weathering and erosion of the sculptures. Increased temperature and humidity could accelerate the growth of algae, moss, and lichen on the rocks, which can cause chemical changes and physical disintegration of the rock surface. Extreme weather events, such as heavy rain and flooding, could also cause physical damage and erosion to the sculptures. In addition, changes in temperature and precipitation patterns could affect the local ecosystem and biodiversity, which could indirectly impact the cultural significance of the site. Therefore, it is important to monitor and understand how climate change may affect the physical and ecological conditions of the Dazu Rock Carvings site, in order to help mitigate potential impacts and ensure the preservation of this valuable cultural heritage.
Longmen Grottoes, located near Luoyang in Henan Province, is one of the most famous ancient Buddhist sculptural sites in China. The site was first constructed in 493 AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty and continued to be expanded and improved during the Tang and Song Dynasties. The grottoes contain over 100,000 statues, with the largest measuring over 17 meters in height. In addition to the sculptures, the grottoes are also adorned with inscriptions and carvings that provide valuable insights into Chinese art, religion, and history. Climate change could have a significant impact on the preservation of Longmen Grottoes. The site is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall, flooding, and high temperatures, all of which are projected to increase in frequency and intensity with climate change. These events could lead to erosion, deterioration of the sculptures, and damage to the grottoes' rock walls. In addition, changes in humidity and temperature could create conditions that promote the growth of moss and other vegetation, which could further damage the sculptures and inscriptions. To protect this important cultural heritage site, it is crucial to monitor and understand the impacts of climate change and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.
The history of the Hakka language can be traced back to northern China, where the Hakka people are believed to have originated. The Hakka are a Han Chinese ethnic group who have lived in many different parts of China over the centuries, and their language has evolved and developed through their interactions with other cultures and languages. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the Hakka people began to migrate from northern to southern China, and they brought their language with them. Over the centuries, the Hakka language continued to evolve and develop, influenced by the local languages and cultures of the areas where the Hakka people lived. In the 19th century, many Hakka people emigrated from China to Southeast Asia and other parts of the world, and their language was carried with them to these new lands. Today, the Hakka language is spoken by millions of people around the world, and it is considered an important part of Chinese heritage. Despite its rich history and cultural significance, the Hakka language has faced challenges in recent decades, as the number of speakers has declined and the language has been threatened by the spread of Mandarin, the official language of China. However, there are efforts underway to preserve and promote the Hakka language and culture, including the development of language education programs and the creation of Hakka cultural organizations. In conclusion, the Hakka language has a rich and fascinating history that reflects the cultural and linguistic interactions of the Hakka people over the centuries. It continues to be an important part of Chinese heritage and is celebrated by millions of people around the world.
The Terra Cotta Army, also known as the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. Discovered near the city of Xi'an in Shaanxi province, China in 1974, the Terra Cotta Army is considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The Terra Cotta Army is estimated to consist of over 8,000 individual sculptures, including warriors, horses, chariots, and other figures. The sculptures are unique and highly detailed, and they are considered masterpieces of ancient Chinese art and craftsmanship. Each sculpture in the Terra Cotta Army is different, reflecting the individuality of the soldiers they depict. The warriors are depicted in various poses and dressed in different armor and clothing, and they are armed with weapons such as spears, swords, and crossbows. The horses are also depicted in lifelike poses, and they are accompanied by chariots that are decorated with intricate designs. The Terra Cotta Army is housed in the Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Museum, which is easily accessible from Xi'an. The museum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China, attracting millions of visitors every year. In conclusion, the Terra Cotta Army is a remarkable collection of sculptures that provides valuable insights into the history and culture of ancient China. The creativity and craftsmanship of the Chinese people are on full display in this magnificent collection of sculptures, and the Terra Cotta Army continues to captivate visitors from all over the world.
The Potala Palace is a historic palace located in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Tibet and is considered a symbol of Tibetan culture and history. The palace was originally built in the 7th century, but the current structure was constructed in the 17th century by the Fifth Dalai Lama. It served as the chief residence of the Dalai Lama for several centuries, and was the center of political and religious power in Tibet until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India during the 1959 Tibetan uprising. The Potala Palace is a massive structure that rises over 13 stories tall and covers an area of over 130,000 square meters. It is built on top of a hill, and its imposing white walls and red roofs can be seen from miles away. The palace is a complex of buildings and courtyards, and its many rooms and halls are filled with intricate murals, sculptures, and other works of art. One of the most notable features of the Potala Palace is its Great West Hall, which houses the throne of the Dalai Lama and is considered the most important room in the palace. Other notable rooms include the Red Palace, which contains the private quarters of the Dalai Lama and is known for its beautiful murals and sculptures, and the White Palace, which was used for administrative purposes. Today, the Potala Palace is a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. Despite the political and cultural changes that have taken place in Tibet over the past several decades, the Potala Palace remains a symbol of Tibetan heritage and a testament to the rich history and culture of the Tibetan people.
These are 360 Images of the Gidan makama museum. It contains a total of 28 images which include all 11 exhibitions in the museum. The Images were taken with a Nikon Keymission 360 Camera
Gidan Makama is a traditional museum located in Kano State, Nigeria. The museum holds a collection of artefacts, artworks and libraries that showcase the history and culture of the people of Kano state and Northern Nigeria in general. The museum houses 11 galleries consisting of artefacts such as ancient tools, weapons and local materials that were used in anceint times for gathering food or protection. The museum was formerly a palace that housed the emirs of kano before the main palace in kano was built. It was then formally converted into a museum in the year 1953. The walls of the museum are made of hardened clay are about 600 years old. The same material is used in making another famous heritage referred to as the Kano wall.
The rare and beautiful geological calcified lakes and well-protected ecosystem of Jiuzhai Valley make it have extremely high natural landscape value and scientific research value.
Jiuzhai Valley is located in Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhai Valley County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, in the southern section of the Minshan Mountains in the northwest of Sichuan Province. It is a world natural heritage, a national nature reserve, a national geological park, and a network of world biosphere reserves. A nature reserve whose main purpose is to protect natural scenery ("Official Website of Jiuzhai Valley Scenic Area - About Jiuzhai," n.d.). The rare and beautiful geological calcified lakes and well-protected ecosystem make Jiuzhai Valley have extremely high natural landscape value and scientific research value. However, it shows that climate warming and intensified sulfur and nitrogen deposition have led to the degradation of the current Jiuzhai Valley tuff landscape. The global warming may also lead to higher temperatures in the region, and local ecosystems will be affected. In addition, Jiuzhai Valley is located in China's seismically active north-south seismic zone, where natural disasters occur frequently. The largest geological disaster in recent years was the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that occurred in August 2017.
Dujiangyan is a famous ancient water conservancy project, located on the Minjiang River in the west of Chengdu Plain, Sichuan Province, west of today's Dujiangyan City. It is located where the Minjiang River flows from the mountains into the Chengdu Plain. Before Dujiangyan was built, the Minjiang River often flooded. In 256 B.C., Li Bing, the prefect of Shu County in the State of Qin, and his son, absorbed the experience of previous generations in water control, and led the local people to build water conservancy projects. After the completion of Dujiangyan, the Chengdu Plain became a "Land of Abundance". This project is still functioning today and is known as the "Living Water Conservancy Museum". As an ancient irrigation system, Dujiangyan is facing challenges due to rapid urbanization, socio-economic development, climate change and human activities. These challenges include over-diversion, disruption of hydrological pulses, imbalances in erosion and sedimentation, and conflicts between power generation and water supply.
Mount Emei is located near 30° north latitude in the southwest of Sichuan Province. Its natural heritage is extremely rich, and it is known as the natural "Plant Kingdom", "Animal Paradise" and "Geological Museum". Due to the height and geographical location of Mount Emei, the scenery from the foot of the mountain to the top of the mountain is variable and attractive, it is also appraised as "the sky is different in ten miles, and there are four seasons in one mountain". At the same time, it is also a very important cultural heritage as a sacred place of Chinese Buddhism and the dojo of Samantabhadra. It is included in the "List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage" by UNESCO for its "majestic, beautiful, divine, strange and spiritual" natural landscape and profound Buddhist culture.
Mount Emei is located in the southwest of Sichuan Province, in the transition zone from the Sichuan Basin to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The main peak is Wanfoding, the highest peak, with an altitude of 3099 meters. Due to the height and geographical location of Mount Emei, the scenery from the foot of the mountain to the top is varied and fascinating. Mount Emei is located in the confluence area of various natural elements, making it rich in biological species and endemic species. A complete subtropical vegetation system is preserved here, with a forest coverage rate of 87%. There are more than 100 kinds of plants that are only produced in Mount Emei or found in Mount Emei and named after Mount Emei. At the same time, Mount Emei is one of the "Four Famous Buddhist Mountains in China". The spread of Buddhism and the construction and prosperity of temples have added a lot of mystery to Mount Emei.
This is a picture of a New Year painting of Mianzhu.
Mianzhu New Year Paintings, also known as Mianzhu Woodblock Prints, are one of China's folk woodblock prints, named after the city of Mianzhu in Sichuan Province, the home of bamboo paper, and are popular in southwest China. Mianzhu New Year paintings are mostly made by printing outlines on wooden plates and then filling in the colours. Mianzhu New Year paintings are one of the four major Chinese New Year paintings, along with Yangliuqing New Year paintings from Tianjin, Yangjiabu Woodblock Prints from Weifang, Shandong Province and Taohuawu Woodblock Prints from Suzhou, and are known as the "Three Treasures of Sichuan" and the "Three Best of Mianzhu". They are the result of the hard work and wisdom of generations of folk artists, and reflect the optimistic thoughts and feelings of the people of Sichuan and their ancient national ethos.
The gondola is a traditional, flat-bottomed Venetian rowing boat, well suited to the conditions of the Venetian lagoon. It is typically propelled by a gondolier, who uses a rowing oar, which is not fastened to the hull, in a sculling manner and also acts as the rudder. The gondola has existed in Venice since the 11th century, being first mentioned by name in 1094.[11] It is estimated that there were eight to ten thousand gondolas during the 17th and 18th century, but there are only around four hundred in active service today, with virtually all of them used for hire by tourists. While in previous centuries gondolas could be many different colors, a sumptuary law of Venice required that gondolas should be painted black, and they are customarily so painted now. To be fair to Venice's gondoliers, they invest a great deal in their boats: upwards of €20,000 for a traditional hand-built wooden gondola with a useful life of about 20 years, plus annual maintenance. They need to earn the bulk of their annual income in a few short months.
St. Kilda is a volcanic archipelago to the west of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides islands and is a prime example of natural heritage. During the height of the breeding season the archipelago is home to nearly one million seabirds. The size and diversity of the birds, including the high volume of gannets and the unique presence of the St. Kilda Wren – native to the archipelago – makes it a seabird sanctuary of global importance and one without parallel in Europe. The islands also contain tangible cultural heritage – remnants of the previous inhabitants - such as unique storage huts known as “Cleits”. Climate change is a significant threat to the biodiversity of the archipelago with rising sea surface temperatures having a negative impact on its marine ecosystem and the colonies of birds that breed there. This may be observed through the migratory Kittiwake seabird of which there has been an 89% decline in population over the period 1999-2015 - reflective of the wider fall in seabird populations on the archipelago. Climate change is likely to magnify the impact of storms and droughts which will have substantial adverse effects on the natural and cultural heritage of the islands.
People having a picnic in Japan as part of the Hanami celebrations
Hanami, otherwise known as flower viewing, is the Japanese tradition of observing the annual bloom of flowers – specifically those from cherry and plum trees. This is an example of intangible cultural heritage normally practiced between the end of March and early May when cherry trees bloom across Japan. Participants normally engage in large gatherings at public parks to view the cherry blossoms and through smaller flower viewing events such as picnics with seasonal foods. The tradition originated during the eight century Nara period as a means of honouring Shinto deities. Consequently, hanami may be said to have wider importance to all practitioners of Shinto globally. Climate change has begun to negatively impact the practice of this intangible cultural heritage. This may be observed in the increasingly erratic blooming of the cherry trees due to changing seasonal temperatures. This makes it harder for the population to plan events around the blooming of the flowers and thereby engage with the tradition. Additionally, warmer weather coupled with milder winters have aided invasive species of pests harmful to cherry trees, decreasing their numbers. Of note is that the increased temperature combined with pollution projected to lead to widespread tree die-off in 50-100 years.
This is an image of the Giant's Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast
The Giant’s causeway is the site of over 40,000 basalt columns protruding from the sea, all of which present viewers with a dramatic example of natural heritage in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The columns are the most characteristic feature of the site and are formed into regularly shaped polygonal columns of basalt in horizontal sections. The features of the Giant’s causeway and the causeway coast, and in particular the composition of the cliff faces, have made the site one of substantial geological importance as it provides insight into the sequences of the earth’s geological activity and history. In addition, the dramatic nature of the site has led to local legends and narratives of giants walking over the sea to Scotland. Consequently, the site may be said to be culturally important in another dimension – contributing to the intangible cultural heritage of Northern Ireland where it is seen as a national symbol. Climate change has adversely impacted the causeway through rising water levels and coastal erosion. If current climate trends continue it is projected that many of the columnar stones will be underwater by the middle of the century.
IS5110 2023: Zhoucun Ancient Shopping Mall
Zhoucun Ancient Shopping Mall scenic spot is located in Zhoucun District, Zibo City, Shandong Province, known as the "dry dock", "Golden Zhoucun", "Silk Township", "the world's first village It is known as the "Dry Dock", "Golden Zhoucun", "Silk Town" and "The First Village in the World". The scenic spot covers a total area of 60.5 hectares and is now a provincial key cultural relics protection unit and a national AAAA level tourist attraction, mainly consisting of ancient streets such as Main Street, Silk Market Street and Yinzi Market Street, with more than 50,000 square metres of well-preserved ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
IS5110 2023: Eastern Zhou Horse Martyrdom Pits
The Eastern Zhou Martyred Horse Pit is located in the western part of the village of Hetiatao in Linzi District, Zibo City. The owner of the tomb was Duke Jing of Qi, the 25th king after Jiang Tai Gong, who reigned for 58 years and was one of the longest rulers of Qi. The tomb is 26 metres from north to south and 23 metres from east to west. The outer chamber is located in the middle of the tomb, built of natural stone, 8 metres long from north to south, 7 metres wide from east to west and 5 metres deep. The tomb was robbed in its early years and no burial goods remain, except for the surrounding horse martyrdom pits, which are mostly intact.
During the Wei, Jin and North and South Dynasties, Zibo began to produce porcelain, and during the Tang and Song dynasties, the skills of porcelain production continued to improve, and porcelain kilns were spread all over the place, with famous kilns including Zhaili kiln, Magcun kiln and Boshan kiln. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Boshan became an important centre for the production and sale of ceramics in the country. Zibo ceramics made full use of local ceramic resources, creating a colourful ceramic culture and a rough and bold, simple and bright style in the production process. Zibo ceramics have a wide range of subject matter, from everyday objects to furnishings to garden and architectural porcelain, reflecting in one way or another the social, economic and cultural background and outlook of the central Lu region at the time. The modern fine porcelain talc, high feldspar porcelain, high quartz porcelain, bone china won the national invention award, was selected as Zhongnanhai, Diaoyutai, the Great Hall of the People with porcelain, become "Zibo ceramics, contemporary national kiln" important symbol. On May 23, 2011, Zibo ceramics firing techniques were approved by the State Council to be included in the third batch of Chinese cultural heritage list.
Gyeongbokgung, also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gyeongbok Palace, was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Built in 1395, it is located in northern Seoul, South Korea. The largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon dynasty, Gyeongbokgung served as the home of Kings of the Joseon dynasty, the Kings' households, as well as the government of Joseon. Gyeongbokgung continued to serve as the main palace of the Joseon dynasty until the premises were destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592–1598) and abandoned for two centuries. However, in the 19th century, all of the palace's 7,700 rooms were restored under the leadership of Prince Regent Heungseon during the reign of King Gojong. Some 500 buildings were restored on a site of over 40 hectares. In the early 20th century, much of the palace was systematically destroyed by Imperial Japan. On January 21, 1963, it was designated as a cultural property. Since the 1990s, the walled palace complex is gradually being restored to its original form. It also houses the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum within the premises of the complex.
Kharkiv (Kharkov) is a city in northeast Ukraine. Sprawling Freedom Square is home to the constructivist Derzhprom building. Shevchenko Park features botanic gardens and a zoo. Kharkiv State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre stages regular performances. Southwest is the huge Annunciation Cathedral, with 5 domes and a bell tower. Northeast, Maxim Gorky Central Park has a giant Ferris wheel and a cable car.
Main train station of Kharkiv before the war.
The Holy Annunciation Cathedral in Kharkiv
The Annunciation Cathedral is the main Orthodox church of Kharkiv, Ukraine. The pentacupolar Neo-Byzantine structure with a distinctive 80-meter-tall bell tower was completed on 2 October 1888, from designs by a local architect, Mikhail Lovtsov.
This is the Olexandrivska belltower of the Dormition Cathedral in Kharkiv. Its construction was timed to the victory over Napoleon in 1812, and it was named after Tsar Alexander I of Russia. The author of the project – the architect Evgen Vasyliev died before it was finished. After his death, the construction was supervised by Andriy Ton and completed in 1844. In 1924 the first radio antenna in Ukrainian was installed on the belltower. Since then, in Ukraine the Radio and Communications Workers' Day is celebrated on November 16th.
The Derzhprom or Gosprom building is an office building located on Freedom Square in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Built in the Constructivist style, it was the first modern skyscraper building in the Soviet Union upon its completion in 1928. Its name is an abbreviation of two words that, taken together, mean State Industry.
Buland Darwaza or the loft gateway at Fatehpur Sikri was built by the great Mughal emperor, Akbar in 1601. Akbar built the Buland Darwaza to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. The Buland Darwaza, approached by 42 steps and 53.63m high and 35 meters wide, is the highest gateway in the world and an astounding example of the Mughal architecture. It is made of red and buff sandstone, and decorated by carving and inlaying of white and black marble. An inscription on the central face of the Buland Darwaza throws light on Akbar's religious tolerance and broad mindedness. The Buland Darwaza towers above the courtyard of the mosque. It is semi octagonal in plan and is topped by pillars and chhatris, echoing early Mughal design with simple ornamentation, carved verses from the Koran and towering arches. There are thirteen smaller domed kiosks on the roof, stylized battlement and small turrets and inlay work of white and black marble. On the outside a long flight of steps sweeps down the hill giving the gateway additional height. A Persian inscription on eastern arch way of the Buland Darwaza records Akbar's conquest over Deccan in 1601 A.D.
Fatehpur Sikri is a small city in northern India, just west of Agra, founded by a 16th-century Mughal emperor. Red sandstone buildings cluster at its center. Buland Darwaza gate is the entrance to Jama Masjid mosque. Nearby is the marble Tomb of Salim Chishti. Diwan-E-Khas hall has a carved central pillar. Jodha Bais Palace is a mix of Hindu and Mughal styles, next to the 5-story Panch Mahal that overlooks the site.
Panoramic view of the Fatehpur Sikri's entrance known as the Buland Darwaza.
The fort of Fatehpur Sikri where Akbar lived for almost 16 years with his wife Jodha. This drone view provides a spectacular view of the entire fort plus its individual bodies. You will see Diwan-e-khas, Diwan-e-aam, Jodha Palace, Birbal Palace and many more places
Panch Mahal is a palace in Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, India. The Panch Mahal meaning 'Five level Palace' was commissioned by Akbar. This structure stands close to the Zenana quarters (Harem) which supports the supposition that it was used for entertainment and relaxation. This is one of the most important buildings in Fatehpur Sikri. This is an extraordinary structure employing the design elements of a Buddhist Temple; entirely columnar, consisting of four stories of decreasing size arranged asymmetrically on the ground floor, which contains 84 columns. These columns, that originally had jaali (screens) between them, support the whole structure. Once these screens provided purdah (cover) to queens and princess on the top terraces enjoying the cool breeze and watching splendid views of Sikri fortifications and the town nestling at the foot of the ridge. The pavilion gives a majestic view of the fort that lies on its left. The pool in front of the Panch Mahal is called the Anoop Talab. It would have been filled with water, save for the bridge, and would have been the setting for musical concerts and other entertainment. The ground floor has 84 columns, the first story has 56 columns and the second and third stories have 20 and 12 columns respectively. The topmost story has 4 columns supporting a chhattri. There are 176 columns in all and each is elegantly carved pillars with unique designs.
The Tomb of Salim Chishti is famed as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India, built during the years 1580 and 1581, along with the imperial complex at Fatehpur Sikri near Zenana Rauza and facing south towards Buland Darwaza, within the quadrangle of the Jama Masjid which measures 350 ft. by 440 ft. It enshrines the burial place of the Sufi saint, Salim Chisti (1478 – 1572), a descendant of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer, and who lived in a cavern on the ridge at Sikri. The mausoleum, constructed by Akbar as a mark of his respect for the Sufi saint, who foretold the birth of Akbar's son, who was named as Prince Salim after the Sufi Saint and later jahangir succeeded Akbar to the throne of the Mughal Empire
'Jodha Bai Mahal' also known as 'Jodh Bai Mahal' is the largest palace in Fatehpur Sikri commissioned by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1569 for his favourite queen consort, Mariam-uz-Zamani, commonly known as 'Jodha bai'. This Mahal is the largest complex of the zenana (palace for women belonging to the royal household). It is a masterpiece of the fusion of Hindu and Persian architecture made with red sandstone.
Masjid-i-Jehan-Numa commonly known as the Jama Masjid of Delhi, is one of the largest mosques in India. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1650 and 1656, and inaugurated by its first Imam, Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari. Situated in the Mughal capital of Shahjahanabad (today Old Delhi), it served as the imperial mosque of the Mughal emperors until the demise of the empire in 1857. The Jama Masjid was regarded as a symbolic gesture of Islamic power across India, well into the colonial era. It was also a site of political significance during several key periods of British rule. It remains in active use, and is one of Delhi's most iconic sites, closely identified with the ethos of Old Delhi.
The Miami Terrace Reef is a coral reef off the coast of Florida stretching from South Miami to Boca Raton, in the Atlantic Ocean. It lies in depths of 650 to 2,000 feet (200 to 610 m) on top of a geological formation known as the Miami Terrace, a 40-mile (65 km) long shelf about 15 miles (24 km) off shore. Much of the platform remains unexplored, and new portions of the reef are still being discovered. University of Miami researchers discovered new reef sites there in December 2005.
The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, situated in Xi'an, China, is a remarkable cultural heritage site that captivates worldwide interest due to its immense scale, artistic mastery, and historical importance. Encompassing roughly 56 square kilometers, the emperor's tomb lies beneath a 76-meter-tall artificial mound, signifying his power and status. The complex is renowned for its Terracotta Army, comprising over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses, meticulously crafted to accompany the emperor into the afterlife. Discovered in 1974 by local farmers, the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor has since been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its significant contribution to our understanding of ancient Chinese culture and history.
The Coral City Camera is an underwater camera streaming live from an urban reef environment in Miami, Florida. It is located along the shoreline at the east end of PortMiami in about 9’ (3m) of water. It was deployed in late 2019 by Coral Morphologic as a hybrid art-science research project produced with Bridge Initiative and Bas Fisher Invitational and initially funded through grants awarded by a Knight Arts Challenge grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and an Art Works grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, situated in Xi'an, China, is a remarkable cultural heritage site that captivates worldwide interest due to its immense scale, artistic mastery, and historical importance. Encompassing roughly 56 square kilometres, the emperor's tomb lies beneath a 76-meter-tall artificial mound, signifying his power and status. The complex is renowned for its Terracotta Army, comprising over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses, meticulously crafted to accompany the emperor into the afterlife. Discovered in 1974 by local farmers, the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor has since been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its significant contribution to our understanding of ancient Chinese culture and history.
Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Image
Grand Canyon National Park is a natural heritage site located in the state of Arizona, USA. As renowned for its stunning natural scenery, Grand Canyon National Park is also a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts from all around the world. The key feature of this park is the 446-kilometre-long Grand Canyon, which is a gorge formed by the Colorado River over millions of years, has immense geological and ecological value, with unique rock formations, diverse wildlife, and numerous plant species.
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument constructed from around 3000 BC to 2000 BC and located in Wiltshire, England. Stonehenge is composed of a circle of giant standing stones each around 4 meters high and 2.1 meters wide and with a weight of more than 25 tons and topped by connected horizontal lintel stones. What makes Stonehenge distinctive from other monuments is that the purpose of this monument remains a mystery, although many theories suggest it was a religious site, a burial ground, or an astronomical observatory. Stonehenge is a unique and important part of Britain's cultural heritage and a symbol of ancient Britain, attracting over 800,000 visitors per year.