The Wadden Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an intertidal zone. The Wadden Sea is located in the North Sea and it stretches from the Netherlands past Germany and ends in Northern Denmark. The total coastline is 500km or 310 miles and has an area size of 10,000km2 . The Wadden Sea became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 but only the area that covers the Netherlands and Germany, the Denmark section was added in 2014. The Wadden Sea is well known for its shallow water depth with a range of tidal flats and wetlands. The Sea is also an important area for migrating birds as well as breeding birds.
"wadden sea mirror 2" by Bas Kers (NL) is marked with CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
Wadi Al-Hitan, the whale valley in the western desert of Egypt, contains priceless fossilised remains of the earliest, and now extinct, suborder of whales, the Archaeoceti. These fossils represent one of evolution's most important stories: the whale's emergence as an ocean-going mammal from a previous life as a land-based animal. This is the most important place in the world to demonstrate this stage of evolution. It provides a vivid picture of the shape and life of whales during this transitional phase. The number, concentration and quality of fossils here is unique, as is its accessibility and location in an attractive and protected landscape. The fossils in Al-Hitan show the youngest archaeocetes, which are in the final stages of losing their hind limbs. Other fossil material in the area makes it possible to reconstruct the environmental and ecological conditions of the time.
The Wai Kru a traditional Thai ritual deeply embedded in the practice of Muay Thai, the national sport of Thailand. The term “Wai Kru” translates directly to “paying respect to the teacher,” and the ritual takes the form of a carefully choreographed sequence of movements performed by fighters prior to their bouts. These movements are symbolic expressions of respect, gratitude, discipline, and spiritual protection. Accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of the Sarama — a traditional ensemble featuring Thai drums, cymbals, and the Pi Java (a distinctive woodwind instrument) — the Wai Kru is both a cultural performance and a spiritual act. Whilst its original and traditional meaning is to honour one’s Muay Thai trainer, the ritual is additionally performed outside of this context, such as in schools, where students annually pay respect to their teachers in the “Wai Kru” festival (Chai Lai Orchid, n.d.). In this way, whilst Muay Thai itself is of unmatched significance as an activity in Thai culture, its Wai Kru is additionally important itself - symbolising the country’s national emphasis on “Kreng Jai” (meaning respect), accompanied by deeply engrained hierarchy of respect
This historic pond may be more famous today for its swimming and beach access, however the location is stepped with history. Walden pond inspired author Henry David Thoreau to write his famous aptly named Walden book as an ode to the two and a half years he spent by this pond in a nature retreat. While the pond today does not hold the same seclusion he had experienced, its beauty and surrounding walking trails provide a small respite from the bustling traffic of Route 2 only half a mile away. Luckily, this pond lies in the Walden Pond State Reservation and is unlikely to be threatened by development. However, as climate change affects the whole planet, this ecosystem will also be put under strain as with most natural places.
Culture,Immovable Culture Heritage,Tourism
Water Curtain Cave is a well-known scenic spot in Huaguo Mountain Scenic Garden. It is located on the top of the mountain, on the east side of the Reunion Palace of the Sanyuan Family Temple. It is a natural cave facing south. The cave is as wide as a hall, with clear springs hanging, dripping water from the cracks in the cliff at the entrance of the cave, and falling little by little, just like ice crystal jade balls. There are inscriptions such as "Shuijiang Cave" and "Lingquan" on the stone wall outside the cave. There are two stones on it, "God's Body Purifying" and "High Mountain and Flowing Water" in the Ming Dynasty, with bold and unrestrained strokes. This cave has been recorded in the inscriptions written by Zhang Chaorui, a literati contemporary with Wu Chengen. In Journey to the West, it is written as the hometown of Monkey King.
Water Curtain Cave (Journey to the West)
Wealthy Characters Illustration by Perin Westerhof Nyman
A photograph of Peranakan wedding couple from a museum in Singapore. Taken at the wedding of Chung Guat Hooi (daughter of Capitan Chung Thye Phin) and Khoo Soo Beow (son of Khoo Heng Pan) May 1941, at 29 Church Steet, Penang, built by Capitan Chung Keng Quee and now known as the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. On the right are the bride's brothers, Chung Kok Chuan and Chung Kok Tong
Photograph of the entrance hall of the Kite Museum in Weifang, Shandong, China.
Kites were first documented in the early Warring States Period by famous philosopher Mozi, who spent three years to craft a wooden bird in the 450BC, originated in Weifang, a city in Northeast China. Kite was exclusive before flying was then spread by traders from China to Korea, across Asia to India. During the period of civil unrest when a lot of attacks from foreign powers were received, kites play a critical role in providing military intelligence for the Chinese army. Each area has distinct kites and various cultural purpose. Today, elaborated and large designs up to 304 meters can be seen flying above parks in China. They often resemble animals of the Chinese Zodiac and symbolises meaning using vegetation patterns. With the use of wood, paper, silk and complex constructions, the kite has become a symbol of Chinese innovation. Kites are also denoted with cultural meanings. According to other historical accounts, kites were used to drive off personal bad luck by flying them and releasing the string. Weifang Museum of Kites, a museum located in a city that has been reowned as capital of kites, has been the only archival documentation of this craft. It collects and displays kite treasures, fully embod-ies the unique artistic charm of Weifang kite culture, and has become the center of dissemination and promotion of kite culture. The museum does not have a website or platform. Visitors can only gather information from Baidu or Wikipedia.
Movable Cultural Heritage,Intangible Heritage
Kites featuring images of traditional Xi'an opera masks flying near to the Drum Tower, Xi'an, China. Summer 2009.
Weifang World Kite Museum (Chinese: 潍坊世界风筝博物馆) is a museum in the Kuiwen District of Weifang, China. First opened in 1989, it has twelve galleries with models and kites from China's ancient past to modern times and kites from around the world. Weifang is renowned as the "World Capital of Kites". -- Wikipedia
West Lake is a freshwater lake in Hangzhou, China. It has influenced poets and painters throughout Chinese history for its natural beauty and historic relics, and it has also been among the most important sources of inspiration for Chinese garden designers. Over 2,000 years ago, West Lake was still a part of the Qiantang River. Due to soil sedimentation, the feet of Wu Mountain and Baoshi Mountains, the surrounding mountains on the northern and southern sides of the lake, gradually stretched to form shoal heads. Later, these sand spits slowly merged into a bank, to which a lagoon emerged to the west; this was the old West Lake of the Qin and Han dynasties. The renown west lake relies on the work of the poet and government official Bai Juyi in the Tang dynasty(785-804). He ordered the construction of a stronger and taller dyke, with a dam to control the flow of water, providing water for irrigation and mitigating the drought problem. He ordered the construction of a causeway named Baisha Causeway to allow crossing part of the lake on foot, instead of requiring the services of a boat. The scenery of the lake is further expended at the beginning of the Song dynasty(1086–1094). Another great poet, Su Shi, ordered dredging of the lake and piled up all the mud into another causeway, in the style of Bai Causeway, but much wider and nearly three times as long: he also planted willow trees along its banks. The Kangxi and Qianlong emperors of the Qing dynasty in 17-18th century toured South China and stopping by Hangzhou many times; which helped to expedite the revamping and rehabilitation of West Lake. The Kangxi Emperor visited Hangzhou five times, and wrote the names of "Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake" selected in the Southern Song dynasty. The local governor then inscribed the emperor's handwriting onto stelae and built pavilions over them. The work created the spot we can see today.
A man in a boat on a river / A man is fishing on a boat in the water / Public domain stock photo of a ship.
West Lake, located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, is one of the first national key scenic spots and one of China's top ten scenic attractions. It's a major freshwater lake renowned for its beauty and is the only lake-based cultural heritage site in China listed on the World Heritage List. Divided by various causeways and dotted with islands and pagodas, it forms a picturesque landscape known for its "one mountain, two pagodas, three islands, three causeways, and five lakes" layoutThrough innovative digital integration, such as the smart tour project and a one-touch rescue system, West Lake aims to enhance visitor experiences and safety, aspiring to become China's premier "digital scenic area." Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, West Lake significantly contributes to Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) by promoting sustainable tourism, economic growth, and ecological balance. It also supports Life on Land (SDG 15) by conserving biodiversity and fostering environmental sustainability in its ecosystem. West Lake serves as an educational resource, advancing Quality Education (SDG 4) by offering insights into history, culture, and environmental conservation.
West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou
The west lake cultural landscape of Hangzhou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Hangzhou, China. It is a cultural landscape that encompasses the west lake and its surrounding hills, temples, pagodas, and gardens. The site has been a popular destination for tourists and poets for centuries, and its natural beauty has been celebrated in Chinese literature and art. The west lake cultural landscape has cultural, historical, and aesthetic value, showcasing the blending of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. The site embodies the Chinese philosophy of harmony between man and nature, and it represents the cultural and artistic achievements of the Southern Song Dynasty.
West Lake, also known as Qiantang Lake, is located at No.1 Longjing Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China. On June 24, 2011, the West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou was inscribed on the World Heritage List. It is one of the first nationally designated key scenic spots in mainland China. It is also one of China’s major freshwater lakes. The West Lake combines natural and humanistic aesthetics. Since the 9th century, West Lake has been an inspiration for Chinese poets, painters, and philosophers. Mythological novels around the West Lake have also emerged in an endless stream, the most famous is the legend of the White Snake, which adds a different kind of mysterious color to the West Lake. At present, SDG goals have been achieved through relevant digital technologies for Sustainable Cities and Communities. For example, the West Lake Scenic Area has built a tourist flow monitoring system, which utilizes technologies such as real-time monitoring systems and infrared sensing. The sustainable development of the scenic spot is guaranteed. At the same time, through high-precision 3D scanning and modeling technology, the historic buildings and cultural landscapes of the West Lake are digitally archived, providing detailed data support for the restoration and research of cultural relics.