The Ceahlău Massif is one of the most famous mountains of Romania. It is part of the Bistriţa Mountains range of the Eastern Carpathians division, in Neamţ County, in the Moldavia region. The two most important peaks are Toaca (1904 m altitude) and Ocolaşul Mare (1907 m altitude).
During the Iron Age the Strath of Kildonan in Sutherland was home to many small farming communities. The relatively mild climate of this period enabled the cultivation of barley, wheat, and oats, and the keeping of horses, sheep, and cattle. Although much of the land had been cleared for agriculture, areas of woodland survived (providing shelter for deer, wild boar, and wolves). The Iron Age residents of Kildonan lived in circular roundhouses, made of stone and turf, with conical thatched roofs. Hut circles from these long ago dwellings can still be seen today. More than 350 hut circles have been identified in Kildonan. The roundhouses provided shelter for humans and animals. They were focused around a central hearth, with bays for sleeping and stalls for animals towards the walls of the house. Roundhouses were common throughout the British Isles. However, many of the roundhouses in Kildonan have specific regional variations – including passageways in the walls. This reconstruction shows how roundhouses near Caen in the Strath of Kildonan may have looked about 2000 years ago. The dwellings are set within a wider landscape, which was already profoundly shaped by human activity. Partial deforestation, and the impact of growing crops and grazing animals, made this Iron Age environment far from its original wild state. A project between Timespan Museum, a cultural organisation in Helmsdale, a village in the very northeast of Scotland, local, global and planetary ambitions to weaponise culture for social change and the University of St Andrews as part of CINE project. CINE - a collaborative digital heritage project between 9 partners and 10 associated partners from Norway, Iceland, Ireland and Scotland. The Lead Partner is Museum Nord. The project is funded by the Northern and Arctic Periphery Programme.
Ceilidhs are an informal form of dancing which is very popular in Scotland. The word ceilidh comes from Gaelic and traditionally referred to a gathering of people in the home. There is no exact location for all ceilidhs as they can be in any place at any time, I have chosen this location on the map as the Northern Constabulary Pipe Band Fundraising Ceilidh took place here. Traditionally, neighbours would come together in the evening to informally share songs, music, poetry and storytelling around the fire. Dancing did not always occur. However, in larger communities in rural parts of Scotland, these gatherings were later held in halls and people would dance well known ceilidh dances such as “the gay gordons” and “the dashing white sergent”. The earliest reference to the “gay gordons” is from the early 20th century. The dashing white sergent’s earliest reference is the late 19th century, but it is based on very old Scottish formations of “setting” and “reeling”, which date back to the 1700s. Anyone can join a ceilidh dance and although it is an informal dance, most ceilidhs today are run by a caller who is responsible for selecting the dance and providing basic instructions to ensure that everyone can participate and enjoy the dance.
Encompassing the largest protected region within the Amazon Basin, this area serves as a sanctuary for an exceptional array of endemic flora and fauna. Boasting unparalleled levels of biodiversity, this unique location contributes significantly to Earth's ecological balance by regulating global climatic patterns, facilitating carbon sequestration, and sustaining freshwater supplies. However, this invaluable site faces imminent threats due to factors such as climate change and deforestation, which have considerably accelerated its deterioration. Consequently, it is imperative to prioritize its preservation more than ever.
The Central Amazon Conservation Complex, spanning millions of hectares within Brazil's Amazon Rainforest, is a UNESCO World Heritage site crucial for its biodiversity and ecological importance. This diverse ecosystem, rich with endemic species such as the Amazon river dolphin and jaguar, plays a vital role in global climate regulation through carbon sequestration. Climate change poses significant threats to this area, including altered rainfall patterns and more frequent extreme weather events, endangering both biodiversity and local indigenous communities. The conservation efforts here align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 13 (Climate Action) by mitigating climate impact, SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by protecting diverse habitats, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through international collaboration to enhance sustainability. These initiatives are essential for the Amazon’s ecological integrity and global environmental stability.
The Central Amazon Conservation Complex makes up the largest protected area in the Amazon Basin (over 6 million hectares) and is one of the planets richest regions in terms of biodiversity. It also includes an important sample of varzea ecosystems, igapó forests, lakes and channels which take the form of a constantly evolving aquatic mosaic that is home to the largest array of electric fish in the world.
Carcassonne Castle is a historical and architectural marvel. With a strategical positioning so great its land has served fortified villages, towns, and cities over the past 2300 years. It has seen sieges, fires, crusades, papal visits, royal visits, and has at times been the capital of the Aude region in France. Where it differs from other castles other than its huge size, is its ability to grow throughout the ages. Most castles built in the 11th century have fallen into disrepair or even ruins, Carcassonne City has not only grown, but most extraordinarily, is still inhabited. Not only does this beastly construction strike wonder into those driving by, it actively receives up to 4.5 million visitors a year, which puts it in the top 5 most visited national monuments in France. For the country that receives more tourism than any other country in the world, this is no small feat.
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.
Château de Chillon (Chillon Castle)
Culture,Immovable Culture Heritage,Tourism
HISTORY: Chillon Castle in its current form is the result of several centuries of construction and redevelopment. The excavations carried out from the end of the 19th century, particularly those led by archaeologist Albert Naef (1862-1936), indicate that the site has been occupied since the Bronze Age. The rocky island on which the castle sits constituted both a form of natural protection and a strategic positioning to control passage from the north to the south of Europe. The castle took on the oval shape of the genuine island upon which it was built. It is approximately 100m long and 50m wide. It also took its name from the rock; the word ‘Chillon’ meant ‘rocky platform’ in an ancient language. The history of the castle is marked by three great periods: those of the Savoy family, the Bernese bailiffs and the Canton of Vaud. COLLECTIONS: As an exceptional heritage monument, Chillon Castle has around 300 items on display throughout. With the exception of the furniture, weapons and armour, all of the items exhibited here were found during the archaeological digs carried out at the castle from 1896 to 1903. The collections belong to the Cantonal Museum of Archaeology & History of Lausanne under the name ‘fonds Chillon’ (Chillon Collection). In 1842, the Society for the History of Francophone Switzerland (SHSR) suggested setting up an antique museum in one of the castle halls. The Assocation for the Restoration of Chillon Castle was eventually founded in 1887. It put the society’s ideas into writing, building both the creation of a museum exhibiting the diverse periods of Vaudois history and the restoration of the castle into its statute. The state released funds for the purchase of various items for the collection. Ten years later, Chillon was literally stripped bare and archaeological excavations revealed hundreds of everyday objects dating from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. These collections remained at the castle until 2007. A substantial inventory was then taken and a new visitor itinerary created. The Chillon Castle Foundation – to which the Association passed the baton in 2002 – made the decision to place the focus on the castle’s architecture. Most of the objects were repatriated into storage at the Cantonal Museum, but a small selection was kept on display as part of the visitor itinerary, with the aim of illustrating the castle’s history.
One of the most advisable cenotes to visit is Chac Mool. It is located on Highway 307, also known as Ruta de los Cenotes, just 22 kilometers from Playa del Carmen. After having traveled through a dirt road, youe arrive at the main access of this ecological sanctuary. In addition to being one of the places of greatest natural attraction in Quintana Roo and in general in the entire Yucatan peninsula, this cenote, whose name in the Mayan language means "Jaguar's Claw" stands out for its wild beauty, its enormous potential for diving and the enigma that emerges from its deep caves. To access this cenote, one of the most popular on the region, you descend a rock staircase.
Chai Wan Cape Collinson Crematorium and Cemetery in Hong Kong
Example of Brutalist Architecture in Hong Kong: Chai Wan Cape Collinson Crematorium and Cemetery
Champurrado is a thick Mexican beverage that is a chocolate atole, a drink made with corn flour. Champurrado is a winter beverage—traditionally drunk during Day of the Dead in November and the Christmas Posadas. Served alongside other winter foods, like tamales, champurrado is a symbol of Mexicanidad, or Mexican Identity. Champurrado and Tamales are even served during week-long funeral events at night, as it is a comfort food during time of grief. Atole has been popular in Mexico, long before the Spanish conquistadors—in fact, archaeologists have proven it continues to be made the exact same way, especially when using clay pots and the traditional molinillo (a wooden tool for mixing). Though today, most of the corn flour is ground using electric grinders, or manual steel grinders if still done by hand, some rural communities continue to grind the corn kernels on a block of cured volcanic rock, just like in pre-colonised Mexico. The drink does not use normal sugar, but with unrefined sugar cane called piloncillo [8]. It was thought by the Mayans that champurrado would bring strength to its drinker, perhaps the true endurance of the drink is the comfort and its community-building capabilities. Many things were lost to the Spanish Conquistadores, entire generations of family, language, song, laughter, inventions, science, but not Champurrado. Aside from the human threat, cacao trees are threatened by deforestation, mineral depletion in soil, and fungal disease. Preserving champurrado is synonymous with preserving native indigenous culture, and even the Nahuatl language.
This museum is a hugely important and informative museum documenting the happenings of the second world war in Singapore. It is built on the site of a Japanese prison during the Japanese occupation of Singapore. The history the museum imparts is truly both heart-breaking and fascinating as Singapore’s involvement as a British colony in the war is rarely mentioned or taught in Europe. Many Europeans and Americans as well as Singaporeans have ancestors who were in Singapore at the time, and a museum of such quality and intensity should be visited by all.
Chapultepec Castle is located on top of Chapultepec Hill in Mexico City's Chapultepec park. The name Chapultepec is the Nahuatl word chapoltepēc which means "hill of the grasshopper". The castle has such unparalleled views and terraces that explorer James F. Elton wrote they “can't be surpassed in beauty in any part of the world." It is located at the entrance to Chapultepec Park at a height of 2,325 meters above sea level. The site of the hill was a sacred place for Aztecs, and the buildings atop it have served several purposes during its history, including that of Military Academy, Imperial residence, Presidential residence, observatory, and since the 1940s, the National Museum of History. Chapultepec Castle, along with Iturbide Palace, also in Mexico City, are the only royal palaces in North America.
Character clothing research illustrations by Perin Westerhof Nyman.
Charles Town Maroons Cultural Centre and Museum
The Maroon’s Cultural Center, nestled in rural Charles Town along a lazy rolling white water river coming down from the Blue Mountains. The Maroon’s autonomy from the island’s government dates back to centuries old treaties and remains to this day. The “Colonel “of the local Maroons has created a rustic cultural museum of artifacts, tools, instruments and documents that date back to the time of pirates and the slave trade. His main goal in creating this museum was to teach the locals their culture and restore them to their Maroon identity.
The Charminar was built at the intersection of the historical trade route connecting the markets of Golkonda with the port city of Machhilipatnam. The city of Hyderabad was designed with the Charminar at its center, spread around in four quadrants along the four cardinal directions. Mir Momin Astarabadi of the Qutb Shahi dynasty played an important role and ordered extensive preparations for the design and layout along with that of the new capital city. Architects from Persia were invited to provide additional designs and suggestions. Inspired by the shapes of Shiya Tazias built to commemorate the tragic death of Prophet Muhammed’s grandson, Hussain at the battle of Karbala, the structure of the Charminar is perfectly square, with each side measuring 20m. The four grand arches open into four different streets and stand 11m wide. The square structure accommodates four minarets in each corner. The minarets are 56 meters high, house two balconies, and are topped with small delicate domes and intricate carvings on the outside walls. Unlike other prominent Islamic monuments, the minarets are built into the main structure. Inside the minarets there is a spiral staircase with 149 steps and 12 landings. The structure is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture with ample Persian influences. While arches and the domes show the influence of Islamic architecture, the minarets reflect Persian influence. The delicate stucco floral ornamentations on the ceiling, the balconies and the outside walls speak of Hindu influences.
Chartres Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in France, surpasses even Notre Dame de Paris in grandeur and preservation. Constructed between 1194 and 1250 on a historically revered site, the cathedral stands as a monument to medieval Christian art and architecture. Famous for its extensive use of stained glass, the cathedral’s walls are nearly entirely composed of colorful glass, making it a significant example of Gothic evolution from the Romanesque style. The cathedral is renowned not only for its architectural structure but also for its intricate stained glass windows and rich Gothic sculptures, whose meanings are deeply studied by scholars. The cathedral features a 34-meter-high vault, which is 4 meters taller than that of Notre Dame, enhancing its majestic presence. Chartres Cathedral’s design includes a vast array of stained glass that covers 32,292 square feet, with most of the original 13th-century glass still intact, illustrating biblical stories and Christian doctrines in vibrant color and detail. Notable for its scale and artistic detail, the cathedral’s interior is a pilgrimage site for its relic, the Sancta Camisa, said to be the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary during Christ's birth. This relic continues to draw pilgrims alongside tourists who come to admire the architectural and sculptural elements of the building. In 1979, Chartres Cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. The cathedral’s design exemplifies the Gothic ideal, with its high, intricate vaults supported by external buttresses, allowing for larger windows and thus more light. The architectural plan features a long nave flanked by aisles and an apse at the eastern end, typical of French Gothic cathedrals. The exterior is dominated by two contrasting spires and three large rose windows, each adorned with detailed sculptures that narrate theological stories.
Photo of Korean Air Cargo Boeing airplane turning with Checkboard hill in the background in 1995
Photos taken on the new year of 2024 at Chenghuangmiao in Shanghai
Chenghuangmiao, also known as the City God Temple, is a traditional Chinese temple located in the heart of Shanghai. It dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties and is dedicated to the City God, believed to protect the city and its inhabitants. The temple complex consists of various halls, courtyards, and altars, reflecting classical Chinese architecture and design. Chenghuangmiao is not only a religious site but also a cultural and historical landmark that represents Shanghai's rich heritage. Chenghuang Temple Daoist Temple, Old City God Temple Snacks, Lotus Pond, Huxinting Tea House, and Jiuquqiao together form a distinctive and characteristic cultural attraction known as the "Old City" in Shanghai, creating a unique tourism and cultural identity for the city. Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The digital platform promotes the sustainable use of cultural heritage by making it accessible to a global audience, fostering awareness and appreciation. Goal 4 (Quality Education): The inclusion of bilingual voice guides contributes to educational outreach, making cultural and historical information about Chenghuangmiao accessible to a wider range of people. Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): The use of digital technology for virtual tours represents an innovative approach to heritage preservation and cultural dissemination.
The Chengjiang Fossil Site in Yunnan Province is a renowned location for early Cambrian marine life fossils. These fossils, dating back approximately 530 million years, are key evidence for understanding the rapid diversification of life. The site exhibits fossils of up to 196 species spanning at least 16 categories, ranging from algae to primitive chordates, encompassing almost all major animal groups' origins. To protect and study these valuable fossils, the local government established the Chengjiang Fossil Natural History Museum. The museum features an online digital exhibition hall, with over 200 video clips narrating the stories of fossil discoveries and life evolution for the public. The research conducted at the Chengjiang Fossil Site has significantly contributed to enhancing our understanding of early life development while also contributing significantly to achieving the SDGs. Specifically, it supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 15 (Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservation) by emphasizing the importance of preserving Earth's biodiversity through educational and research activities.
The Chengjiang Fossil Site in Yunnan Province is a renowned location for early Cambrian marine life fossils. These fossils, dating back approximately 530 million years, are key evidence for understanding the rapid diversification of life. The site exhibits fossils of up to 196 species spanning at least 16 categories, ranging from algae to primitive chordates, encompassing almost all major animal groups' origins. The research conducted at the Chengjiang Fossil Site has significantly contributed to enhancing our understanding of early life development while also contributing significantly to achieving the SDGs. Specifically, it supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 15 (Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservation) by emphasizing the importance of preserving Earth's biodiversity through educational and research activities.
The Chengjiang Fossil Site World Natural Heritage Museum in Chengjiang, Yunnan Province, China. The museum is also known as the Yunnan Natural History Museum.
Example of Brutalist Architecture in Hong Kong:
Chinese calligraphy has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO since 2009 (UNESCO, 2009). It is a traditional art form that involves the use of a brush and ink to create beautiful characters and symbols on paper or other surfaces. It has a long history in Chinese culture and is considered one of the highest forms of visual art. Chinese calligraphy is the writing of Chinese characters as an art form, combining purely visual art and interpretation of the literary meaning. This type of expression has been widely practiced in China and has been generally held in high esteem across East Asia. Calligraphy is considered one of the four most-sought skills and hobbies of ancient Chinese literati, along with playing stringed musical instruments, the board game "Go", and painting. There are some general standardizations of the various styles of calligraphy in this tradition. Chinese calligraphy and ink and wash painting are closely related: they are accomplished using similar tools and techniques, and have a long history of shared artistry. Calligraphy has also led to the development of many forms of art in China, including seal carving, ornate paperweights, and inkstones.
Chinese calligraphy has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO since 2009. It is a traditional art form that involves the use of a brush and ink to create beautiful characters and symbols on paper or other surfaces. It has a long history in Chinese culture and is considered one of the highest forms of visual art. Chinese calligraphy is the writing of Chinese characters as an art form, combining purely visual art and interpretation of the literary meaning. This type of expression has been widely practiced in China and has been generally held in high esteem across East Asia. Calligraphy is considered one of the four most-sought skills and hobbies of ancient Chinese literati, along with playing stringed musical instruments, the board game "Go", and painting. There are some general standardizations of the various styles of calligraphy in this tradition. Chinese calligraphy and ink and wash painting are closely related: they are accomplished using similar tools and techniques, and have a long history of shared artistry. Calligraphy has also led to the development of many forms of art in China, including seal carving, ornate paperweights, and inkstones.
Chinese calligraphy is the stylized artistic writing of Chinese characters. This written form of Chinese unites the languages (many mutually unintelligible) spoken in China. The creation of Chinese calligraphy is based on a long history and tradition that spans over two thousand years, and it is considered one of the most important cultural legacies of China. It has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009 with reference No.00216. The nature of Chinese calligraphy is an art form that expresses emotions, thoughts and aesthetic concepts through elements such as strokes. Calligraphy is both a visual art and written art, and is an important part of traditional Chinese culture, with a deep cultural heritage and historical origins. In calligraphy, strokes are the most basic element of expression. Through the use of strokes, as well as the treatment of ink colour and layout, calligraphers express their emotions, personality and artistic pursuits in order to achieve emotional communication and aesthetic communication. Calligraphy is now taught in schools alongside traditional master-apprentice instruction. It's incorporated into national celebrations and religious rituals and has influenced modern art, architecture and design. Calligraphy is important for the appreciation of traditional culture and arts education, a source of pride and pleasure for Chinese people, and embodies China's artistic heritage.
Culture,Movable Cultural Heritage,Intangible Heritage
The Longmen Grottes, located in the present-day Henan Province, are the epitomes of Chinese finest Buddhist art. There are over 100,000 status of the Shakyamuni Buddha and his disciples in the 2345 caves. The status varies in size, ranging from 1 inch to 57 feet. The Grottes’ history can be dated back to the Northern Wei Dynasty, and since then it has been one of the most popular venues for worship, attracting distinguished visitors including the woman emperor Wu Zetian. The Longmen Grottes was inscribed by the UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2000, being described as “an outstanding manifestation of human artistic creativity”. Many digital preservation measures have been made since 2013. Leveraging laser scanning and VR technologies, the whole site has been reconstructed and now tourist is able to take virtual tours from any mobile devices, viewing the magnificent status without traveling around. The Longmen Grottes also built their presence on major Chinese social media platforms, which enabled them to reach all age group and entrant their awareness. They have recently developed their commodities which was trendy among younger audiences.
Chinese Shadow Art (from Wang's Shadow Museum)
The Shadow puppetry is a form of theatrical performance with over 1000 years of history. The puppets used in performance are made from animal skins. The material is usually semi- transparent and dyed in multiple colours, so they would appear colourful when casted onto the screen. From Tang dynasty to Qing dynasty, the shadow puppetry remains one of the people’s favourite forms of art as it kept reinventing itself to survive. Although it has never disappeared from Chinese people’s life, it has lost the position as the popular way of entertainment nowadays. As one of the major national intangible heritage, the shadow art has received sufficient funds and support from the government. Dedicated museums such as the Wang’s Shadow Museum has been established. Online performance and master classes are hosted on a regular basis. In 2020, the Google arts and culture started leveraging emergent technologies such as the TensorFlow to enable users to experience the art more interactively using gestures. Digital exhibition has also been curated, drawing people’s attention to the old form of art with creative communication. Videos posted on video-sharing platforms received positive feedbacks, with one being viewed by more than 1 million users.