Yantai is on the coast of the Bohai Sea and one of the most picturesque small cities in China. Visit Penglai Pavilion, said to be where the 8 Taoist Immortals flew across the sea or view the city from the 14th-century Yuhuang Hill Temple where the abundant rose-colored buildings and orange-tiled roofs of the town are nestled between the sea and the gentle hills.
Bacalar sits on the tranquil shores of Laguna de Bacalar in southern Quintana Roo, Mexico, and has been a meeting place for people and cultures for centuries. Its name comes from the ancient Maya phrase Sian Ka’an Bakhalal, meaning “where the sky is born,” a reminder of how deeply this place figures in regional history and identity.
Situated in the Parque Nacional Iguazú near Puerto Iguazú, these spectacular falls lie just east of the confluence of the Iguazu and Paraná rivers. At least 5000 cubic m of water per second plunge the 70m into the abyss below.
Khndzoresk is a village in Armenia's Syunik Province, near the town of Goris, known for a deep gorge containing an extensive historic cave settlement. Old Khndzoresk developed along the steep sides of the gorge, where natural cavities were enlarged and adapted into homes, storage spaces, stables, and other parts of a community.
Photo Credit: Photo by Mauricio Manzato on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by ダモ リ on Unsplash
One of the world's highest plateaus (approximately 12,000 ft. above sea level). Home to the Potala Palace, former living quarters of the Dalai Lama. Visit one of Tibet's holiest shrines, the revered 7th century Jokhang Temple, where pilgrims come to prostrate themselves before the statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha, lavishly enthroned in silver and gold.
Other Popular Destinations in China
Beijing
Beijing, the capital of China, is a city where history and modern life intersect on a grand scale. Ancient landmarks like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven reflect centuries of imperial heritage, while the Great Wall lies just outside the city, offering views of one of the most famous engineering feats in the world.
Shanghai
Shanghai is a city where contrasting timelines meet at every corner. Once a small fishing village along the Huangpu River, it grew rapidly during the 19th century into a major trading port. Today, its skyline tells a story of that transformation. On one side, the Bund’s colonial-era buildings stand tall in limestone and granite; on the other, the futuristic towers of Pudong, like the Shanghai Tower and Jin Mao, stretch into the clouds.