Xi’an, located in central China’s Shaanxi Province, served as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and was the capital of 13 imperial dynasties. Its long history is most famously represented by the Terracotta Army, an underground army of life-sized warriors discovered in 1974. Each figure has distinct facial features, hairstyles, and armor, designed to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.

Redwood National and State Parks protect a remarkable coastal landscape in northern California, where ancient redwood forests grow alongside rivers, prairies, wetlands, and the Pacific Ocean. The protected area extends across a series of parks in Del Norte and Humboldt counties, preserving some of the tallest trees on Earth. Dense stands of coast redwoods create shaded forest environments beneath a canopy of towering trunks, while nearby coastal bluffs and beaches provide a striking contrast.

Nantes, situated on the banks of the Loire River in western France, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, creative energy, and dynamic cultural scene.

Gorée is a small island off the coast of Dakar, known for its preserved architecture and its central place in Senegal’s history of the Atlantic slave trade. Its narrow streets, pastel-colored buildings, courtyards, and waterfront create a compact historic landscape that contrasts with the modern capital across the water. The island is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is regarded as an important place of memory for the African diaspora.

Eskişehir, located in northwestern Turkey, is a city where old meets new in unexpected ways. Known for its youthful vibe due to its two major universities, the city is also deeply rooted in history. It sits along the Porsuk River, which winds through lively neighborhoods and parks. The riverfront, once mostly industrial, has been transformed into a place where gondolas pass under bridges and locals gather at riverside cafes.