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.

Grampians National Park, known as Gariwerd by the Traditional Owners, is a mountainous landscape in western Victoria defined by sandstone ranges, rocky escarpments, forests, waterfalls, and broad valleys. The park forms part of the Grampians-Gariwerd region and contains some of Victoria’s most extensive areas of protected native habitat.

Nouméa, the vibrant capital of New Caledonia, offers a captivating mix of French sophistication and Pacific charm. This bustling city is renowned for its beautiful beaches, such as Anse Vata, where turquoise waters and white sand invite relaxation and water sports.

Glennallen is a small community in the Copper River Valley of south-central Alaska, positioned near the junction of the Glenn and Richardson highways. It serves as a regional service center for a widely scattered population and is surrounded by broad valleys, forests, wetlands, and distant mountain ranges. The Wrangell and Chugach Mountains rise around the wider region, while the Copper River and its tributaries shape the landscape.

Tajikistan, a landlocked country in Central Asia, is defined by its dramatic mountain landscapes, including the towering Pamir and Fann ranges. These rugged peaks and deep valleys create a striking backdrop for ancient Silk Road sites and traditional villages, reflecting the country’s historical importance as a crossroads of cultures.