Exploring China's Great Wall and Terracotta Army

Asia

China

• Characterized as a mysterious and exotic tourist destination that offers limitless exploration.
• Great Wall of China serves as a complex defensive structure that stretches across regions for thousands of kilometers.
  • Its purpose was to defend the Chinese empire from northern invaders like the Mongols.
• Terracotta Army, Xian features life-size terracotta figures of soldiers and warriors in Qin Shi Huang’s tomb.
  • The army consists of vanguard bowmen, crossbowmen, archers, foot soldiers, charioteers, and an armored rear guard.
• Honghe Hani Rice Terraces consists of valleys that form a concentrated area of steep rice terraces known for red rice production.
  • The terraces utilize a complex channel system to irrigate water from surrounding mountaintops.
• Chengdu Panda Base is a nonprofit research and breeding facility to create an ecosystem resembling the natural habitat for giant pandas.
• Its main attraction is a large outdoor space for pandas to play and eat.
• Yuan Xiao (Lantern) Festival honors deceased ancestors on the 15th day of the first lunar month.
  • It marks the first full moon of the new lunar year and the end of the Chinese New Year.
  • Houses are decorated with colorful lanterns with riddles.
  • Solvers can earn a gift if they answer correctly.

Thailand

• Known as the "Land of Smiles," it is a premier travel destination with diverse traditions and history.
• Pristine beaches dominate its south, while verdant mountain villages characterize its north.
• Grand Palace, Bangkok, is a building complex and the official residence of Thailand's royal family.
  • The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which houses a jade Buddha statue, is located nearby.
  • Royal offices and rooms that are open to the public serving as a history museum are located near by.
• Phang Nga Bay, Phuket has scenic areas that consist of caves, aquatic grottos, and limestone islands.
  • Sightseeing tours are available via traditional wooden longtail boats, speedboats, sailing yachts, and sea kayaks.
• Ayutthaya was the country’s ancient capital, with various old palaces and temples.
  • Wat Mahathat houses a Buddha statue’s face is completely covered in tree roots.
• Phimai Festival is a 5-day event held every second weekend of November.
  • It highlights traditional long-boat races in the Phimai Historical Park.
  • Light and sound presentations, Thai mask dance, arts and crafts fairs, and cultural performances also take place.
• Songkran Water Festival marks the Thai New Year starting in mid to late April.
  • The celebration unites residents and visitors to purify, clean, and move forward by splashing water.
  • Water is used to wash away the past year in preparation for the new one.

Japan

• Combines ancient traditions with modern technologies.
• Mount Fuji is the country’s highest and most beautiful mountain with a round snow-capped cone.
  • Climbing the slopes a sacred spirit and an act of pilgrimage for followers of Shinto religion.
• Yakushima Island, Kagoshima features Yakusugi cedar trees over 1,000 years old and pristine beaches.
  • Nicknamed “the island of ancient forest and water” because of diverse ecosystems, endemic plants, and village lifestyles.
• Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), Kyoto is a temple with two floors covered in gold leaf.
  • It was previously the retirement villa of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, a military dictator.
  • An impressive structure overlooking a large pond, it is the only building left in the complex.
• Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo is known as the world's busiest pedestrian crossing, with large neon billboards, flashy signs, and noise.
  • It is a popular location for film shoots, artwork, and celebrations such as New Year’s Eve and Halloween.
• Matsuri (Festival) consists of three famous festivals:
  • Gion Matsuri began as a way to appease the gods of natural disasters.
  • Now showcases Kyoto's ancient culture through traditional music, dance and spotting Geisha.
  • Kanda Matsuri is a week-long festival every two years.
    • It features parades of priests on horses, dancers, musicians, and mikoshi making their way through Tokyo.
  • Tenjin Matsuri is a two-day celebration at the end of July.
    • Actors are dressed as Japanese mythological characters during traditional music and dance performances.

India

• A vibrant land of startling contrasts blending traditional and modern worlds.
• Taj Mahal, Agra is an immense white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife.
  • It exemplifies Mughal architecture (a blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles).
  • The site includes a garden, museum, and twin mosque buildings placed symmetrically.
• Kerala Backwaters features lagoons and lakes parallel to the Arabian Sea coast habitat for aquatic life.
  • Houseboat tourism is popular.
  • Kettuvallams travel the waterways serving freshly cooked Indian food.
• Ellora Caves, Maharashtra consists of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain cave temples.
  • It represents India's religious tolerance.
  • Kailasa Temple showcases Dravidian art on its tower.
• Diwali Festival takes place during the fifteenth day of the Hindu month, typically in October or November.
• It marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil for Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs.
• It is symbolized by lighting lamps, fireworks, exchanging sweets/gifts and renewal of values.
• Holi Festival is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month, typically in February or March, marking spring's arrival.
  • Celebrants joyfully splash colored powders while dancing to songs to spread happiness.

Indonesia

• An archipelago holding treasures in its cultures, landscapes, and cities and has more than 17,000 islands.
• Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali with temples, Balinese art, cultural dances, performances, & Yoga.
  • Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and three Balinese Hindu temples can be found here.
• Krakatoa Volcano, Rakata Island is between Sumatra and Java.
  • Its eruption severely impacted the climate, devastating human life.
    • Activities include camping, hiking, snorkeling, & diving to witness aquatic life.
• Borobudur, Java derived from "Vihara Buddha Uhr" or Buddhist Monastery on the hill.
  • A terraced temple surmounted by stone towers that resemble Indonesian burial foundations.
  • Symbolizes the final resting place of the founder, united with Buddha.
• Nyepi (Day of Silence) Festival commemorates the Balinese New Year.
  • It is involves fasting, meditation, prayers, reduced travel, dim lights, and ceasing work.
• The Bali airport is closed.
• Ogoh-ogoh statues are paraded and burnt to symbolize negativity.
• Bau Nyale Fishing Festival occurs in February or March on Lombok to catch nyale worm-like fish. -This legend involves a princess who drowned escaping marriage, reincarnating as a nyale.
  • Eating nyale will make men energetic and women beautiful.

Nepal

• Diverse country attracting visitors seeking mountains, culture, and spiritual awakening.
• Mount Everest lies between Nepal and Tibet as the highest mountain.
  • Trekking and unique views of the Himalayas attract visitors.
  • The Sherpa region offers culture, traditions, and a way of life to observe.
• Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu is a massive stupa (Buddhist monument with relics associated with Buddha).
  • Various Buddhist monasteries and meditation centers providing teachings and practices surround it.
• Chitwan National Park houses one-horned rhinos and Bengal Tigers.
  • Lush vegetation and the Himalayas form a beautiful landscape.
• Tihar Festival (Festival of Lights) is celebrated for five days in October or November.
  • Thanksgiving for animals, worship of gods, and mountains for prosperity takes place.
• Dashain Festival is the longest Hindu festival (two weeks).
  • It involves offerings and prayers to the Goddess Durga.
  • It is a time for blessings, gifts, and ensuring progress and prosperity for devotees.

South Korea

• Offers history, culture, food, people, and infrastructure.
• Dadohaehaesang is the country's largest marine park.
  • It stretches across the sea and islands with coastal landscapes cliffs, tranquil beaches, and inlets.
  • Hiking, birdwatching, and contemplation is ideal here.
• Namsan Seoul Tower is the first telecommunications tower now serves as rest and tourists attraction.
  • A popular place for couples to hang "love locks".
• Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) divides North and South Korea.
  • It serves as a buffer zone under the Korean Armistice Agreement that is heavily secured by military.
  • Guided tours are available to see tunnels and observatories for visits to North Korea.
• Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival commemorates the Jinju Siege.
  • Lanterns blocked the Japanese troops on the Namgang River.
  • Thousands of red lanterns are lit on the Namgang River for well-being, health, and prosperity.
• Additional attractions include street parades, local food, performances, and a Tunnel of Wish Lanterns.
• Boryeong Mud Festival is held at Daecheon Beach.
  • It started in the 1990s for the therapeutic benefits of mud.
  • Mud wrestling, fireworks, mudslides, and mud king competitions involve the modern celebration.

Pakistan

• Offers natural beauty, mountains, deserts, and high peaks.
• Attabad Lake, Gilgit Baltistan, was formed by a landslide that destroyed Attabad Village.
  • Bright-blue waters are suited for boating, jet-skiing, and fishing.
• Shah Jahan Mosque, Thatta, features blue and sandstone tile work on its interior.
  • It was built to honor Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a gesture of gratitude.
• Katpana Desert, Skardu, is the highest cold desert in the world.
  • It is surrounded by Katpana Lake and mountains that offer relaxation spots.
• Eid-ul-Fitr signifies the end of Ramadan.
  • People attend prayers at mosques, donate, and families share feasts.
  • Children receive eidi.
• Eid-ul-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son.
  • Ritual sacrifice of animals is distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate.

Vietnam

• Mixed landscape and long history creates cultural richness.
• Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue, is the tallest pagoda in Vietnam.
  • The Phuoc Duyen Tower has seven levels, each devoted to a Buddha.
• Ha Long Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin has islands and islets that feature limestone pillars, arches, and caves.
  • Home to the Cat Ba Langur, Cat Ba Tiger Gecko, and Asian Small-clawed Otter.
• Son Doong Cave is known as the world’s largest cave.
  • Giant stalactites, ancient rain forests, and an underground river exist within.
  • The intricate cave system is created by an underground river and filled with water formations.
• Hung Kings Temple Festival, Phu Tho, commemorates the nation's founders, the Hung Kings.
  • Vietnamese participate in folk games and events.
  • Governmental leaders, villagers, and tourists process to the upper temple.
• Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) is Vietnam's most important festival and holiday.
  • Cleaning, decorating, cooking, ancestral worship, and giving lucky money are done.
  • Visiting relatives and pagodas to pray is a part of the holiday.

Africa

South Africa

• A safari destination highlighted by African golden savannahs, gorges, and deserts.
• Kruger National Park constitutes one of the oldest and largest national parks.
  • Day visits, overnight stays, self-drive safaris, and guided game drives are available.
• Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg offers segregation and state-sanctioned racism.
• Table Mountain has a flat-topped shape facing Cape Town.
  • Wind and water erosion and camping can be done here.
• National Arts Festival, Grahamstown is the largest arts festival
  • It offers live music, theater, performances, film screenings, and dance companies from June to Jul.
• Hermanus Whale Festival celebrates the southern right whales migration to the Cape’s south coast.
  • Hermanus offers land-based whale watching.

Zambia

• Emerges as safari travel location for unspoiled landscapes, wildlife and birdlife diversity.
• Victoria Falls lies on Zambia and Zimbabwe border - Known as the world's biggest falling sheet water and thunderous smokes
• Kafue National Park is Zambia’s oldest and largest - Offers game drives, birding, canoeing, nature and fishing walks
• Lusaka National Museum preserves and showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage history - Covers archeology, ethnography, art, natural and contemporary Zambian culture
• Kuomboka is an annual celebration to Lozi to marks from summer to winter - Large wooden canoe, war drums, paddlers wearing lion’s mane and skirts feature this ceremony
• Likumbi Lya Mize to the Luvale people in Northwestern Province in August - Marks re-entrance of boys from seclusion for male circumcision -Dances are from masks from masked men

Ethiopia

• Dubbed the "Land of Thirteen Months.”
• Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela is a greatest symbol of Ethiopian built during the 13th century to recreate Jerusalem. -Has 11 churches and pilgrimage of Ethiopian hold regular
• National Museum of Ethiopia- thousands of ancient artifacts and archeological finds with paleoanthropological section -Contains remains of early hominids apes and skeletons of Lucy
• Dallol-hot muddy springs, toxic gas bubbles and sulphuric pools -Uninhabited cauldron where turquoise hot springs contrast the yellow/orange salt deposits
• Meskel is a celebration on Ethiopian Orthodox believers that commemorates fourth-century event where Empress Helena -The centerpiece is the lighting of a bonfires Timkat-Three day festival commemorates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist -Tabot from churches are held in ornamental - cloth with songs burning incense

Zimbabwe

• Ancient nature and wildlife
• Hwange National Park is the largest mammal reserve park -It contains wildlife such as elephants, rhino’s and African dogs
• Matobo National Park granite scenery rock formations -Its an exceptional landscape
• Great Zimbabwe monument comprises balancing stones without mater -Three distinct groups hill ruins and stone walls
• Shoko festival - Is a cultural freedom of art Jikinya dance - cultural heritage

Nigeria

• Known for cultural heritage and tourism centers
• Olumo Rock (Abeokuta) was discovered in a vantage during war and the rock has many statues Olumo a of combined Olu and Mo -Agodi Gardens (Ibadan)- Abandoned attraction due to flood disaster and the resort was rennavated Recreational facility comprises water park/ play area/ restaurant/ food
• Osun-Osogbo cultural landscape where culture settlements of of Shrines, scriptures and artworks honored by sun
• Calabar Carnival(Cross state river) Celebration known as pride and focuses annually of local heritage -The carnival helped capacity aspects integrate aspect local heritage -Local heritage aspects have integrated
• Durbar marking marks of end of followed prayer. leaders pay homage to EMIIR

Kenya

• Kenya “safari” known for diversity and adventure
• Maasai Mara national reserve- was reserved and known for red cloth massi people -Known for immigration and Zebra from July to October
• Lake Nakura National Park- Huge pink flocks live and birds species cheetahs and leopards -Ideal for bird watching/ game watching
• Lake Tekena Festival- most appearing color festivals show cultural harmony -celebrate culture tribal to break eight pastoral groups to not quarreling

Algeria

• Small Journey from continent has adventured intrigue
• Monument glory where monument from soldier fall country independence -Polish sculptor’s palm trees
• Hot spings has ten in single valley -high healing properties

Egypt

-Destinations with amazing tombs wonder -Contains west track with great wheel -Pyramids giza three pyramids, tombs pharaoh _White desert- National Saharan with white pile unusual rock formations

Madagascar

• Malagasy extraordinary diversity -nickname “eighth continent" unique treasure
• Tsingy de Bemaraha National Known- Sharp limestone and underground reverse and adventure feature -Baobao Avenue - trees. seller has local products -gathering products from culture
• Royal Hill Anbohimanga- houses tombstones features traditional -Religious memory
• Famidihana and Ceremony the is to celebrate deceased -remove members take show and reburl members
• Saatarbay festival - thanks rice harvest

Morocco

• Morocco tourist attractions and architecture world coastal
• Hassan mosque Modern mosques non Muslim tradition mosaic pieces and vibrates
• Djemaa El Fn Market entertainers for can sample tourist
• Legziva Beach wide surfing for beach has a rocks
• Kalaat Mgouna for rose displaying week shows display

Australia

• Australia coast contrast city vast sand islands and planet wonders -Great barrier reef
• Sydney opera -like ship wind like structure venues
• reef park- collection habitat and species

New Zealand

• New Zealand is hotspot -White rafting
• Fiordland National Park known alpine ranges -Millions and hectare
• Sky Tower(Auckland) - tall structure
• Tangerine Alpine Crossing wealth culture
• Victory Fete- vintage day -Has Victorians
• Hokiticka wildest- expose menu and dishes

Papua New Guinea

• Landscape dramatic discovery maintan
• Taris basin - attraction - Only reserve blue birds in paradise world
• Bomona cemetery -Service member action only
• Rain forest habitat house crocs and birds Sepik crocodile honor connect-perform tribe songs with connection