Attractions in Alberta

Here are the Attractions in Alberta...

Edmonton city skyline and North Saskatchewan River

Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park




Moraine Lake, Banff National Park

Buffalo, Elk Island National Park

Carson Pegasus Provincial Park, near Whitecourt


Alberta Legislature building and grounds, Edmonton

Banff Avenue from Cascade Gardens, Banff National Park


Royal Tyrrell Museum, Drumheller

Orangutans, Calgary Zoo

Downtown Lloydminster, which straddles the Alberta-Saskatchewan border

Canola field, near Red Deer


Boat tour on Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park


Columbia Icefields Snocoach Tours, Jasper National Park

Calgary city skyline and Saddledome

Dinosaur dig, Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaentology, Drumheller



Dinosaur Provincial Park, Badlands

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff National Park

Britain's Savill Garden

The Savill Garden is one of Britain’s greatest ornamental gardens. Neither a botanical garden, nor a kitchen garden attached to a great house, it is a garden for the garden’s sake, enjoyed by horticulturalists and enthusiasts alike. It never fails to charm visitors who come to explore its 35 acres of contemporary and classically designed gardens and exotic woodland.

Developed under the patronage of Kings and Queens, The Savill Garden was created in the 1930s by Sir Eric Savill. It began as a woodland garden, with native oak, beech and sweet chestnut trees, but has since evolved by incorporating many new plants over the years.

The Savill Garden is a place of constant discovery, and of hidden, interlocking gardens, containing distinctive planting groups including areas such as Spring Wood, The Summer Wood, The Hidden Gardens, The Summer Gardens, The Glades, Autumn Wood, The Azalea Walks and The New Zealand Garden. The Savill Garden mixes native and exotic species and has bred many important garden hybrids. Each ‘garden within a garden’ has its own attractions, and the gardens are ever-changing with every season bringing new colour and interest to delight the visitor.

The new Rose Garden is now open. The Rose Garden takes a fresh and contemporary approach to displaying roses and has been designed by Andrew Wilson of Wilson McWilliam Associates.
The design creates an intense sensory experience with roses especially chosen for their scent, strong colours and repeat flowering. As the deep aroma of the roses naturally rises, visitors will be able to enjoy the perfume at its best, together with stunning views, from a walk way which will, from a distance, appear to ‘float’ above the Rose Garden.

Attractions in Northern Mongolia

Lake Huvsgul. This majestic clear-watered lake contains 65% of all the fresh water of Mongolia and furthermore, 1% of the world’s fresh water supply. Nine species of fish inhabit the lake, including Siberian grayling and lenok. Nearby taiga forest, forest steppe, moun tains, and the lake itself provide habitat for 68 species of mammals, including argali, ibex, elk, reindeer, musk deer, brown bear, lynx, marten, beaver, wolf, and moose, 244 species of birds, and 750 species of plants, including 60 with medicinal importance.



Khuvsgul is the land of the TSAATAN REINDEER HERDSMEN, a branch of the Turkic-speaking Tuvinian or Dukha ethnic group. This small group of 42 families possesses a social and material culture which has remained unchanged since the Ice Age. Shamanistic or totemic rituals and symbolism are central to the social organization of the Tsaatan. Shamanistic rituals of healing rely on rare medicinal plants and animals unique to this landscape. The Tsaatan are an archaic and ethnographically interesting nomadic groups to be found on the Eurasian continent their lifestyles are both ancestral to all the nomadic herding cultures of Central Asia and are reminiscent of a way of life which was widespread across Europe, Asia and North America 10,000 years ago. Darkhad and Tuva people have coexisted peacefully with the Tsaatan reindeer herders sharing respect for KHUVSGUL LAKE, The Dalai Eej or Mother Sea for sustaining their livelihoods for centuries. The area is a perfect destination for vacationing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, trekking, sport fishing, and bird watching.

URAN-TOGOO TULGA NATURAL RESERVE
Uran uul volcano lies west of Bulgan city en route to Khuvsgul area.
Selenge Province. The rich vegetation and fertile soil of Selenge aimag position the aimag as the breadbasket of Mongolia. Selenge aimag produces 40-56 percent of the grain of the country. In the aimag, there are timber, match, cement, chalk, spirit, wood plants, gold and coal mines and power stations. In the south-east, the open-pit coal mine at Sharyn Gol produces about two million tons of coal each year to provide electricity for the Erdenet mine in Bulgan aimag.

The Amarbayasgalant Monastery is considered the second most important in Mongolia after Erdene Zuu Khiid in Kharkhorin and the most intact architectural complex in Mongolia located in a valley 360 km from Ulaanbaatar. The monastery was built between 1727 and 1737 by the Manchu emperor Yongzheng and dedicated to the great Mongolian Buddhist and sculptor, Zanabazar, whose mummified body was moved here in 1779. The valley is covered throughout its extent with Turkic-era graves of various geometric shapes dating to 3rd century. The area holds sacred associations for the people. In 1996 it was nominated by UNESCO as a Heritage Site. After 65 years the lamas organized “Tsam” religious dance for the first time in Amarbayasgalant monastery in 2002.

Spiritual Mongolia
Mongolians are very spiritual people. Shamanism in Mongolia originated some 5000- 6000 years ago reaching its peak during the 3rd century BC. Shamanism derives from respect and worship of the nature. For centuries shamanism determined the nomads’ attitude and behavior towards nature. The respect for nature still lives in the custom of worshipping and erecting ovoo (stone piles with offerings on top of mountains). The Mongolian shamanism reveres the three totems: father of heavens, mother of the earth, and spirits of the ancestors. Shamans perform divinations wearing special costumes and use special ritualistic instruments. Nowadays, shamanism is still practiced among the Tsaatan, Tuva, and Buriad ethnic groups who live in Khuvsgul area and eastern part of Mongolia.

Buddhism spread in Mongolia in three great waves. The first wave was brought by the Silk Road trade, a section of which ran through the southern part of Mongolia. The second wave came during the ruling of Khubilai Khan. The last one started in 16th century by Under Gegeen Zanabazar, the first Bogdo or theocratic leader of Mongolia, a direct descendant of Chinggis Khan. He designed Lamaist rituals, etiquette for lamas to creating attributes and musical instruments for religious rituals and public worship services. Buddhism in Mongolia belongs to Mahayana, the Great wheel teachings. Between 16th-i 8th centuries some 800 monasteries and temple complexes were built on the territory of Mongolia the majority of which got destroyed during the 1930s religious persecution by Communists. Nowadays, Buddhism is experiencing a revival with more than 100 monasteries and temples being restored and a return of freedom to believe and worship to Mongolians.

Places to Visit in Cadiz City

Lakawon Island Resort.

The premier tourist destination in Cadiz, is a white sand island resort which is located 20 minutes off the coast of Barangay Cadiz Viejo.

It is accessible by motor vehicle and then by pump boat. The resort offers amenities such as fully equipped cottages that can accommodate couples, families and different-sized groups. It has a restaurant, where you can order all kinds of fresh seafood, often the catch of the day by the island's fishermen, as well as native Ilonggo, Filipino and International cuisine.


Its bar offers ice-cold drinks, souvenir items and swimming gears. A variety of water sports and sea crafts are also available.

Gil Lopez Ancestral Home and Nature Park.

Located at Hda. Fara-on, at Barangay Cabahug, is 14 kilometers from the city proper. This point of interest is just along the highway with a travel time of 15-20 minutes. This area is private, and prior permission is necessary.


Cornel Swimming Pool

The water comes from the spring. The place is also located at Barangay Cabahug. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday. Entrance fee is P50.00 per person. The place offers lesson on horseback riding.

Busac-Busac Spring

This is located at Hda. Reboton, Barangay Tinampa-an which is about 9.5 kms. from the city. Travel time is 30 minutes. Transportation: Jeepneys, tricycle, then hiking on foot.


Hiyang-hiyang Falls
This waterfall is located at Barangay Celestino S. Villacin, which is 60 kilometers away from the city proper

Paco Falls
This is located at Sitio Alimatoc, also of Barangay C.S. Villacin, and is only 35 kms. from the city proper.

Cabagacayan Falls
This waterfall is located at Barangay Andres Bonifacio, and is 18 kilometers away from the city proper. The place is good for mountain trekking with approximately 4 kilometers distance from barangay road.


Balay Alibangbang

This is located at Hda. Tagud, Barangay Luna which is about 8 kms. from the city.

Laura Seafront Resort

It is located at Barangay Daga and is 4 kilometers away from the city proper. It is one of the city's popular places where visitors can unwind. Its amenities include function halls (which can serve as venue for seminars and conferences), air-conditioned duplex cottages, junior Olympic size swimming pool, children's swimming pool and tennis court.

RC Beach Resort

Also located at Barangay Daga, and is 2.5 kilometers away from the city proper. it has cottages, 1 big pavillion (function room), 4 units air-conditioned rooms (duplex type), 2 swimming pools: for adult and kids.

Other Beach Resorts

The Santa Cruz Beach Resort and Tingson Beach Resort, both located at Barangay Banquerohan; the Green Lagoon and Rosita Beach Resorts, located at Barangay Sicaba.

Places that you should visit in your Lifetime

8. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The first half of 12thcentury : King Suryavarman II. The largest of the Angkor group and one of the most intact, is an architectural masterpiece. Its perfection in composition, balance, proportions, relief¡¯s and sculpture make it one of the finest monuments in the world. This temple is and expression of Khmer art at its highest point of development. Some believe Angkor Wat was designed by Divakarapandita, the chief adviser and minister of the king, who was a Brahmin with divine honours.

The Khmers attribute the building of Angkor Wat to the divine architect Visvakar man. Construction probably began early in the reign of Suryavarman II and because his name appears posthumously in the bas relief¡¯s and inscriptions it is believed that Angkor Wat was completed after his death. The estimated time for construction of the temple is about 30 year.

Places that you should visit in your Lifetime

7. Alaska

Places to visit in Alaska:

Alagnak Wild River - King Salmon, AK
The headwaters of the Alagnak Wild River lie within the rugged Aleutian Range of neighboring Katmai National Park & Preserve. Meandering west towards Bristol Bay and the Bering Sea, the Alagnak traverses the beautiful Alaska Peninsula, providing an unparalleled opportunity to experience the unique wilderness, wildlife, and cultural heritage of southwest Alaska.

Alaska Public Lands - Anchorage, AK
Alaska's parks, forest and refuges are rich and varied. The Alaska Centers, interagency visitor centers located in Tok, Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Ketchikan, allow visitors to stop by or write to just one spot for all the information needed to plan an Alaskan adventure. The centers also educate adults and children about the cultural and

Aleutian World War II National Historic Area - Unalaska/Dutch Harbor, AK
Perched on Mount Ballyhoo in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, the concrete remains of the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area speak silently of a time of war. This magical place was the stage for two American tragedies: here, servicemen fought both the Japanese and the extreme weather, as hundreds of native Unangan people were interned a thousand miles away, longing to return to their island homes.


Bering Land Bridge National Preserve - Nome, AK
Where today there is sea there was once a vast treeless steppe. The Bering Land Bridge allowed the migration of plants and animals, including humans, to spread beyond their home continent. Today Bering Land Bridge National Preserve provides archeologists and paleontologists a chance to explore the past, while the native Inupiat still utilize the land as their ancestors did long ago.

Cape Krusenstern National Monument - Kotzebue, AK
North of the Arctic Circle, Cape Krusenstern National Monument stretches 70 miles along the Chukchi Sea shoreline. Beach ridges provide evidence of 5000 years of human activity. Inupiat people continue to use the resources today. Vast wetlands provide food, water, and shelter for migratory birds. Hikers and boaters can see carpets of tundra wildflowers and sometimes musk oxen, moose, or caribou.

Denali National Park & Preserve - Denali Park, AK
The second weekend after Labor Day each year, Denali hosts an annual "Road Lottery." Four hundred names are drawn for each of the four days of the lottery, and winners may purchase a day-pass to drive as much of the Park Road as weather allows. Folks may apply to the lottery between June 1 - June 30, online or via regular mail.

Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve - Bettles, AK
The floatplane disappears, leaving you on the lakeshore. For the next two weeks you must survive using the knowledge, skills and gear you bring with you. Traveling through this vast wilderness you will discover craggy ridges, glacier carved valleys and fragile flowers. You will walk or float through intact ecosystems where people have lived with the land for thousands of years. You will experience ...


Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve - Gustavus, AK
The marine wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve includes tidewater glaciers, snow-capped mountain ranges, ocean coastlines, deep fjords, and freshwater rivers and lakes. This diverse land and seascape hosts a mosaic of plant communities and a variety of marine and terrestrial wildlife and presents many opportunities for adventuring and learning about this unique and powerful place.

Inupiat Heritage Center - Barrow , AK
On the rooftop of the world, the Iñupiat Heritage Center in Barrow, Alaska tells the story of the Iñupiat people. They thrived for thousands of years in one of the harshest climates on Earth, hunting the bowhead whale whom they call "Agviq." In the 19th century, these lonely seas swarmed with commercial whalemen from New England, who also sought the bowhead for its valuable baleen and blubber.

Katmai National Park & Preserve - King Salmon, AK
Katmai National Monument was created in 1918 to preserve the famed Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a spectacular forty square mile, 100 to 700 foot deep ash flow deposited by Novarupta Volcano. A National Park & Preserve since 1980, today Katmai is still famous for volcanoes, but also for brown bears, pristine waterways with abundant fish, remote wilderness, and a rugged coastline.

Kenai Fjords National Park - Seward, AK
At the tip of the Kenai Peninsula lies a land where the ice age still lingers. In Kenai Fjords, glaciers, earthquakes, and ocean storms are the architects. Ice worms, bears and whales make their home in this land of constant change. Native Alutiiq used these resources to nurture a life entwined with the sea. Explore this site to discover Kenai Fjords, its history, science and remote splendor.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park - Skagway, AK
Gold! Headlines read in 1897, starting the rush. Thousands, hoping to ease the woes of economic depression, sold farms, dropped businesses and boarded ships to follow their dreams north. They braved icy passes to reach the interior of Canada, only to find the gold claims staked by prospectors who preceded them. A few struck gold; many more returned home penniless, yet richer for the adventure.

Kobuk Valley National Park - Kotzebue, AK
Caribou, sand dunes, the Kobuk River, Onion Portage - just some of the facets of Kobuk Valley National Park. Half a million caribou migrate through, their tracks crisscrossing sculpted dunes. The Kobuk River is an ancient and current path for people and wildlife. For 9000 years, people came to Onion Portage to harvest caribou as they swam the river. Even today, that rich tradition continues.

Lake Clark National Park & Preserve - Port Alsworth, AK
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve was created to protect scenic beauty (volcanoes, glaciers, wild rivers and waterfalls), populations of fish and wildlife, watersheds essential for red salmon, and the traditional lifestyle of local residents. Lake Clark's spectacular scenery provides a true wilderness experience for those who visit.

Noatak National Preserve - Kotzebue, AK
As one of North America's largest mountain-ringed river basins with an intact ecosystem, the Noatak River environs features some of the Arctic's finest arrays of plants and animals. The river is classified as a national wild and scenic river, and offers stunning wilderness float-trip opportunities - from deep in the Brooks Range to the tidewater of the Chukchi Sea.

Sitka National Historical Park - Sitka, AK
Alaska's oldest federally designated park was established in 1910 to commemorate the 1804 Battle of Sitka. All that remains of this last major conflict between Europeans and Alaska Natives is the site of the Tlingit Fort and battlefield, located within this scenic 113 acre park in a temperate rain forest.


World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument - Honolulu, HI,AK,CA
Spanning nearly all of the Pacific Ocean, World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument preserves and interprets the stories and key events in the Pacific Theater leading up to the U.S. entering World War II, its impacts on the mainland, through to the Peace Treaty in Tokyo Bay, Japan ending the war.


Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve - Copper Center, AK
The Alaska, Chugach and Wrangell-Saint Elias ranges converge in what is referred to as the "mountain kingdom of North America." This spectacular wilderness includes the continent's largest assemblage of glaciers, and the greatest collection of peaks above 16,000 feet, including Mount St. Elias (18,008'), the second highest peak in the United States.


Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve - Eagle, AK
Located along the Canadian border in central Alaska, adventure begins in Yukon-Charley Rivers. Whether you choose to leisurely float the water of the mighty Yukon River in a state of the art vessel or homemade raft, or experience the premier whitewater of the Charley River in a sturdy and suitable inflatable, you will make memories to last a lifetime. Geology, cultural history, remnants of the ...

Places that you should visit in your Lifetime

6. Maldives

Maldivians are generally not race conscious, perhaps because the country has been inhabited for centuries during which visitors from as far apart as China, Africa, Arabia and Persia have been assimilated into the society. This tradition of welcoming visitors continues?..

We dare you to come here and count exactly how many islands there are in the country. They say that counting the islands including the sand spits is like trying to count how many stars there are in the sky! So, the commonly agreed upon figure of 1190 is but an approximation. These islands are grouped into natural atolls that are protected by surrounding reefs. The islands are of pure white coral sand are low lying, the highest point on any give island being no more than a meter and a half above sea level. Coconut palms and an abundance of tropical plants make these islands an idyllic place for your holiday if you want to see nature at its best.

The Maldives actually straddles the equator. The climate is tropical with no major seasonal differences. Though the southwest monsoon does bring most of the rain, mostly around June and July, tropical rain showers can occur any time! The skies are usually clear and the sun shines brightly. That is when the cooling sea breezes, about which poems have been written, bring about the romantic in you.

If you are a surfer you will find just the right waves in some places. If you are a divining enthusiast, be prepared for a binge! The white coral beaches are simply unbelievable. The fishing is out of this world. Perhaps because of this, the Maldives is increasingly becoming one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the world. We chip in by making our tourist resorts provide all the mod cons to make you all the more comfortable.

Places that you should visit in your Lifetime

5.Falling Water

Falling Water Falls is a 136-acre natural area in Hamilton County. It is named for the 110’ high waterfall on Little Falling Water Creek that drops over the resistant sandstone cap of the Cumberland Plateau. It plunges into the Falling Water Gorge, tumbling over cascades and passing large moss covered boulders, before joining the Big Falling Water Creek in Pickett Gulf. The small cliff top section of the natural area is in the town of Walden while most of the natural area is located below the falls in Soddy Daisy.

The vertical cliffs of the escarpment with its rugged, steep, rocky slopes appear in stark contrast to Falling Water Falls Gorge. The gorge is sheltered and stays moist with mist coming from the falls and cascades during most of the year. The sound of the big falls and the cascading whitewater below drowns out adjacent urban noise that might spoil the mood of this primitive and uniquely beautiful area. The area is home to a second growth hardwood forest comprised of oak-hickory and mixed mesophytic forest communities. There is an oak-pine forest on the drier parts of the natural area, particularly above the falls. Mountain laurel and rosebay rhododendron are common. Falling Water Falls supports a great diversity of plant and animal life including a small population of the federally endangered large-flowered skullcap (Scutellaria montana).

This diversity of forestland near a large urban area gives the area even greater significance. A scenic vista of the Tennessee River Valley, Pickett Gulf and Buzzard Point exists at the top of the falls above the 840-feet-high escarpment. Far below, Levi Cave is located at the base of the escarpment slope. A small two-feet wide hole leads down into a 750-feet-long cave consisting of several large rooms and dripstone formations.

Places that you should visit in your Lifetime

4.Golden Temple

Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple, (on account of its scenic beauty and golden coating), situated in Amritsar (Punjab), is the most sacred temple for Sikhs. This temple propagates Sikhism's message of tolerance and acceptance through its architecture that has incorporated symbols from other religions. The Sikhs all over the world, wish to visit Sri Amritsar and to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib in their Ardas.

Guru Arjan Sahib, the Fifth Nanak, conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs and he himself designed the architecture of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Earlier, the plan to excavate the holy tank (Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar) was chalked out by Guru Amardas Sahib, the Third Nanak, but Guru Ramdas Sahib executed it under the supervision of Baba Budha ji. The land for the site was acquired by the earlier Guru Sahibs on payment or free of cost from the Zamindars (landlords) of native villages. The plan to establish a town settlement was also made. Therefore, the construction work on the Sarovar (the tank) and the town started simultaneously in 1570. The work on both the projects was completed in 1577 A.D.

Guru Arjan Sahib got its foundation laid by a Muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mir ji of Lahore in December 1588. The construction work was supervised by Guru Arjan Sahib himself and he was assisted by the prominent Sikh personalities like Baba Budha ji, Bhai Gurdas ji, Bhai Sahlo ji and many other devoted Sikhs.

Unlike erecting the structure on the higher level, Guru Arjan Sahib got it built on the lower level and got it open from all four sides. Thus, he created a symbol of new faith, Sikhism. Guru Sahib made it accessible to every person without any distinction based on caste, creed, sex and religion.

The building work was completed by September 1604. Guru Arjan Sahib installed newly created Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of the Sikhs), in Sri Harmandir Sahib and appointed Baba Budha ji as its first Granthi i.e. the reader of Guru Granth Sahib. After this event it attained the status of 'Ath Sath Tirath', Sikh nation's own Tirath.

Sri Harmandir Sahib, is built on a 67ft. square platform in the centre of the Sarovar (tank). The temple itself is 40.5ft. square. It has a door each on the East, West, North and South. The Darshani Deori (an arch) stands at the shore end of the causeway. The doorframe of the arch is about 10ft in height and 8ft 6inches in breadth. The door panes are decorated in artistic style. It opens on to the causeway or bridge that leads to the main building of Sri Harmandir Sahib. It is 202 feet in length and 21 feet in width.

The bridge is connected with the 13 feet wide 'Pardakshna' (circumambulatory path). It runs around the main shrine and it leads to the 'Har ki Paure' (steps of God). On the first floor of 'Har ki Paure', there is continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib.

On the top stands the low fluted 'Gumbaz' (dome) having lotus petal motif in relief at the base and an inverted lotus at the top, which supports the 'Kalash' having a beautiful 'Chhatri' at the end.

Its architecture represents a unique harmony between the Muslim and the Hindu way of construction work and this is considered as one of the best architectural specimens of the world. It is often quoted that this architecture has created an independent Sikh school of architecture in the history of art in India. The temple is a noted combination of stupendous beauty and sublime peacefulness. It can be said that the heart of Sikhism lies here.

Places that you should visit in your Lifetime

3. New York


Places to visit in New York

Astroland
Astroland, NYC's largest amusement park, is located at Coney Island in Brooklyn.

Broadway Shows
An up-to-the-minute guide to all Broadway shows-musicals, dramas, comedies, and those that are great for kids.

The Bronx Zoo
Learn about the animals, plan your visit, and find out about educational programs at the Bronx Zoo.

Carnegie Hall
One of the most famous music halls in the world, Carnegie Hall hosts scores of concerts and special events.

Circle Line Statue of Liberty and Downtown Cruises
Learn about the ZEPHYR Seaport Liberty Cruise that will cruise past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Shark Speedboat Thrill Ride, Circle Line Charters, and special events cruises.

Ellis Island
Between 1892 and 1954, approximately 12 million people entering the United States through the port of New York were legally and medically inspected at Ellis Island.

Ellis Island and Immigration
Browse photos documenting the history of Ellis Island and its role in early 20th century immigration or search immigration records.

Empire State Building
Visit the Web site of the Empire State Building to learn about visiting hours and fees, see the lighting schedule, and take a virtual tour.

Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Visitors to the Federal Reserve Bank in Lower Manhattan learn about the central banking functions that the Federal Reserve System performs and see the Bank's vault of international monetary gold on the bedrock of Manhattan Island, five stories below street level.

Grand Central Terminal
Get information on upcoming events, tours and history, and see a directory of dining and shopping opportunities at Grand Central Terminal.

Lincoln Center
The world's largest cultural complex hosts classical ballet, opera, modern dance, film, and jazz.

Madison Square Garden
See the schedule of events, purchase tickets, and find out what's in and around the Garden before you visit.

Metropolitan Opera
Since its opening in 1883, the Metropolitan Opera has been one of the world's leading opera companies.

National Tennis Center
Home to the US Open, the National Tennis Center is open to the public for most of the year.

New York Aquarium
Get tips for your visit, learn about the animals, and an map of the site at the New York Aquarium's Web site.

New York Stock Exchange
Get historical information, member listings, trading floor details, and find out when to visit at the NYSE Web site.

Radio City Music Hall
Radio City presents and promotes the best in live entertainment, including the famous Radio City Rockettes.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square offers visitors a journey into the bizarre and the outrageous, demonstrating that fact is indeed stranger than fiction!

Shopping and Dining at South Street Seaport
Get a directory and maps of shops, restaurants, and events at South Street Seaport in Manhattan.

Show Tapings
Attend a free taping of your favorite show while you visit New York. NYC & Company provides a list of popular options.


Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry, which is free, travels close to the Statue of Liberty on its route. It doesn't stop at the island, but offers a great (free) view of the national landmark.

Statue of Liberty
Dedicated in 1886, the Statue of Liberty has long been an international symbol of political freedom and democracy.

Times Square
Get maps, special event and entertainment resources, and more from the Times Square Business Improvement District.

Trinity Church
See the photo gallery, find out about music events at Trinity, and learn about the history of the church on its Web site.

United Nations
Visit the United Nations Web site to learn more about the organization and its efforts.

Places that you should visit in your Lifetime

2.The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China was not constructed as a single project. It is made up of numerous construction projects that were begun at different times, during different dynasties and in different locations. Most of the early sections of the construction fell into disrepair, or had even disappeared entirely, by the fourteenth century when the Ming Dynasty came to power. The wall as it known today is predominantly a product of the Ming Dynasty, which both repaired and rebuilt older sections, and expanded the reach of the structure. The Ming Dynasty structure can be seen from Hebei province to Gansu province. Beyond Gansu province the wall becomes a series of watchtowers that stretch into Xinjiang province and the Taklamakan desert.

The initial fortifications and the subsequent wall were both constructed to slow the advance of invading forces that depended on cavalry—mounted horsemen expert at using the bow and arrow. The initial constructions may have been designed at least as much in response to internal strife as to exterior threats. Imperial governments feared the possibility of disloyal Chinese bringing military technology or other kinds of information to the northern nomadic tribes. As a result, the construction of the wall was equal parts protection from outside invaders and an attempt to keep the Chinese in China.

The Great Wall represented one solution to imperial China’s most long term foreign policy problem. This problem rose from the need by China, as a sedentary, agricultural empire to respond to the invasions by nomadic, tribal peoples. Initially, this concern came to prominence with the rise of the Xiongnu (shyong-new) Empire, which was based in present-day Mongolia. In later centuries the Chinese would sustain attacks along the northern frontier from other peoples residing to the north. Some of these groups even succeeded in conquering China, such as the Mongols in the thirteenth century (ruling as the Yuan Dynasty 1279-1368), and the Manchus (ruling as the Qing Dynasty 1644-1911).

The initial fortifications were begun in the 3rd century BCE, during the Qin (pronounced Chin) Dynasty (221- 206 BCE). The fortifications begun during the Qin dynasty were augmented and expanded during the Han dynasty (202 BCE- 220 CE) that followed. The final, and most comprehensive, period of construction took place during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE). The Ming Dynasty extended and strengthened the Great Wall in response to the earlier successes of the Mongols. Early Ming rulers greatly feared the Mongols, whom they had toppled in 1368. This fear was not without foundation: one fifteenth-century Ming emperor was captured and held captive by the Mongols for a year.

The Ming Dynasty was overthrown by another people from beyond the northern frontier: the Manchus. Over a number of decades, the Manchus prepared for the conquest of China by learning the governing systems and skills of the Chinese empire. In 1644, Manchu leaders took advantage of an internal rebellion that destroyed the Ming, entering Chinese territory through one of the wall’s gates. The Manchus established the Qing (pronounced Ching) Dynasty (1644- 1911), China’s last dynasty.

Benxi

Benxi borders Shenyang at its northwest. It was designated as one of the second most excellent tourist cities in China

- Benxi Karst Cave, which is the longest karst cave that can be viewed on boat
- Magnificent bush-covered Mt. Jiudingtiecha, where the northeast Taoism originated
- Hunjiang Reservoir, which is the biggest one in Liaoning
- Mt Guanmen, which is famous for its mountain, water, clouds, trees and flowers
- Mt. Wunu, where the Gaojuli nationality established their first capital
- 120-km Red Leaf Zone from Benxi to Huanren, which has a famous area of geothermal anomaly and Wangtian Cave
- Various memorable wild mushrooms