The Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang. For over 2,000 years, an underground army of life-sized terracotta warriors secretly guarded the tomb of China’s First Emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, until a chance discovery in 1974 unlocked the mysteries of a vanished empire. The Terracotta Army is part of a much larger necropolis. Ground-penetrating radar and core sampling have measured the area to be approximately 98 square kilometers. The necropolis was constructed as a microcosm of the emperor’s imperial palace or compound, and covers a large area around the tomb mound of the first emperor. The earthen tomb mound is located at the foot of Mount Li and built in a pyramidal shape, and is surrounded by two solidly built rammed earth walls with gateway entrances. The necropolis consists of several offices, halls, stables, other structures as well as an imperial park placed around the tomb mound.

credit: johnsons531

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a seaside city of beautiful islands and great green parks. Officially, the area of Helsinki consists of 2/3 of the Baltic sea and 1/3 of land. The sea area is clustered by 315 islands Sweden’s King Gustavus Vasa founded Helsinki on the mouth of Vantaanjoki River in 1550 to compete with Tallinn for Baltic Sea trade. Helsinki is one of the coldest cities in the world. It does not receive sunshine for about consecutive 51 days in winters. The city has around 101 average annual days of snow and an amazing 169 average annual number of days below 0 Celsius or 32°F. Maple is the symbol of Helsinki and the city uses squirrel as its symbol as well.

Uspenski Cathedral

Parliament House of Finland

Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

Main Post Office

Kyösti Kallio and Parliament House of Finland

Finlandiatalo, Finlandia House

Helsinki Music Center, Musiikkitalo

Merihaka buildings

Love Bridge, Katajanokka

Sail Boat

White Church, Tuomiokirkko

Aleksanterinkatu

Main Railway Station

City Center

credit: tomilattu

Corsica is an island and region of France in the Mediterranean Sea, southeast of France and west of Italy. The island’s pleasant climate and the beautiful mountain and sea landscapes make it a popular destination among the French and other Western Europeans. Perched atop 200-foot chalk cliffs, The town of Bonifacio lights up the southern tip of Corsica. It is only major harbor of the southern coast. It provides gorgeous views over the Mediterranean Sea.

Bonifacio view from southeastern cliff

Small chapel east of Bonifacio

Bonifacio cemetery

German WWII bunkers in Bonifacio

Heraldry in Bonifacio

Eglise Sainte Marie Majeure in Bonifacio

View on Bonifacio harbour

Fishing boat in harbour of Bonifacio

Limestone cliffs at Bonifacio

Limestone cliffs at Bonifacio

Citadel of Bonifacio

Bonifacio perched on top of limestone cliffs

Bonifacio perched on top of limestone cliffs

credit: paularps

The Tsimanampetsotsa National Park lies in the south-west of Madagascar. The area is known to be one of the most beautiful southern sites of Madagascar. The region covers 90 percent of all species living within the Park. They are endemic to the area. Some features of this environment are 2,000-year-old quat baobab trees, the radiated tortoise, and the Grandidier’s mongoose. It comprises a blue 15-km long saline lake populated by pink and dwarf flamingos and other wading birds. The Emande circuit leads you to visit old tombs and explore the wild landscape where lemurs, reptiles, and water birds are found.

credit: Frank Vassen