The Great Wall of China
The world's longest man-made structure, the wall snakes across
northern China for around 6,400 kilometers and was first
constructed to protect the northern borders of the Chinese empire
from invaders. First built in the 5th century BC, it was added to
by following dynasties up until the 16th century.
Petra
Lying in the Jordanian valley running from the Dead Sea to the Gulf
of Aqaba, the site of Petra is famed for its many red-hued
buildings carved into the very rock. The Monastery, as the site's
oldest structure, dates back to the first century BC, and was
devoted to the Nabataean god, Obodas.
Christ the Redeemer
Overlooking the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro from the
top of Mt. Corcovado, the statue of Christ the Redeemer has become
famed as one of the strongest symbols of Christianity. Standing 32
meters tall, it was commissioned in 1921 by the Archdiocese of Rio
de Janeiro.
Machu Picchu
Nestled in the Peruvian mountains, the 600-year-old city of Machu
Picchu has captured the imagination of the world since being
brought to fame by explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Lying at the
heart of the former Incan Empire, Machu Picchu escaped detection
and destruction from the Spanish conquistadors, allowing it to
remain relatively well-preserved.
Chichen Itza
Built in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, the site of Chichen Itza was
an important economic and political center of the Maya
civilization. Rising to prominence in around 600AD, Chichen Itza is
characterized by its famous multi-tiered ziggurat.
Colosseum
The only European representative in the New Wonders, the Colosseum
is perhaps the most poignant reminder of the former glory of the
Roman Empire. Built in the center of the Italian capital, the
amphitheatre was completed in 80AD and used for gladiatorial game
and other public spectacles.
Taj Mahal
Considered one of the finest monuments to love in the world, the
Taj Mahal was built as a mausoleum by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for
his deceased wife, Mumtaz Mahal, in 1648. Its shimmering white
marble has entranced visitors for centuries while legend states
that a slight fault in the curvature of its dome was made
deliberately since Islamic faith states only Allah can create
perfection on Earth.
(China.org.cn by Zhang Rui and Chris Dalby, July 9, 2007)
