See the unparalleled beauty of the 21 new UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the ancient caves of Germany to the plateaus of China.
Every year, the World Heritage Committee meets to discuss what new destinations will receive the honor of becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ahmedabad, India
Qinghai Hoh Xil, China
Sambor Prei Kuk, Cambodia
Menendez Lake, Argentina
Dauria, Mongolia/Russian Siberia
Southern Kalahari Desert, South Africa
Venetian Works of Defense, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro
Valongo Wharf, Brazil
English Lake District, United Kingdom
Tarnowskie Góry, Poland
Taputapuātea
M’baza Kongo, Angola
Okinoshima, Japan
Kulangsu, China
Kujataa Greenland, Denmark
Yazd, Iran
Hebron, Palestine
Württemberg, Germany
Sviyazhsk, Russia
Asmara, Eritria
Aphrodisias, Turkey
Last month, at a meeting in Krakow, Poland, the group added 21 stunning locations – bringing the total to 1,073 sites.
The sites all have a kind of cultural, environmental, or historical significance and – with their new designation – fall under the protection of the United Nations. According to UNESCO, these places could be “a masterpiece of human creative genius and cultural significance” or could contain “superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance.”
This year’s winners include a place where stunning Tibetan temples are enveloped by giant tree roots, an island only men can visit (and they have to be naked), and a controversial pick in the Middle East.
Check out the stunning photos above to understand exactly why we want these places preserved.
Next, check out seven beautiful national parks that you really need to visit.
