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Yungang Grottoes, Datong, China
Yungang Grottoes, Datong, China
What do 51,000 ancient statues have in common? They all call the Yungang Grottoes in China home! This masterpiece of early Buddhist art is near Datong in Shanxi province, northeastern China. Carved into sandstone cliffs over 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534/535 CE), the grottoes contain 254 caves. The highlight is the massive Buddha in Cave 5, which is a jaw-dropping 18 metres tall. But don"t stop there—each cave offers something unique. Some are like ancient storyboards, depicting tales from Buddhist scriptures, while others showcase detailed carvings of monks, deities, musicians and even scenes of daily life under Wei rule.Desktop Version
Collared aracari
Collared aracari
Black and yellow plumage, bright eyes and an oversized bill—meet the collared aracari, a fascinating tropical bird. Gracing the forests from Mexico through Costa Rica, where today’s image was taken, to Colombia and Venezuela, this member of the toucan family gets its name from the red collar on the back of the neck. Measuring 38 to 41 centimetres long and tipping the scales at a mere 175 to 250 grams, this bird is a wonder of nature"s design. Both male and female aracaris share the same dazzling appearance. These birds circle through the air in groups of 6 to 15, and at night, they snuggle together in tree cavities. Their song is as unique as their look—a sharp "seek" or a whimsical "pink," sometimes a purring sound or even a raspy "grhhrr." Although deforestation and hunting pose threats to these birds, they are currently classified as a least-concern species. For now, collared aracaris remains a captivating sight, a splash of colour and a burst of life amidst the sprawling branches.Desktop Version
When being in a rut is OK
When being in a rut is OK
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Grasmere, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Grasmere, Lake District, Cumbria, England
A place where poetry, history and nature blend—welcome to Grasmere in England"s Lake District. This village was once the cherished residence of the celebrated poet William Wordsworth, who described it as "the loveliest spot that man hath found." Here, visitors are greeted by old cottages and homes built from local bluish-green slate. Dove Cottage, Wordsworth"s humble abode from 1799 to 1808, and the adjacent museum offer a dive into the poet"s life. His later residence, Rydal Mount, continues the story just a short journey away. The heart of the village is St. Oswald"s Church, which dates to the 13th century. This landmark is Wordsworth"s final resting place. Not far from the church, the aroma of the renowned Grasmere Gingerbread, made from a secret recipe, will set visitors" mouths watering. The village"s annual Grasmere Sports, which began in 1868, is an event that showcases traditional Lakeland activities like fell running, wrestling and hound trailing.Desktop Version
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Ahoy, mateys, it is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Today, landlubbers and seafarers alike put on their tricorn hats and hoist the Jolly Roger. The origin of this holiday goes back to a 1995 joke between two friends, John Baur and Mark Summers. During a racquetball game, one of them exclaimed "Aaarrr!" in response to an injury, and the concept of a day dedicated to pirate lingo was born. Initially an inside joke, Talk Like a Pirate Day gained popularity after the duo shared the idea with humourist Dave Barry in 2002, who promoted it in his syndicated column. Since then, it"s become a day of fun and parodic celebration—people don pirate costumes, engage in pirate-themed activities, like the kid on the ship in today"s image, and embrace mock pirate language. Whether ye be a seasoned buccaneer or a greenhorn, today be for all to enjoy. So, batten down the hatches, set sail and remember: on this day, everyone can be a pirate.Desktop Version
Flooded crypt, Basilica of San Francesco, Ravenna, Italy
Flooded crypt, Basilica of San Francesco, Ravenna, Italy
In the Italian province of Ravenna lies the Basilica of San Francesco, recognised for its beauty and historical significance. This Romanesque church, originally built in 450 CE, features a sturdy square bell tower added in the 9th century, enhancing the basilica"s exterior. Its design features three naves, divided by two rows of 12 columns each. Featured in today"s image is the basilica"s real showstopper: the basement crypt or a burial chamber is a stunning model of early religious design. Complete with vaulted ceilings that slope down into rows of stone columns, its floor is a work of art itself. It"s inlaid with beautifully intricate mosaic tiles that have withstood the test of time.Desktop Version
International Day of Peace
International Day of Peace
Every year on September 21, the United Nations celebrates the International Day of Peace, or World Peace Day. Established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly, the day begins with the Peace Bell Ceremony held at the United Nations headquarters. The bell was a special gift from the United Nations Association of Japan, with the hopeful message "Long live absolute world peace" inscribed on it.Desktop Version
Talampaya National Park, Argentina
Talampaya National Park, Argentina
Today, Talampaya National Park invites us to venture into the Argentina"s ancient heart. Situated in La Rioja province, this 2,150-square-kilometre park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, towering red rock formations, reaching skyward at 143 metres, are etched with the secrets of prehistoric life. The park is home to some of the oldest dinosaur remains ever found. Talampaya is also a canvas for ancient art. The park"s cliffs and caves feature petroglyphs created by the Ciénaga, Diaguita and other Indigenous cultures that inhabited the area between the 3rd and 9th centuries CE. Moreover, nature"s beauty is shown in the local flora, like xeric shrubs and cactus, and fauna. Guanacos, hares and foxes roam free, while condors, white-throated cacholotes and Sandy gallitos grace the skies. So, if the spirit of adventure beckons, heed its call.Desktop Version
Polar Bear Week
Polar Bear Week
Polar Bear Week champions one of nature"s greatest hunters, the Arctic"s majestic predator. Established by Polar Bears International, this period highlights the challenges these mammals face due to climate change, particularly the rapid loss of Arctic Sea ice. This event coincides with the gathering of polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba—the "Polar Bear Capital of the World"—as seen in today"s image. Here, bears wait for Hudson Bay to freeze so they can start hunting for seals, their primary food source.Desktop Version
The ‘eighth wonder?’
The ‘eighth wonder?’
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Aqueduct, Arkadia Park, Poland
Aqueduct, Arkadia Park, Poland
Visualized in 1778 by Helena Radziwiłłowa, a Polish aristocrat, Arkadia Park is an English-style landscape park situated near Warsaw, Poland. The park displays architecture and landscapes that evoke ancient and mediaeval eras, like this recreation of a Roman-style aqueduct. These features are brought to life through style elements like the garden"s lush greenery, tranquil water and intricately crafted sculptures scattered throughout the grounds to illustrate the of the beauty of intermingled nature and art. Today, Arkadia Park stands as a testament to Helena Radziwiłłowa"s lasting vision and creative legacy.Desktop Version
Broken Beach in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia
Broken Beach in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia
Let"s be real—the beaches in Bali are beautiful, but the ones in Nusa Penida? That"s a whole new vibe. This off-the-beaten-path island, part of the Bali province, is where nature gets a little wild, and the sights are nothing short of epic. With its rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters, the island offers an escape from Bali"s busier tourist hubs. The name "Nusa Penida" translates to "island of priests," and historically, it served as a spiritual retreat, with temples and rituals that locals still honour today.Desktop Version
Where fire and water meet
Where fire and water meet
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Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA
Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA
Welcome to Point Reyes National Seashore, where the sky meets the earth. This stunning 287 square kilometres coastal haven on the Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County, United States, pictured in today"s images, is a gem of the Californian coastline, boasting breathtaking views and diverse wildlife. Filled with scenic trails that wind through lush forests and along rugged cliffs, Point Reyes has much to offer its visitors.Desktop Version
What the heck is a distaff?
What the heck is a distaff?
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Coral Reef Awareness Week
Coral Reef Awareness Week
Blooming pillar corals, green sea turtles and colourful reef fishes—welcome to the thriving underwater universe of coral reefs. Running from July 15 to 21, Coral Reef Awareness Week is the perfect time to honour them. Coral reefs are formed by tiny marine organisms called coral polyps, which create vast colonies that serve as homes to a diverse array of marine species. As we turn our attention to their beauty and benefits, it"s vital to recognise the lurking threats–climate change, pollution and harmful human activities.Desktop Version
Walruses in Svalbard, Norway
Walruses in Svalbard, Norway
What"s the perfect thing to do under the midnight sun? If you"re a walrus like the ones in today"s image, the answer might be taking a quick dip with your crew, chowing down on clams and mussels and then sunbathing on a beach or ice floe. Welcome to Svalbard, an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean halfway between Norway and the North Pole. Photographed in the waters of Spitsbergen, the largest of the archipelago"s nine islands, these aquatic mammals are year-round residents that are often found in male or female herds. Male walruses can be almost 4 metres long and weigh more than 1,200 kilograms, and during mating season, they use this girth to fight among themselves for dominance over groups of females, called harems.Desktop Version
Love is in the snow
Love is in the snow
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Happy Welsh New Year!
Happy Welsh New Year!
Who says New Year"s Day has to be on January 1? In Wales, the clocks turn back—figuratively—to celebrate Hen Galan, or the "Old New Year," on January 13. As part of this tradition, Calennig, meaning "New Year"s gift" in Welsh, plays a central role, linking the celebration to customs from the Julian calendar era. Even after most of the world switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1582, some Welsh communities clung to their old ways. Traditionally, the day involves children going door-to-door, singing songs and offering good wishes in exchange for gifts like coins, food or sweets. A unique feature is its clove-decorated apples. These aren"t for snacking, though; they"re miniature symbols of luck and prosperity.Desktop Version
World Otter Day
World Otter Day
Playful, strong swimmers and expert hunters—meet the otters. These creatures are found on every continent except Antarctica and Australia. Their 13 species come in various shapes and sizes, from the sea otters found in coastal waters to the river otters frolicking in freshwater habitats. Seen in today"s image is the Eurasian otter on the beautiful Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland. With webbed feet, streamlined shapes and dense fur coats, otters are built for speed and agility underwater. They can dive deep and hold their breath for several minutes.Desktop Version
El Capitan in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, USA
El Capitan in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, USA
Today, let us take you to Guadalupe Mountains National Park in western Texas. The park, officially established in 1972, covers around 350 square kilometres today. Here, the Guadalupe Mountains rise over the salt dunes of the Chihuahuan Desert. At 2,667 metres, the highest point of the mountain range—and of Texas—is the Guadalupe Peak. Another outstanding landmark, often used as a waymark for travellers, is the 2,464-metre-high El Capitan—not to be confused with the more famous, but shorter, El Capitan in California—limestone cliff, seen in the image. If not in the near future; there are plenty of days in the year to visit America"s abundant natural splendour.Desktop Version
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Among untamed rainforests, rice paddies and steep ravines lies the village of Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, Indonesia. According to legend, a Hindu priest, Rsi Markandaya, arrived at the island of Bali in the 8th century, discovering an area abundant in medicinal herbs and plants. The name of Ubud derives from the word "ubad," meaning medicine. Nestled within the verdant landscape, the village is rich in Hindu temples and bountiful in local mythology. The mythical character seen in today’s image is Barong, a panther-like creature, the king of spirits and a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. The Barong dance, performed in a decorated animal mask, is native to Bali.Desktop Version
International Moon Day
International Moon Day
Today we"re celebrating small steps and giant leaps—it"s International Moon Day. This day honours the legacy of the Apollo 11 mission. Initially celebrated as National Moon Day in the United States, the day was recognised globally by the United Nations in 2021. Human civilisations have gazed at the sky for millennia, contemplating the origins and mysteries of the moon. The advent of space exploration transformed the moon into the target of numerous missions.Desktop Version
A delightfully ornate Easter display
A delightfully ornate Easter display
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Italica, an old Roman city in Santiponce, Andalusia, Spain
Italica, an old Roman city in Santiponce, Andalusia, Spain
It was the year 206 BCE. In the wake of the Battle of Ilipa, Roman general and statesman, Publius Cornelius Scipio, built a settlement for the veterans who helped defeat the Carthaginians. Located on the right bank of the Guadalquivir River, it was named Italica, after the Italian origin of its inhabitants. The city was the first Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula and played a significant role in the Romanisation of the region, then known as Hispania—today Spain. Italica flourished in the centuries following its founding, especially during the rule of Emperors Trajan and Hadrian, who were born there.Desktop Version