Anyone entering Szczecin by bridges over the Oder River can see the towering red-brick gothic Cathedral and an elegant, pale silhouette of a Renaissance castle with green towers, which used to be the seat of the dukes of the Griffins dynasty who ruled the Duchy of Pomerania. The Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle has five wings and two courtyards. Acting as a cultural institution it organizes an array of cultural events: concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions, conferences and meetings to popularize science, as well as to spread knowledge about the history of West Pomerania. The largest wing houses an Opera. In the wing that housed a mint in the olden days one can find today Cultural and Tourist Information Centre. There is a panoramic terrace on the rooftop of the northern wing from where splendid views can be appreciated. The wing’s basement houses a Vault with sarcophaguses of six princes. The Duke Boguslaw X hall, which used to be a princely chapel, is now a concert hall with a polychromatic ceiling decorated in Renaissance style. A 17th century astronomical clock is the Castle’s special tourist attraction. Also a room dedicated to Eilhard Lubinus and the Witches’ Cell are definitely worth a visit.

Qixia Mountain, located in northeastern Nanjing, is renowned for its historic Qixia Temple and stunning autumn foliage. The temple, a notable scenic spot, features a carved Buddhist rock from the Southern Dynasty and a dagoba (a Tibetan-style pagoda built as a solid hemispherical dome enshrining religious relics or the remains of kings) from the Sui Dynasty. The maple trees on the mountain turn a fiery red in autumn, a fascinating treat for anyone daring the high climb to the mountaintop.

Oodi is a striking example of modern Finnish design and a space where people come to read, work, relax and meet. Located right in the heart of Helsinki, opposite Parliament House, the library offers much more than books—from studios and workspaces to a café, cinema, and sweeping city views from the top floor.

Fuzi Miao, once a place where scholars took royal examinations on Confucian teachings, now stands as a popular destination for visitors. During imperial times, scholars came here to test their proficiency in the philosophical teachings of Confucius. Upon passing, the top students would go on to work in the royal court as aides and govern state affairs. This historical significance is just one of the reasons why this newly reconstructed area is popular with visitors.