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Yungang Grottoes, Shanxi, China
Yungang Grottoes, Shanxi, China
What do 51,000 ancient statues have in common? They all call the Yungang Grottoes in China home! This collection 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, the grottoes comprise 254 caves. The highlight is the massive Buddha in Cave 5, which is a jaw-dropping 56 feet 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. These caves blend influences from Indian, Central Asian, and local Chinese Buddhist art. Whether you"re a history lover or simply appreciate unique art, the Yungang Grottoes offer an unforgettable experience.Desktop Version
The Bahamas
The Bahamas
Turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, alfresco dining, and tales of pirates—welcome to the Bahamas! With over 3,000 cays, islands, and islets in the Atlantic Ocean, this West Indies archipelago is home to the world"s third-largest barrier reef—the Andros Barrier Reef. For adventurous souls drawn to nature, Dean"s Blue Hole, a 663-foot-deep marine sinkhole on Long Island, offers a thrilling experience. From the serene pink sand beaches of Harbour Island to the capital city Nassau"s bustling Straw Market and famous wine cellars, the Bahamas is more than just a destination—it"s a captivating tale waiting to unfold.Desktop Version
National Merry-Go-Round Day
National Merry-Go-Round Day
Today we"re celebrating a necessary staple of fairs, carnivals, and boardwalks: the merry-go-round. You may know it as a carousel, like the Golden Gallopers Carousel at the seaside in Brighton, England, seen in today"s photo. The word "carousel" is possibly derived from the Spanish "carosella," meaning "little war." Carousels have a history that goes back centuries, with roots in medieval jousting competitions. As the war game grew in popularity, commoners without horses wanted to participate, and carousels with wooden horses soon appeared at fairgrounds. The popularity of carousels led to many advancements over the years, including the up and down galloping menagerie of animals real and imagined, and the instantly recognizable music that became widespread after 1803.Desktop Version
Wadden Sea coast, Friesland, Netherlands
Wadden Sea coast, Friesland, Netherlands
If you"ve ever dreamed of walking on water, or something close to it, the Wadden Sea is the place for you. Tracing over 300 miles along the coast of the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique landscape of tidal flats and wetlands. In fact, it is the world"s largest unbroken intertidal zone—underwater at high tide and exposed at low tide—of sand and mud flats. The area is also a playground for aquatic species such as houting fish, brown trout, and white-beaked dolphins, and is home to birds like waders and herons.Desktop Version
West Cornwall Covered Bridge, Connecticut
West Cornwall Covered Bridge, Connecticut
Covered bridges like West Cornwall Covered Bridge, pictured in today"s image, were designed with roofs and siding to protect their wooden structures from weathering, greatly increasing their durability. While many were built in the 19th century, few have survived to the present day, and the ones that have are often preserved for their historical and visual significance.Desktop Version
Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month
Today marks the start of Native American Heritage Month. Throughout November, we honor the history, traditions, stories, and languages of Native Peoples. The Indigenous Peoples of North America have played a significant role in shaping our country, including the food we eat and the medicines that heal us. In addition to being a celebration, this month is also a time to reflect on the issues that Native Peoples face, including civil and voting rights, land access, and education.Desktop Version
World Octopus Day
World Octopus Day
Today, we celebrate a creature with three hearts and the uncanny ability to change color at will: the octopus. Octopuses are cephalopods, marine animals like squids and cuttlefish that have tentacles. Among their many species is the small and shy mototi octopus, pictured here. It was discovered in 1999 around Rapa Island in the South Pacific and is known for the "fake eyes" or ocelli—vibrant blue and yellow rings—between its eyes and arms. Found in the Indo-Pacific region, including Indonesia, Australia, and Okinawa in Japan, mototi octopuses are masters of disguise. They usually have a dull orange-cream-brown color but when alarmed, they can quickly shift to striking maroon with white stripes along their body and arms. Also known as poison ocellate octopuses, these cephalopods are highly venomous. But you don"t need to worry about running into one, because they tend to be shy and solitary, often hiding in crevices, shells, or man-made objects like bottles and cans.Desktop Version
Patriot Day
Patriot Day
On Patriot Day, we are at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center once stood. The museum is 70 feet underground, beneath the memorial"s waterfall pools in the footprints of the fallen towers. The names of those who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks and in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing are listed on bronze parapets surrounding these huge reflecting pools. Seven stories below the memorial, the museum tells the story of 9/11 through exhibits, artifacts, historical records, and personal accounts, remembering the victims and those who risked their lives to save others.Desktop Version
Redwood National and State Parks, California
Redwood National and State Parks, California
Step into a world where trees touch the sky. The redwood groves of Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) in California are home to some of the tallest trees on Earth, soaring over 370 feet high. The combined RNSP contain Redwood National Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Some of these redwoods were alive when the Mayans built their temples, and the Great Wall of China was under construction. Protected since 1968, the park preserves nearly half of the world"s remaining old-growth redwoods.Desktop Version
The ruins of Italica, Andalusia, Spain
The ruins of Italica, Andalusia, Spain
It was the year 206 BCE. In the wake of the decisive Roman victory against the Carthaginians at the Battle of Ilipa, General Publius Cornelius Scipio built a settlement for veterans on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, in modern-day Spain. It was named Italica and was the first Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula. The city flourished in the following centuries and was the birthplace of two Roman emperors, Trajan and Hadrian.Desktop Version
Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence
Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence
Welcome to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Let the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore transport you through time. More than just a church, this Gothic structure, with its red-tiled dome, is steeped in centuries of history. Built over an older cathedral, construction began in 1296 under the supervision of architect Arnolfo di Cambio. Italian architect Filippo Brunelleschi engineered its dome, the largest brick dome ever constructed. Its completion in 1436 was the final stage of the cathedral"s construction. It"s not just the outside that dazzles; inside there are artistic treasures to discover, from Giorgio Vasari"s fresco "The Last Judgment" to Paolo Uccello"s intricate clock face. The cathedral complex is also home to the Baptistery, a small basilica, and Giotto"s Campanile, a free-standing bell tower.Desktop Version
Splügen Pass, Switzerland
Splügen Pass, Switzerland
With their twists and turns, record heights, and breathtaking vistas, mountain roads are not for the faint-hearted. Pictured here is the historic Splügen Pass, which winds its way through the Lepontine Alps, on the border of Switzerland and Italy. Although its modern version was built between 1818-1823, the Splügen Pass existed in some form as far back as Roman times. At 6,936 feet high, it is one of the highest paved roads in Europe, with 51 marked hairpin bends. It is closed in winter but, if spectacular mountainside views and picturesque lakes tickle your fancy, you can enjoy this ascent between June and mid-October. Have we "peaked" your interest yet?Desktop Version
Star Wars Day
Star Wars Day
May the Force be with you on May 4, adopted by "Star Wars" fans as the day to celebrate their favorite franchise. Many will recognize Skellig Michael, the island on our homepage, as the location of scenes from the "Star Wars" sequels, "The Force Awakens" and "The Last Jedi." This UNESCO World Heritage Site appears in the movies as the planet Ahch-To, where Jedi master Luke Skywalker seeks refuge. Home to a 6th-century monastery with beehive huts and stone staircases, it also hosts a large seabird population that inspired the penguin-like porgs that roost on Ahch-To. Skellig Michael is about 7 miles off Ireland"s southwestern coast, daily visitors are limited, and boat trips are canceled if it is too stormy. Still, the island attracts "Star Wars" fans and others keen to see this ancient site, not so very far, far away.Desktop Version
The Great Blue Hole, Belize
The Great Blue Hole, Belize
The Great Blue Hole, found near the center of Lighthouse Reef off the coast of Belize, is one of nature"s most incredible creations. The massive marine sinkhole, 1,043 feet across and 407 feet deep, was formed during the last ice age when a limestone cave system collapsed and rising sea levels flooded the area, leaving behind a striking natural wonder.Desktop Version
Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
Welcome to this eco-travelers" paradise in the middle of the Pacific. Situated halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa, the Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge was established in 2001 to conserve, manage, and restore the nation"s fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats.Desktop Version
Cherry blossoms in Shanghai, China
Cherry blossoms in Shanghai, China
In spring, nature puts on a vibrant display, marking the start of the season with the bloom of cherry blossoms. Around the globe, from Japan to the United States, this spectacle captivates millions of hearts. In China, cherry blossoms, known as "Yinghua," bloom from late March to late April, adorning landscapes with delicate hues of pink and white. Revered for centuries by the Chinese, these fragile petals hold profound significance in their traditions, symbolizing renewal, hope, and the transient nature of life. Among popular places to see them are Wuhan"s East Lake Cherry Blossom Park, Lu Xun Park in Shanghai, and Beijing"s Yuyuantan Park. Cherry blossoms look similar to plum blossoms, but an easy way to distinguish between the two is to look at their petals. Cherry blossom petals have split ends, but plum blossoms don"t.Desktop Version
Veterans Day
Veterans Day
On the National Mall in Washington, DC, just north of the Reflecting Pool, is a sculpture honoring the women who served during the Vietnam War. The military efforts of women, less visible than those of men, are commemorated by the Vietnam Women"s Memorial, featured today on Veterans Day. While Memorial Day honors those who died during military service, Veterans Day recognizes the service of all veterans, whether or not they served during a war. Veterans Day, a federal holiday, was originally known as Armistice Day and coincides with the anniversary of the end of World War I. For this reason, other countries also observe today as a holiday.Desktop Version
Celebrating Labor Day
Celebrating Labor Day
Take a load off this Labor Day weekend. One of 11 federal holidays, Labor Day honors America"s workers and is celebrated on the first Monday of September. Its origins are rooted in late 1800s efforts to recognize the contributions the country"s workers, and labor activists ultimately helped establish the 40-hour work week and weekends. President Grover Cleveland made the US holiday official in 1894. Today, many Americans celebrate the long weekend, which is often considered the unofficial end of summer, by grilling, hanging out with friends and family, and going to parades.Desktop Version
Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Point Reyes National Seashore, California
This stunning 71,028-acre coastal haven on the Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County is a gem of the California coastline. Filled with scenic trails that wind through forests and along cliffs, it boasts breathtaking views and lots of wildlife. Point Reyes National Seashore also has a reputation as the most wind-swept spot on the Pacific Coast and the second-foggiest area in North America, so dress accordingly.Desktop Version
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras
Get ready to revel—Mardi Gras is here! Also called Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday, the holiday was originally celebrated to live life to the fullest before fasting and giving up other indulgences for Lent. For some, it"s just an excuse to party.Desktop Version
Wooden path to Kennedy Lake, Vancouver Island, Canada
Wooden path to Kennedy Lake, Vancouver Island, Canada
Discover the beauty of Vancouver Island, Canada. The wooden pathway in today"s image, surrounded by ancient pine and cedar trees, leads to Kennedy Lake, the largest freshwater body on the island. The lake covers a surface area of 16,000 acres. It is part of the ancestral lands of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation where the Clayoquot and Kennedy Rivers meet. Tofino, over 24 miles away, has a real surf vibe. This small coastal town is a sanctuary for hikers, bird watchers, artists, and dreamers. Famous for its mild winters and pleasant summers, it has been a filming location for movies like "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" and "One Week."Desktop Version
National Park Week begins
National Park Week begins
Get ready to lace up your hiking boots, because National Park Week is upon us! Across the country, America"s most stunning landscapes throw their gates wide open, inviting everyone to embrace the great outdoors for free. Throughout the celebration, various programs will be organized by the National Park Service, including ranger-led tours, volunteer opportunities, and educational workshops.Desktop Version
National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month
From today, National Hispanic Heritage Month unfurls its vibrant celebrations of Hispanic Americans" contributions to US culture and society. The date coincides with the independence days of several Latin American nations, like Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile. Established as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, it was expanded to a month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.Desktop Version
The citadel in Bonifacio, Southern Corsica, France
The citadel in Bonifacio, Southern Corsica, France
Set at Corsica"s southern edge, Bonifacio looks out across a narrow strait to Sardinia, its limestone cliffs towering above the waves. Bonifacio didn"t begin as a picturesque tourist destination—it was originally established as a coastal fortification and has spent centuries guarding one of the Mediterranean"s busiest sea lanes. Established in 828 CE by Boniface II of Tuscany, the commune gradually became a meeting point for traders, soldiers, and sailors—each group contributing to the evolution of the town"s structure. Bonifacio is divided into two sections, with the "vieille ville" (old town)—also known as "la Haute Ville" (the Upper City)—standing on a high cliff within the original citadel walls. Below, the marine area lines the narrow inlet with harbors, waterfront homes, and a growing valley community.Desktop Version
Sandstone formations in the badlands near Caineville, Utah
Sandstone formations in the badlands near Caineville, Utah
Wavy sandstone ridges stretch across the Caineville Badlands, Utah, resembling nature"s brushstrokes on stone. These formations are made of fine-grained sediment that settled in ancient river deltas and inland seas and later hardened into stone. Over time, erosion carved through the layers, exposing flowing, ripple-like patterns. The sedimentary layers tell a story of shifting climates and ancient landscapes. The barren land, seen in today"s image, may appear lifeless, but during early spring, rainfall blankets the terrain with tiny purple and yellow flowers. Light and shadow shift throughout the day, offering photographers and visitors various angles. While much of the terrain remains rugged, some areas offer easy access, allowing visitors to explore without strenuous hiking.Desktop Version