Top 10 Most Popular Tourist Destinations

This series of fortifications stretches over 13,171 miles (21,196 km) across China's rugged landscape, built to protect the Chinese Empire from invaders. The wall was constructed in multiple stages between the 7th century BC and the 16th century AD, with the most famous and well-preserved sections being the watchtowers at Mutianyu and Badaling. The Great Wall is estimated to have required over 1 million workers during its construction, with some estimates suggesting it took over 200 years to complete. According to legend, the wall was built using locally sourced stone, rammed earth, and wood, with a typical watchtower standing around 20 meters (66 feet) tall.

Located in Paris, France, this iconic iron lattice tower stands at 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall, held aloft by four massive pillars anchored to the ground. The Eiffel Tower was constructed for the 1889 World's Fair and took just over two years to complete, with Gustave Eiffel and his engineering team employing over 300 workers to build its intricate framework. The tower has become an enduring symbol of French culture and engineering prowess, attracting millions of visitors each year. At night, the tower is illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

This stunning white marble mausoleum in Agra, India, was built between 1632 and 1653 as a tribute to Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The complex covers an area of over 63 acres (26 hectares), featuring intricate inlays of precious stones such as jasper, jade, and turquoise. According to legend, the emperor was so grief-stricken by his wife's death that he ordered her tomb to be built without cost or expense, employing thousands of skilled artisans to create its breathtaking beauty.

This mysterious Inca citadel sits atop a mountain ridge in Peru, over 7,000 feet (2,100 meters) above sea level, and is considered one of the greatest archaeological achievements of all time. The site was abandoned before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors and remained hidden for centuries, sparking widespread fascination and speculation among scholars and explorers alike. According to local legend, Machu Picchu was an Inca sacred city, believed to be built by the gods themselves.

Located on the outskirts of modern-day Cairo, Egypt, these towering stone structures are the last remaining wonder of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The oldest pyramid, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, is estimated to have taken around 20 years to build and required over 100,000 workers to construct its massive stone blocks, weighing as much as 2.5 tons each. According to legend, the pyramids were built as tombs for the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, who were believed to ascend to the afterlife through a celestial journey.

This magnificent temple complex in Cambodia is one of the largest and most impressive examples of Khmer architecture, covering an area of over 400 acres (162 hectares). The site was built in the 12th century AD during the reign of King Suryavarman II, who employed thousands of skilled artisans to create its intricate carvings, bas-reliefs, and imposing stone towers. According to legend, Angkor Wat was built as a symbol of the king's divine authority, representing the mythical mountain Meru that rose from the center of the universe.

Perched atop Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this iconic Art Deco statue stands 98 meters (322 feet) tall and is one of the most recognizable landmarks on Earth. Designed by French sculptor Paul Landowski and built by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, the statue took nine years to complete, employing over 500 workers to create its massive stone base. According to local legend, Christ the Redeemer was built as a symbol of peace and unity for the city of Rio de Janeiro.

This ancient amphitheater in Rome, Italy, is one of the greatest architectural achievements of all time, seating up to 50,000 spectators for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and public executions. The complex took over 8 years to complete, employing thousands of skilled artisans and laborers to build its impressive stone façade, vaulted ceiling, and underground tunnels. According to legend, the Colosseum was built by Roman Emperor Vespasian in the year 72 AD.

This ancient citadel sits atop a hill in the heart of modern-day Athens, Greece, featuring several iconic buildings including the Parthenon temple, the Propylaea gateway, and the Temple of Athena Nike. The site was built around 447-432 BC during the Golden Age of Pericles, employing thousands of skilled artisans to create its stunning Doric columns, friezes, and sculptures. According to local legend, the Acropolis was built as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, patron deity of the city.

This ancient rock-cut city in Jordan sits atop a mountain ridge over 2,000 feet (610 meters) above sea level, carved into the sandstone cliffs by the Nabataean Arabs around 6 BC. The site was built as a series of interconnected cities and temples, including the famous Al-Khazneh treasury, which was carved out of living rock to create an elaborate facade. According to legend, Petra was built as a trading center on the ancient Silk Road, attracting merchants and travelers from all over the world.