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The New 7 Wonders of the World: go beyond the bucket list

The New 7 Wonders of the World: go beyond the bucket list

Discover the most remarkable man-made monuments on the planet in this guide to visiting the New 7 Wonders of the World.

It’s not easy to become a world wonder. In a campaign that started in 2001, these locations beat out over 200 existing monuments to become the New 7 Wonders of the World. Chosen by an international poll with more than 600 million votes, the New 7 Wonders of the World list honors sites across the globe that you have to see to believe. From the ancient and mysterious cities of Petra and Machu Picchu to stunning landmarks like the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal, these wonders really are the best of the best. Discover the best ways to experience the New 7 Wonders of the World with this guide.

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1. Hike along the Great Wall of China

What is it?

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications connected by an extensive bulwark along the ancient northern borders of Imperial China. At 13,171 miles long, this iconic landmark is the longest wall in the world and some parts are over 2,300 years old.

The best time to visit the Great Wall of China:

The best time to visit the Great Wall of China is between March and May or September and November when temperatures are pleasant and crowds are fewer. Extreme athletes won’t want to miss the 26.2-mile Great Wall Marathon, which is held in May each year and might well be the most unique of the world’s top marathon courses. Weekends tend to be busier so pick a weekday to visit and avoid the crowds.

Highlights:

Hike along the wall, take in panoramic views, and climb up one of the watchtowers. Take the toboggan back down from the Mutianyu stretch of the Great Wall, or enjoy the sunset on an evening walk along the Sintanlai section, which is illuminated at night. For a unique experience, camp overnight on the wall itself at the rugged Jiankou section. You can take a day trip from Beijing to each location.

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2. Explore the ancient city of Petra

What is it?

A vast archaeological site, Petra contains the remains of a settlement from the Nabataean, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Set against the rugged backdrop of desert canyons and mountains in Jordan, Petra is one of the oldest cities in the world.

The best time to visit Petra:

The best time of year to take a tour to Petra is in spring (March-May) or fall (September-November), when the weather is cooler and there are fewer visitors. Early morning and later afternoon are quieter times, as the site can get quite busy by midday.

Highlights:

Wander through the Siq, a narrow canyon that leads to one of the most beautiful temples on Earth. Despite its name, Al-Khazneh, or the Treasury, is actually a tomb carved into the dusky pink sandstone. Explore a myriad of temples, tombs, and caves as you walk deeper into the site. And climb the 800-plus steps, leaving the crowds behind, to the equally impressive Monastery, Al-Deir.

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3. See Christ the Redeemer from a new perspective

What is it?

You can’t visit Rio de Janeiro without making a pilgrimage to the city’s most famous landmark, the awe-inspiring Christ the Redeemer statue. An Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ, Christ the Redeemer stands 98 feet tall on the top of a mountain — and that’s not including its 26-foot pedestal.

The best time to visit:

While earlier is better to avoid the crowds, it’s still worth braving them later in the day, when the sunlight is softer and provides a pleasant golden glow and clearer panoramic views of the city below.

Highlights:

Enjoy the cable car ride to the top of Corcovado Mountain, taking in stunning panoramic views. Or make like a millionaire and book a private helicopter tour for a bird’s eye view of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic landmark. For a different, but equally impressive, perspective of this New Wonder of the World, take a sunset sailboat cruise in Rio’s Guanabara Bay.

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4. Take the path less traveled at Machu Picchu

What is it?

Deep in the Peruvian jungle lies Machu Picchu; the legendary lost Incan city where llamas graze on ancient stone terraces is probably the most treasured of Peru’s many wonders. Sitting 8,000 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu is one of the harder-to-access New 7 Wonders of the World, but it’s absolutely worth the effort.

The best time to visit Machu Picchu:

As Machu Picchu lies in a cloud forest with a subtropical climate, the best time to visit is during the peak of the dry season between June and August.

Highlights:

Walk in the footsteps of the Incas and join a multi-day hike along the Inca Trail. Step through the Sun Gate and explore The Royal Palace and Scared Plaza, as well as the many temples and tombs. If trekking sounds too rough and ready, arrive in style on the luxury Hiram Bingham Express. Bingham was the explorer who uncovered the city in the 19th century, but there are more Machu Picchu rail tours for different budgets that bring the period’s opulence into the 21st century — a first-class way to experience these out-of-this-world ruins.

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5. Uncover ancient rituals at Chichén Itzá

What is it?

Chichén Itzá is a monumental complex home to the remains of a pre-Columbian city. Built by the Maya people of the Terminal Classic Period, Chichén Itzá is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico and it’s not hard to see how it earned its place on the list of the New Wonders of the World.

The best time to visit Chichén Itzá:

Visit during the spring or autumn equinox to see the sun glide like a serpent up the side of the main pyramid, El Castillo. Arrive as early as possible in the day to beat the crowds, or stay after dark and catch the evening Light and Sound spectacular, where pyrotechnics light up the pyramids.

Highlights:

Walk around the huge step pyramid, El Castillo, that has been expertly restored. See the largest remaining Mayan ball court where the ancient sport Pok-Ta-Pok was once played. And discover intricate carvings that depict deities, animals, and those who died in ritualistic sacrifices.

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photo by: LemonOne

6. Step inside the colossal Colosseum

What is it?

Visiting the Colosseum, Rome’s iconic amphitheater is to be transported back to Ancient Rome and the times of emperors and gladiators. It’s not just one of the best preserved elliptical ancient stadiums in the world, but it’s the largest of its kind ever built. Used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, the Colosseum used to cater to 50,000 to 80,000 spectators.

The best time to visit the Colosseum:

The Colosseum is one of the most popular attractions in Rome, and the world, and large lines can form throughout the day. Arrive as early as possible or later in the day to avoid the peak visiting hours.

Highlights:

Step through the Gate of Death, see the Emperor’s Box, and take in the view from the different levels of seating. Or dig a little deeper into the Colosseum’s history and visit its secret underground chambers and tunnels. Don’t miss the reconstructed elevator which was once used to raise wild animals into the arena. What’s more, your Colosseum entry ticket includes access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for one of the best views in the Italian capital.

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7. Fall in love with the Taj Mahal

What is it?

While the Taj Mahal may look like a fairy tale palace, it is actually a mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz. Of all the New 7 Wonders of the World, this might just be the most romantic. Created entirely from ivory-white marble and decorated with semi-precious stones, the Taj Mahal is the couple’s final resting place.

The best time to visit the Taj Mahal:

The Taj Mahal is one of the most-visited sites in the world — thousands of people pour through its gates each day. Sunrise is the best time to visit the Taj Mahal to avoid the crowds and to enjoy the warm light reflecting off its pristine marble surfaces.

Highlights:

Wander through the Mughal Garden and see the Taj Mahal majestically reflected in the waters of the long reflecting pool. Or explore the Gardens of Mehtab Bagh, which give beautiful views of the Taj Mahal from the north side of the Yamuna River. And don’t leave the complex without visiting the equally impressive and far less crowded Agra Fort.

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New 7 Wonders of the World FAQs

What is the difference between the old and new wonders of the world?

The Ancient Wonders of the World were selected by a handful of Greek writers and historians. Only one of these ancient wonders is still standing: the Pyramids of Giza. The New 7 Wonders of the World were selected by a survey of millions of people and include a wide range of structures that were erected thousands of years ago up until the year 2000.

What is the 8th wonder of the world?

Many tourist attractions, man-made structures, and natural areas claim to be the 8th wonder of the world. This list includes Milford Sound in New Zealand, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and Niagara Falls in Canada and USA. It is more of an unofficial title given to impressive buildings and structures by way of recognition.

When were the New 7 Wonders of the World decided?

Between 2001 and 2007, the Switzerland-based New 7 Wonders Foundation ran a campaign for millions of online voters to choose between 200 structures. A final decision was reached on July 7, 2007.

What is the oldest of the New 7 Wonders of the World?

The Great Wall of China, dating back to around 700 BCE, is by far the oldest of the New 7 Wonders of the World.