In 2000, a campaign was started to vote for the new Seven Wonders of the World from 200 existing monuments, and the final results were released in 2007. Today, the locations on the list are widely visited, all of which serve as historic reminders of pre-existing civilisations, ranging from the Great Wall of China to the Taj Mahal. However, there are attractions around the world that have just as much integrity and contribution to civilisation. If an eye-opening experience without the crowd is what one is looking for, Men’s Folio has readied seven marvels which have been selected as UNESCO World Heritage sites in recent years that could very well rival the grandeur of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Copyright- Office of the Leading Group for World Heritage Application of Tongren City

Fanjingshan (2018) vs Machu Picchu

Located within the Wuling mountain range in Guizhou Province is the Fanjingshan Nature Reserve. Although its elevation reaches 2,500m above sea level like Machu Picchu, its relative isolation from society not only ensures a high degree of biodiversity – housing plant and animal species that originated in the Tertiary period – but is also believed to be the place where the future Buddha Maitreya will reach enlightenment (according to Chinese Buddhism lore). If one remains still enough, he might just catch a glimpse of endangered animal species such as the Guizhou snub-nosed monkey, Chinese giant salamander, and Reeves’s pheasant.

Copyright- FLC/ADAGP

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (2016) vs The Colosseum

A selection of 17 building projects is chosen out of the oeuvre of Le Corbusier as an outstanding contribution to the modern movement in architecture. Spread across seven countries, not only are they a testament to the reinvention of architectural language but they also provide a form of pilgrimage for anybody in search of these constructs. Much like how the Colosseum housed public spectacles, Le Corbusier’s works hold as much, if not more, visual impact. Start in Asia with the Complexe du Capitole in Chandigarh (India) and the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo (Japan), before exploring the rest in Europe.

Copyright- Ólafur Rafnar Ólafsson

Aasivissuit – Nipisat. Inuit Hunting Ground between Ice and Sea (2018) vs Christ the Redeemer

The Aasivissuit – Nipisat is located in the central part of West Greenland and holds the remains of 4,200 years of human history. Going back to an age before Christ, the landscape was where fisher-hunter-gatherer cultures travelled for seasonal migrations. Much like the grace of Christ, the location provided natural resources, plants and animal species that supported the hunting and fishing practices. Here, one can pitch a tent in the land that epitomises the resilience of human civilisation and revel in a blanket of the aurora borealis.

This article was written by Marcus Li. Read the full story at www.mens-folio.com here.