Aerial view of rice fields in Yunnan Province, China -- Jialiang Gao/Getty Images

Aerial view of rice fields in Yunnan Province, China -- Jialiang Gao/Getty Images

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• The steep hills of this region forced locals to become a little more creative when creating fields.""Do you like this field of art?
• A traditional local dish has a rather unusual name.""On the other hand it tastes divine
• The people who built these thousand-year-old terraces can remember 50 generations of their ancestors.""Find out more about these people
• Because it\s sheltered by the high slopes of the Tibetan Plateau this region was given a name that means “south of the clouds”.""Where is it?

Pinnacles of sandstone among orange dunes of the Karnasai Valley, Chad -- George Steinmetz/Corbis

Pinnacles of sandstone among orange dunes of the Karnasai Valley, Chad -- George Steinmetz/Corbis

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• This enormous sandpit is so large that it is almost the same size as Europe.""Can you guess which one it is?
• The nearest seaport to this sandy nation\s capital is more than 1,000 kilometres away.""No wonder they call it the Dead Heart of Africa
• It may seem hard to believe but this desert used to be much wetter and people lived here.""We know this because they left us these picturesque clues
• You may catch quite a thirst here but it is nothing compared to the driest place on Earth.""It has not rained there for more than 2 million years!

Saddleback caterpillar on a leaf in the Cockscomb Basin, Belize -- Frans Lanting/Corbis

Saddleback caterpillar on a leaf in the Cockscomb Basin, Belize -- Frans Lanting/Corbis

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• This may look like a cute little caterpillar but don\t get too close as it has a painful sting.""What is it?
• As well as being brightly coloured and spiky, this bug has what appear to be eyes on the back of its head.""Would you want to eat something staring back at you?
• The prettiest creatures are quite often the deadliest!""Check out this collection of nature\s killing machines
• You can find these unusual insects all over north America but this particular one is in a park famous for its jaguars.""See more pictures from this big cat\s paradise

Notting Hill Carnival, London, England -- Bettina Strenske/Photolibrary

Notting Hill Carnival, London, England -- Bettina Strenske/Photolibrary

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• Europe\s largest carnival boasts 20 miles of colourful costumes, 40 sound systems and more than 1 million visitors.""Welcome to Notting Hill
• Yesterday was the special day for children to watch the show, but today it\s the adults\ turn.""See more carnival pictures
• Since 1964, people have been partying in this part of London and taking in some of the sounds smells and colours that its festival is famed for.""Here\s where you should be heading
• It\s not only the reveller\s faces that draw attention here - you\ll spot a few celebrity ones as well.""And if you\re really lucky, you might get to go out with one

Wave breaking off Ke'e Beach on Kauai, Hawaii, USA -- Mark A. Johnson/Corbis

Wave breaking off Ke'e Beach on Kauai, Hawaii, USA -- Mark A. Johnson/Corbis

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• Apart from the sun, sea and sand, the most popular reason to hit this shore is for the snorkelling.""Where is it?
• This beach is on the north coast of the oldest of the main Hawaiian islands.""See where the Garden Isle is
• As the last beach on the island accessible by car, this place really is the end of the road - but once you get there the sunsets are amazing.""See pictures of them in all their glory
• These islands have an extraordinary past involving volcanoes, goddesses, seafaring adventurers and precious objects.""Find out more about Hawaii

The eruption of Puyehue - Cordon Caulle Rininahue Volcano, Chile -- Ian Salas/Photolibrary

The eruption of Puyehue - Cordon Caulle Rininahue Volcano, Chile -- Ian Salas/Photolibrary

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• If you can stand the heat, have nerves of steel and are able to dodge flying boulders then what do think would be a good career path for you?""This job involves some seriously high-pressure work!
• Ready for more amazing eruption images?""Of course you are
• Early in the morning on this day in 1883, the final cataclysmic moments of one of the world\s most awesome eruptions happened.""It is said to be the loudest ever sound in recorded history
• Similar to the Icelandic eruption that brought air traffic in Europe to a standstill last year, this eruption had a similar effect on the southern hemisphere only a few months ago.""Where did it come from?

Staghorn coral, Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Australia -- Frans Lanting/Corbis

Staghorn coral, Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Australia -- Frans Lanting/Corbis

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• You could be forgiven for thinking you have stumbled upon an army of underwater antlers.""Well that is at least how they got their name
• Sadly, this spiky sea-specimen is critically endangered from disease because of the way it reproduces.""Find out more
• What you are looking at is just a tiny part of the world\s largest living structure.""It\s large enough to be seen from space – but what is it?
• It may have taken this reef 8,000 years to form but with some care, attention and a healthy dose of patience you can have your own.""Here\s how to build your own coral aquarium

Green lacewing eggs -- Charles Melton/Visuals Unlimited

Green lacewing eggs -- Charles Melton/Visuals Unlimited

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• They may look like delicate little cotton buds blowing in the wind but one day they\ll be rather beautiful bugs.""See pictures of when they\re all grown up
• Why have these eggs been laid on the top of long, spindly looking spires?""Watch David Attenborough explain why it is actually an ingenious hiding spot
• When mating, adults will court each other by vibrating their abdomens, turning the leaves they stand on into musical instruments.""Find out more fascinating facts about them
• If you fancy yourself as a budding entomologist then you\ll need a contraption for collecting bugs.""Here\s how to make one

Sea walls built off the coast of Happisburgh, England -- Tim Harris

Sea walls built off the coast of Happisburgh, England -- Tim Harris

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• In 1789, a severe winter storm along this forbidding shore sank 70 ships and took the lives of 600 men.""A lighthouse built two years after may have been a little late but it still looks great
• The correct pronunciation of this soggy seaside town is ‘haysbra\ but there\s no chance of finding it written like that on the map.""You\ll have to search for this unusual spelling
• This part of the country is famed for its medieval man-made rivers.""All abroad!
• These sea walls have been built to protect this coastline sucking the local towns into the sea.""Find out what it is like to be near this rapidly-shrinking shore

Combine harvesting oats surrounded by a corn field in Wisconsin -- Richard Hamilton Smith/Corbis

Combine harvesting oats surrounded by a corn field in Wisconsin -- Richard Hamilton Smith/Corbis

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• Thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin E, low in sodium, rich in iron and potassium…""What is this awesome wholegrain?
• The UK grows 728,000 tonnes of this crop across an area of 119,000 hectares.""That is the same size as which county?
• Don\t be fooled into thinking that all you can make with this crop is sloppy old porridge.""Find some more exciting recipes
• Robot Wars was a great idea but what if you fancy smashing up machinery that is a little larger?""Let the combine harvester demolition derby begin!

The white village of Casares, Spain -- Jose Fuste Raga/Corbis

The white village of Casares, Spain -- Jose Fuste Raga/Corbis

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• Don\t be deceived into thinking there is always an eerie green glow coming from these houses.""See pictures of them in their famous, natural state
• Julius Caesar is said to have cured a liver complaint by drinking the sulphurous waters here.""Maybe that\s how it got this name
• This region has one of the warmest winters in all Europe with an average temperature of 17°C.""Fortunately the beach is only a short drive away
• Passion, desire, seduction…""These are all vital elements to this region\s bewitching dance

Stone statues in Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan -- Rudy Sulgan/Corbis

Stone statues in Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan -- Rudy Sulgan/Corbis

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• There are more than 1,200 of these cheeky chappies in this temple, depicting the disciples of Buddha.""Want to pay them a visit?
• Throughout the ages this temple has suffered some serious bad luck, having been flooded, burned down and seriously typhoon damaged.""See more pictures from this perilous place of worship
• Any tourist paying a visit to this city could be forgiven for not spotting this secluded temple on the list of things to see.""Just look at how much it has to offer!
• You\d better hope the wind doesn\t change direction if you\re pulling a funny face.""Especially if you are one of these champion gurners

Juvenile African elephant with cattle egrets -- Anup Shah/Corbis

Juvenile African elephant with cattle egrets -- Anup Shah/Corbis

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• They may seem unlikely friends but this bird eats all the bugs and nits off the elephant\s skin.""Who is this pachyderm\s pest-picking partner?
• An elephant\s trunk contains more muscles than are in the entire human body.""Have a nosey at more elephant facts
• Having big ears, a big nose and an ungainly walk doesn\t sound like your average Hollywood star.""That is unless you are this adorable animated animal
• In which part of the UK would you find one of these creatures on top of a pole with a tower on its back?""It is said to be named after a Spanish princess known as ‘la Infanta de Castilla\

Jet aircraft on the tarmac of the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, USA -- Jay Dickman/Corbis

Jet aircraft on the tarmac of the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, USA -- Jay Dickman/Corbis

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• With this many aeroplanes on the ground there is only one place to get a really good view of them.""From the sky!
• After many years of faithful service, these places are where military aircraft go to retire.""See more pictures of these extraordinary retirement homes
• Many of these planes are ready and waiting to see service again but for others this place means the end of the line.""Find out what happens in an aeroplane\s afterlife
• One half of aviation\s most famous duo was born 140 years ago today.""Here\s how Orville and his brother Wilbur took to the skies

Fisherman near Guilin, China -- SIME / eStock Photo

Fisherman near Guilin, China -- SIME / eStock Photo

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• The delicious apricot smell of this region comes from the blossom of a tree that symbolises romance and love.""What is this fragrant flower?
• For a thousand years, fishermen here have used cormorants as fishing assistants.""It may not be the most advanced method but it brings the tourists in
• Steep mountains, mysterious karsts and shimmering lakes are just a few features of this incredibly beautiful Chinese city.""Where is it?
• One of the most amazing experiences here is to visit a beautiful cavern known as the Palace of Natural Arts.""See pictures of these colourful caves

Skyline of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA -- Kordcom Kordcom/Age Fotostock/Photolibrary

Skyline of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA -- Kordcom Kordcom/Age Fotostock/Photolibrary

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• Bingo, Big Macs, ring pulls on cans and ketchup are all some of this city\s most famous exports.""Would life be the same without this place?
• This place is sometimes known as the City of Bridges and it is not hard to see why.""There are more than 400!
• The largest museum in the US devoted to a single person is dedicated to a man who famously reviled this city, his hometown.""Who is the man famous for his Pop Art?
• What did a computer scientist at a local university issue the first documented use of in 1982?""This is a clue ;-)

Bear Butte reflects into Bear Butte Lake near Sturgis, South Dakota, USA -- Chuck Haney/DanitaDelimont.com

Bear Butte reflects into Bear Butte Lake near Sturgis, South Dakota, USA -- Chuck Haney/DanitaDelimont.com

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• For thousands of years, native American tribes have made pilgrimages to this place for prayer ceremonies.""Where is this sacred spot?
• Despite its name, this extrusion is not actually a butte but a laccolith, a big bubble of magma that never popped into a volcano.""Find out where it is
• More than 60 years ago on a nearby mountain, work began on what will be the world\s largest statue when completed.""What is this massively monumental monument?
• Why is the population of a sleepy nearby town expected to increase from 6,000 to 600,000 this week?""One of the world\s largest motorbike rallies rides into town

Busan, South Korea -- I Dream Stock/agefotostock

Busan, South Korea -- I Dream Stock/agefotostock

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• Fireworks will fill the skies over this city, along with the rest of the nation, as its people celebrate their independence day.""Which nation is 66 years old today?
• What sporting event is South Korea\s second-largest city vying to host in 2020?""Let the games begin
• This city loves to super-size things; it has the world\s fifth largest port, is building the third tallest skyscraper and has the biggest department store.""What city is this metropolis of the massive?
• Chopsticks in this country are made of metal as an ancient king believed they would taint if his food were poisoned.""No chance of that with these delicious recipes

Skyline of Cologne, Germany -- Guenter Rossenbach/Corbis

Skyline of Cologne, Germany -- Guenter Rossenbach/Corbis

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• When it became a World Heritage Site, Unesco called this building an \"exceptional work of human creative genius”.""See what you think with more amazing pictures
• Construction began on this cathedral in 1248 and took nearly 600 years to complete.""And who said the Germans were efficient?
• More than 20,000 people visit Germany\s most popular landmark every day but it\s not the only thing to see here.""See what else this city has to offer
• A bridge here survived frequent bombing during WWII but was destroyed by the Germans themselves as the Allies entered the city.""It has since been replaced by this impressive structure

Weedy Sea Dragon -- Gerald Nowak/agefotostock

Weedy Sea Dragon -- Gerald Nowak/agefotostock

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• Just like us humans, when these animals want to woo a mate they dance long into the night.""Watch the magic as it happens
• Is this sea creature known as “weedy” because it is rubbish in a fight or has excellent camouflage?""These pictures will reveal the answer
• If you think you can spot one of these creatures hiding in its natural habitat there is only one place you can go to prove it.""They live off the south coast of this country
• Being known as a sea dragon may mean adversaries are likely to overestimate your abilities.""On the other hand, some underwater beasties are just as scary as you\d expect

A shooting star above the Säntis mountain in Schwägalp, Switzerland – Alessandro Della Bella/Corbis

A shooting star above the Säntis mountain in Schwägalp, Switzerland – Alessandro Della Bella/Corbis

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• Around this date for the past 2,000 years mankind has observed the wondrous spectacle of tiny grains of comet dust burning in the night sky.""What are the ‘Tears of St Lawrence\?
• You\ll either have to stay up very late tonight or set your alarm early if you want to see this amazing event as the best time to see it is before dawn.""Of course, if you don\t like the sound of that these videos might be just as delightful
• This meteor show is named after the constellation it can be found in, which itself is named after a Greek hero.""Who was it that cut off the Gorgon\s head?
• The burning question on everybody\s lips: is this the only shower we are to see tonight?""Better check the weather

Waves and sea spray through a sea arch at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, California, USA -- Patrick Smith/Visuals Unlimited, Inc.

Waves and sea spray through a sea arch at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, California, USA -- Patrick Smith/Visuals Unlimited, Inc.

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• If seclusion is what you are after, this sublime shoreline might be just the place.""Only 1,000 people live along this 100-mile stretch of coast
• Before the road here was built in 1918, this was one of the most inaccessible places in all California.""Now it is one of the best places to go for a spin
• If you think the waves in this photo are peaceful, just imagine what it is like being there.""This video should help
• Which famous writer and figure of the Beat movement wrote of his stay in this region?""The book is now being made into a film

Alpinist climbing the Verdon Gorge, France -- Keith Ladzinski/Corbis

Alpinist climbing the Verdon Gorge, France -- Keith Ladzinski/Corbis

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• The ultimate extreme when it comes to climbing is when you tackle the face with no ropes or harnesses.""Watch the terrifying activity of free solo climbing
• This beautiful, 25km gorge is at its most spectacular when the Verdun River cuts through the ravine 700m below.""Gorge yourself on more amazing pictures
• Whether you\ve climbed mountains or made it little higher than a climbing frame, you\re sure to find a place for you here.""There are 1,500 different climbing routes to tackle
• What do you suppose adrenaline junkies do when they get to the top of this imposing cliff face?""Take the fastest (and scariest) way down of course

Beaver Falls in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA -- Ron Watts /Photolibrary

Beaver Falls in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA -- Ron Watts /Photolibrary

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• The distinctive colour of this creek is associated with the native Americans who have long lived in this area.""Meet the “blue water people”
• This area of the American southwest is a photographer\s paradise.""See more pictures of this ‘Grand\ place
• Only those brave enough to take the six-mile hike, traverse the waist-deep river crossings and rappel over the edges with a rope get to see this.""Fortunately for the rest of us they took a video camera
• In the heat of August, these falls make a mighty appealing sight in a canyon where temperatures average above 35°C.""If you\re still tempted, hot-foot it over here

Lodge above the clouds at Thare Pati at sunset along the Helambu trekking circuit, Nepal -- White Richardson/Aurora Photos

Lodge above the clouds at Thare Pati at sunset along the Helambu trekking circuit, Nepal -- White Richardson/Aurora Photos

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• This month the streets of this country will be filled with processions of people leading cows (or even boys dressed as cows).""What is the special occasion?
• The trek up here to spend the night above the clouds tops out at just over 3,500m.""Where is it?
• Gently fluttering all over this region are these beautiful multi-coloured prayer flags.""Get a closer look
• The year is 2068 and the world looks… well, exactly the same.""Why might you feel a bit of a time traveller if you visit this country?

Close up of a Damara Dik-Dik (Madoqua kirkii) from Etosha National Park, Namibia -- Shem Compion/Getty Images

Close up of a Damara Dik-Dik (Madoqua kirkii) from Etosha National Park, Namibia -- Shem Compion/Getty Images

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• This quick little cutie dines on grass, leaves, fruit and roots but requires no extra water in its diet.""It\s a real attribute here in the ‘place of dry water\
• You may think of antelopes being large but these adorable creatures reach a height of only 40cm.""See more pictures
• When fighting, these gentlemanly creatures will charge their opponent only to stop before colliding, turn around and try again until one gives up.""They also choose one partner for life
• We know what you\re thinking – big, doe-eyes, adorable ears and a love for prancing and frolicking…""Wonder if he\s related to this classic cartoon creature?

Street performers climbing statue for the Edinburgh Festival, Edinburgh, Scotland -- Will Salter/Lonely Planet Publications Ltd

Street performers climbing statue for the Edinburgh Festival, Edinburgh, Scotland -- Will Salter/Lonely Planet Publications Ltd

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• When uninvited guests turned up to the Edinburgh International Festival back in 1947, instead of being turfed away they were allowed to perform.""What has it become?
• From the sublime to the ridiculous, you\ll find all manner of silly sorts performing throughout the city over the next month.""See more pictures from the event
• One of the special features of this festival is that anyone, be they amateur or professional, can perform.""If you fancy a go, here are some top tips on being funny
• Comedy heavyweights such as Frank Skinner, Steve Coogan and Lee Evans are all winners of this festival\s prestigious comedy award.""Watch some festival highlights

Skyscrapers in Houston, Texas, USA -- Didier Dorval/Masterfile

Skyscrapers in Houston, Texas, USA -- Didier Dorval/Masterfile

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• The biggest cities in the US are New York, LA, Chicago and then this place.""Can you guess where it is?
• When the crew of Apollo 13 said the immortal, often misquoted, line “Houston, we\ve had a problem”, who were they talking to?""If they looked really, really hard they might have had this view
• It may seem hard to believe with all of these skyscrapers but this city has the most acres of parkland of all US cities.""Still, we like the pictures of the skyscrapers more
• Which girl from this city became the most successful pop star of the 2000s and one of the best selling of all time?""She began her career in music at only eight years old

Trunk Bay on St. John, US Virgin Islands -- Pacific Stock/SuperStock

Trunk Bay on St. John, US Virgin Islands -- Pacific Stock/SuperStock

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• If you‘re drawn to this heavenly strip, you\ll have to share it.""You\re looking at the most popular beach on the island
• Once famed for its sugar cane production, most of this island is now a national park.""It was opened 55 years ago today
• If you\re suffering from indecision, it might pay off to explore some nearby holiday spots.""There\s bound to be an island just right for anyone
• The US purchased this jewel and several of its island neighbours from Denmark in 1917 for $25 million.""That\s about $300 an acre for this paradise.