Jin Mao Tower and Huangpu River in Shanghai, China (@ José Fuste Raga/age fotostock)

Jin Mao Tower and Huangpu River in Shanghai, China (@ José Fuste Raga/age fotostock)

comments,

• The ‘Golden Prosperity Building\ has 88 floors, a number rich with luck and longevity in these parts.""There are actually 93 in total
• What an amazing spot - but who\s the lunatic climbing up the side of this epic skyscraper?""Meet ‘The Human Spider\
• This city is a blur of dashing people, non-stop traffic, neon light and stunning architecture.""To appreciate the full wonder, you actually need to speed it up
• Before the construction of the Shanghai World Financial Centre in 2007, this was the tallest building here.""Want to see them side-by-side?

Banggai Cardinalfish, Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia (@ Daniela Dirscherl/age fotostock)

Banggai Cardinalfish, Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia (@ Daniela Dirscherl/age fotostock)

comments,

• Fish like this can only be found in one small corner of the world\s oceans.""But they\re also a popular face in aquariums
• These waters surround a province of Indonesia, an archipelago comprising roughly 17,500 islands.""How does this one look from above?
• The males of this species have an unusually big say in the mating process.""Guess where they put the fertilized eggs?
• These exotic swimmers are endangered in their native habitat due to harvesting for the aquarium trade.""What action has been taken to address this slide?

The House In The Clouds in Thorpeness, Suffolk, England (@ FLPA/David Hosking)

The House In The Clouds in Thorpeness, Suffolk, England (@ FLPA/David Hosking)

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• This 21m structure was built in 1923 and was originally designed as a water tower.""Hoovering the stairs must be a total nightmare
• Designed to look like it\s floating above the trees, few UK landmarks are as distinctive.""Can you find this fantastic folly on a map?
• While we\re here, how about also checking out the renowned local food and drink?""It looks like your visit has been timed to perfection
• Reportedly once a private fantasy village for a wealthy landowner, behold this coastal retreat\s odd centrepiece.""Welcome to the House Of Fun

Hens photographed at a British Hen Welfare Trust sanctuary as part of Bing Help Your Britain

Hens photographed at a British Hen Welfare Trust sanctuary as part of Bing Help Your Britain

comments,

• This charity is campaigning to raise awareness of the living conditions of the UK\s hens.""Did you know 20 million are currently kept in cages?
• Help Your Britain is proud to support this organisation, set up in 2005.""Since then it has found homes for more than 343,000 of these cute creatures
• The British Hen Welfare Trust\s work is bolstered by the support of 300 volunteers.""We asked if its campaign has ruffled a few feathers
• There are more of these in the world than any other bird - that doesn\t mean they don\t need protection.""Which celebrity patron would surely agree?

European bee-eaters in Málaga province, Andalusia, Spain (@ José Antonio Moreno/age fotostock)

European bee-eaters in Málaga province, Andalusia, Spain (@ José Antonio Moreno/age fotostock)

comments,

• What happens if you eat more than 200 European bees a day?""You get stung with an inevitable moniker
• As revolting as it might seem, many people eat insects as part of their regular diet.""We\re not talking about so-called celebs doing a Bushtucker Trial here
• Want to see exactly how these birds got their name?""Don\t try this at home
• Does this look like a pretty good spot to sit down and kick back?""Definitely - the summer lasts for eight months

Detail of an autumn leaf (@ Funkystock/age fotostock)

Detail of an autumn leaf (@ Funkystock/age fotostock)

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• Do you live in a part of the world where autumn doesn\t inspire changes like this?""Take a leaf out of our book
• Ever wondered why leaves are transformed at this time of year?""Here\s the answer
• Memories of summer are fading away, as the seasons change before our eyes.""How romantic - we feel like bursting into song
• The term autumn comes from the Old French word autompne and marks the transition from summer to winter.""How does this affect your outlook?

Spectacular sunrise on the coast near Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England (@ Adam Burton/Age Fotostock)

Spectacular sunrise on the coast near Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England (@ Adam Burton/Age Fotostock)

comments,

• The imposing castle on the horizon was built in 993AD, replacing one destroyed by Vikings.""The original name, Bebbanburgh, has almost survived intact
• This is said to have been the capital of the British kingdom around the 5th century.""Does it look like a seat of power?
• With such a stunning location, it\s no surprise this fortification has an impressive media career.""Which 80s TV show saw it invaded by men in tights?
• Legend has it we\re gazing at Arthurian knight Lancelot\s much-loved castle Joyous Gard.""Which estranged king lived here during the War of the Roses?

Village of Gásadalur below Heinanova mountain, with waterfall cascading over cliff into the Atlantic Ocean, Faroe Islands (@ Kimberley Coole/Lonely Planet)

Village of Gásadalur below Heinanova mountain, with waterfall cascading over cliff into the Atlantic Ocean, Faroe Islands (@ Kimberley Coole/Lonely Planet)

comments,

• Welcome to Mykinesfjørður, under the shadows of Heinanova, where Gásadalur lies in the sýsla of Vágar.""What are we talking about?
• These islands are in the middle of nowhere, miles from any mainland.""Is that why locals tend to stare in a rather sheepish way?
• At the last count, just 17 people were said to live in this tiny village.""Take a look around and tell us you\re not tempted
• These lands can be found about halfway between Norway and Iceland.""But they\re actually under the sovereignty of which country?

Raccoon building a nest in a Montana forest, USA (@ Framepool)

Raccoon building a nest in a Montana forest, USA (@ Framepool)

comments,

• There\s an animal in the Himalayas that was once thought to be a close relative of the raccoon.""Can you see the resemblance?
• These guys are pretty cute - a hug\s surely out of the question?""Unless you\re Will Ferrell
• We\re in America\s fourth largest state today.""Welcome to ‘Big Sky Country\
• This tree provides a useful hideaway for celebrity critters trying to escape the limelight.""Rocky - is that you?

Cathedral of Pisa and its bell tower in Pisa, Italy (@ Jean-Pierre Lescourret/Corbis)

Cathedral of Pisa and its bell tower in Pisa, Italy (@ Jean-Pierre Lescourret/Corbis)

comments,

• There is no long-term solution for the slant on display here.""Could this be the answer?
• Galileo is said to have conducted landmark gravity experiments from the top of this tower.""Commander David Scott found an even more unusual space for similar tests
• This destination is known as the ‘Square of Miracles\.""Want to see why?
• The Italian region we\re in is rather spoilt when it comes to stunning settings.""Shall we get out of the city and take a trip into the countryside?

Aerial shot of Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island off Queensland, Australia (@ imagebroker.net/Superstock)

Aerial shot of Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island off Queensland, Australia (@ imagebroker.net/Superstock)

comments,

• This beach has seven glorious kms of turquoise water and bright, white sand.""The view is silica enhanced
• The location we\re in is home to one of the animal kingdom\s most venomous inhabitants.""It\s also known as a sea wasp or marine stinger
• Just a short boat ride from here is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.""Scuba, do!
• Captain Cook named this 74-island paradise after the day on which it was discovered.""Where in the world are we?

A bus descends the serpentine turns of Tongtian Avenue on Tianmen Mountain near Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China (@ Tom Horton/Getty Images)

A bus descends the serpentine turns of Tongtian Avenue on Tianmen Mountain near Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China (@ Tom Horton/Getty Images)

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• This mountain highway includes a total of 99 hairpin turns.""Cutting corners is really not an option
• What else is there to do around here if you survive this nail-biting road trip?""There\s a nice relaxing walk - suspended over a mountain
• Traversing such a precarious route in a bus is scary enough - is anyone out there brave enough to do it solo?""Make way for Rollerman!
• A rocky natural arch cuts right through this mountain, creating a shape like a giant door.""Are you ready to enter the ‘Heavenly Gate Mountain\?

Underwater view of spawning salmon in Katmai National Park, Alaska, USA (@ Paul Souders/Corbis)

Underwater view of spawning salmon in Katmai National Park, Alaska, USA (@ Paul Souders/Corbis)

comments,

• It looks like you\ve joined us in the middle of rush hour.""Everyone\s racing against the biological clock
• The fish are under constant threat here from a brown bear population estimated at 2,000.""Humans also face danger - as which Grizzly Man famously discovered?
• You\ll find these fish in a US national park that covers 16,564,09 km2.""That\s roughly the size of which country?
• We\re swimming with the fishes today.""Don\t panic - there\s plenty of life left in us yet

People enjoying the seaside at Durdle Door near Lulworth along the Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England (@ Maurizio Rellini/4Corners)

People enjoying the seaside at Durdle Door near Lulworth along the Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England (@ Maurizio Rellini/4Corners)

comments,

• This natural limestone arch takes its name from the Old English ‘thirl\, meaning bore.""Shall we drill down a little further?
• Given there have been so few recently, we thought you might like an idyllic British summer scene.""Have you ever witnessed such a massive door?
• This UK region was established by the Romans, who called it Durnovaria, meaning \place with fist-sized pebbles\ .""Can you spot any here?
• Cliff Richard\s Saviour\s Day is one of the many music videos shot at this location.""Don\t cry - we\ve got something much better

Harvesting cotton in Costa Rica (@ Fernando Bueno/Getty Images)

Harvesting cotton in Costa Rica (@ Fernando Bueno/Getty Images)

comments,

• Who would have thought zips in corduroy would make such a compelling image?""Find out what\s really happening here
• There\s actually not likely to be much work going on in these fields today.""Which anniversary have locals just celebrated?
• People in this tiny country have often been accused of having their heads in the clouds.""Why is that?
• High crop yields are one of the reasons for this Central American nation\s healthy reputation.""Welcome to ‘The Rich Coast\

A Supermarine Spitfire Mk-18 in flight (@ Fotosearch)

A Supermarine Spitfire Mk-18 in flight (@ Fotosearch)

comments,

• We\re taking to the skies to mark the anniversary of the Luftwaffe\s decimation.""Are you ready to go into battle?
• This single-seat aircraft may have been retired in 1961 but an enduring legacy survives.""Where does it rank among the greatest fighter planes?
• Boasting a top speed of 369mph and armed with eight machine guns, we\re in the presence of a celebrated war veteran.""They don\t make them like this anymore
• During the Battle of Britain, this plane was considered the undisputed star of the skies.""But in WWI, which pilot held that fearsome mantle?

Fog over Spray Park in Mount Rainier National Park with Glacier Peak in the background, Washington, USA (@ Stephen Matera)

Fog over Spray Park in Mount Rainier National Park with Glacier Peak in the background, Washington, USA (@ Stephen Matera)

comments,

• There\s no doubt this is a truly spectacular scene.""But have you seen what\s hiding below?
• It takes most climbers two days to reach the epic peak that gives this park its name.""Who recently conquered it in a record-breaking time?
• Once the fog has lifted around here, you may well come across a uniquely annoying local pest.""How irritating can they possibly be?
• We\re at the summit of a massive stratovolcano, which has a highest elevation of 4,392m.""Where can you expect an average of five eruptions every month?

St. Finbarr's Oratory and Gougane Barra Lake, Ireland (@ Trish Punch/Lonely Planet)

St. Finbarr's Oratory and Gougane Barra Lake, Ireland (@ Trish Punch/Lonely Planet)

comments,

• “There is a green island in lone Gougane Barra, where Allua of songs rushes forth as an arrow.”""What setting inspires such a poem?
• This intimate and idyllic location could be the perfect spot to get married.""Wedding planning has always been our dream job
• This place was named after 6th century religious icon Fionnbarr, who built a monastery nearby.""In honour of his corking legacy, where was he made patron saint?
• Not far from here is the Republic of Ireland\s second city.""Which famous son was keen to make his name in British football?

Trussum Pond and cypress trees, Delaware, USA (@ David Muench/Stone/Getty Images)

Trussum Pond and cypress trees, Delaware, USA (@ David Muench/Stone/Getty Images)

comments,

• Everyone\s heard of the bee\s knees.""But what about the trees\ knees?
• Under a full moon and a black sky, this could double as the setting of a scary movie.""This US state\s most notorious monster is actually a mile-long terror in the capital
• During the autumn, forested areas like this suffer from a very human condition.""Did you know even trees go bald?
• Welcome to ‘The First State\, a nickname reflecting its leading position in adopting the US Constitution.""It was named after English nobleman Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr

A family of koalas with a little joey (@ Paco Alcantara/Getty Images)

A family of koalas with a little joey (@ Paco Alcantara/Getty Images)

comments,

• Did you know koalas can sleep for an incredible 22 hours a day?""It\s one of their many cute characteristics
• Two of these animals are in UK captivity, the most famous being Edinburgh zoo\s Yabbra.""He\s become something of an internet sensation
• These creatures are incredibly fussy eaters.""What\s always on the menu?
• A baby koala is called a joey and is born hairless, blind and earless.""Does that explain why they can be so shy?

Close up of a colorful sea fan off Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua, Indonesia (@ Matthew Oldfield Underwater Photography/Alamy)

Close up of a colorful sea fan off Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua, Indonesia (@ Matthew Oldfield Underwater Photography/Alamy)

comments,

• Getting any closer to this colourful creation is not going to be easy.""Are you ready for the long haul?
• Does this look like the sort of spangly accessory that might adorn a big night out?""Let\s see who\s having a party underwater
• This dazzling sight might appear a picture of health but all is not as it seems at the bottom of the ocean.""How can banks help save the world\s coral reefs?
• This centre of marine biodiversity plays host to 85 per cent of the world\s corals.""That\s why it\s called the ‘Amazon of the seas\

The Olympic Stadium in London, England (@ Feng Li/Getty Images)

The Olympic Stadium in London, England (@ Feng Li/Getty Images)

comments,

• It\s looking strangely quiet around here.""What are the chances of one final moment of magic?
• The organisers of the bash happening in this venue today must have something spectacular lined up.""They don\t have to look very far for a few party tips
• Every four years, ‘the greatest show on Earth\ finds a new home in a new city.""Where are we off to next?
• This stadium has played host to some truly Olympic efforts over the last few weeks.""Which football team is leading the race to take up residency?

View of Severn Bridge, River Severn, Gloucestershire, England (@ FLPA/Allen Lloyd)

View of Severn Bridge, River Severn, Gloucestershire, England (@ FLPA/Allen Lloyd)

comments,

• Using this crossing to travel between Wales and England must be an absolute delight.""Does it always look this good?
• This magnificent motorway suspension bridge spans the River Severn and the River Wye.""It was opened by the Queen on this day, 1966
• “Two lands at last connected \/ Across the waters wide \/ And all the tolls collected \/ On the English side.”""Which poet penned these sarcastic words?
• You are looking at the first road bridge to span these waters.""How did locals make a journey across in the years before?

Svartifoss waterfall flanked by hexagonal basalt columns in Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland (@ Martin Moos/Lonely Planet Images)

Svartifoss waterfall flanked by hexagonal basalt columns in Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland (@ Martin Moos/Lonely Planet Images)

comments,

• The name of this natural wonder translates to ‘black fall\.""Can you see why?
• Welcome to the most sparsely populated country in Europe.""The number of tourists each year outstrips actual residents
• While we\re here, let\s try the local delicacy of fermented shark washed down with ‘black death\ liqueur.""Does that sound like a rotten idea?
• A local architect took great inspiration from these hexagonal lava columns.""He built the country\s largest church

Driver training course in Minnesota, USA (@ Richard Hamilton Smith/Corbis)

Driver training course in Minnesota, USA (@ Richard Hamilton Smith/Corbis)

comments,

• This course is designed for learner drivers getting behind the wheel for the first time.""Have we a found a safer option?
• What would happen if you made a reality TV show about learning to drive?""It would be a smash hit
• “Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.”""What brain box said this?
• Mirror, manoeuvre, signal - no that\s not right!""Do you know your highway code?

Young caracal in a wildlife sanctuary near Windhoek, Namibia (@ Ignacio Palacios/Lonely Planet)

Young caracal in a wildlife sanctuary near Windhoek, Namibia (@ Ignacio Palacios/Lonely Planet)

comments,

• Eager to find out more about this creature\s exotic look?""We\re hearing you
• The name of this animal comes from the Turkish word ‘karakulak\, meaning ‘black ears\.""Big ears, more like
• Does this cool cat look like it\s spotted dinner?""You won\t believe the incredible effort that goes into feeding around here
• These felines live in the dry steppes and semi-arid regions of several continents.""We found this one in a wildlife sanctuary of a sub-Saharan country

Stillaguamish River of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington, USA (@ Stephen Matera)

Stillaguamish River of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington, USA (@ Stephen Matera)

comments,

• Locals around here like to call this 108km waterway \"Stilly\".""That might be because its full name is a real tongue-twister
• This river offers a rich supply of eight different salmon species.""Who\s eagle-eyed enough to spot them?
• A rare, 300-year-old preserved cedar log was recently unearthed near here, reviving an ancient tradition.""What did the Stillaguamish tribe turn it into?
• These waters flow through the only American state to be named after a US President.""Who is this founding father?

Bees in San Felice Circeo, Italy (@ Massimo Borchi/4Corners)

Bees in San Felice Circeo, Italy (@ Massimo Borchi/4Corners)

comments,

• You might not like the look of it, but this is actually a pretty healthy scene.""Have you heard about the honeybee zombie plague?
• Fifty years ago, an insect-inspired hairstyle debuted.""It\s gone in and out of fashion ever since
• Hectic incoherence seems to be the default setting for bees.""Shall we try to make sense of their chaos?
• Does this buzzing swarm fill you with an urge to take control?""Apiculture could be a surprise calling

Oscar Pistorius competes at the Olympic Stadium in London, England (@ Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Oscar Pistorius competes at the Olympic Stadium in London, England (@ Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

comments,

• This athlete recently became the first double leg amputee ever to participate in the Olympic Games.""Shall we try and catch up with ‘The fastest man on no legs\?
• On your marks, get set…""Go to the Paralympics!
• The city where this man is due to run today has been a hubbub of international interest all summer.""Is it any wonder some of the locals have had their head in the clouds?
• This South African sprinter\s nickname derives from an acclaimed Harrison Ford movie.""Who said \"Indy\"?