The 7 Wonders of the World for 2022
Mountains, lakes, forests, and valleys– the world is wide and has many incredible sights to offer anyone who is curious about nature. And on top of a variety of natural wonders, human civilizations have also created monuments to beliefs and people for as long as we’ve walked the Earth.
As such, there is no shortage of wonders for you to see around the world, and here at Infoplease, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites from the past months.
What Are the Seven Wonders of the World?
The Wonders of the World have been designated throughout history to celebrate the greatest construction feats that man has managed to erect. From temples to statues, mausoleums to walls, the Seven Wonders of the World can be split into new and ancient, which are also included here.
But for anyone who likes adventure and craves a bit of variety, you can make your very own list of the Wonders of the World that you’d to visit the most. Keep on reading to find out what Infoplease has chosen to highlight this year!
Infoplease's 7 Wonders of the World: 2022
Geography and monuments are among the most exciting landmarks on the planet. Between human history and individual cultures, there are many places around the world that come to mean more than others.
To celebrate the planet Earth in 2022, the editors have selected our own 7 Wonders of the World, just for you to explore and enjoy.
1. The Forbidden City, China
Location: Beijing, China Type: Temple Complex
With such an imposing name, travelers might wonder– what is the Forbidden City? This Chinese architectural complex was a hub for religious and political leaders for centuries, including the Ming and Qing emperors in the 1400s.
The architecture of the Forbidden City, Beijing, is characterized by elaborate temples and gardens that surround the central Imperial Ancestral Temple, with nearly 980 individual structures that housed Chinese leaders and their families for almost 500 years.
2. Nazca Lines, Peru
Location: Peru, South America Type: Archaeological Site
Winding and looping, the Nazca Lines (or “Las Lineas de Nazca”) are geoglyphs created by shallow depressions in the desert floor and have existed since around 100 BC, according to anthropologists.
From an aerial vantage point, you can spot the huge shapes of animals, plants, and humanoids– from monkeys to lizards, hundreds of the lines of Nazca create artwork right on the Peruvian landscape itself. Plus, one of the most intriguing and controversial glyphs in the Nazca Lines, the astronaut!
3. The Grand Canyon, USA
Location: Arizona, United States Type: Natural Landmark
As the Colorado River gently winds its way through the canyon, onlookers can enjoy the incredible panoramic views of the Grand Canyon National Park, sprawling over 278 miles of picturesque Arizona land.
Though there are 423 National Parks in the United States, the Grand Canyon stands out among the rest for its natural splendor and breathtaking landscapes. Plenty of hiking and camping opportunities are also available for adventurous travelers, particularly along the Grand Canyon South Rim.
4. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Location: Schwangau, Germany Type: Fortification
Seemingly straight out of a fairy tale, the German Neuschwanstein Castle was specially commissioned by the Bavarian King Ludwig II as his private residence in the late 1800s.
Before his death, the monarch drew inspiration from other romanticist castles around Eastern Europe, including the Hohenzollern and Hohenschwangau, but possibly his most famous influences were the operas of Richard Wagner, leading to highly stylized and unique designs inside of Neuschwanstein Castle.
5. Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
Location: Brazil, South America Type: Natural Landmark
A true natural wonder of the world, the Amazon Rainforest has long been known as the “lungs of the planet”– so it’s only fitting that it has a place on our list!
As a rainforest biome, the Amazon area alone creates around 20% of the entire world’s oxygen, houses many medicinal plants, and harbors a variety of Amazon Rainforest animals that would not survive elsewhere. Though it stands at around 6.7 million square miles in area, continued Amazon Rainforest deforestation is currently happening and needs our help to protect it.
6. Batu Caves, Malaysia
Location: Gombak, Malaysia Type: Temple Complex
The site of the Batu Caves in Malaysia is one of the most impressive and inspiring Hindu complexes. The caves themselves and the towering golden statue are dedicated to the god of war, Lord Murugan– and at 140 feet, the statue is the tallest depiction of this Hindu god in the world!
The colorful area has hosted the yearly Hindu festival of Thaipusam since 1892, welcoming pilgrims and tourists from all over the world to the celebrations. The Batu Caves’ history has only been open to outside travelers for around 150 years, and visitors can explore the cavern temples decorated with epic scenes.
7. Moraine Lake, Canada
Location: Banff National Park, Canada Type: Natural Landmark
Found just outside of beautiful Lake Louise, you can find this glacially-fed, moraine body of water deep in the Rocky Mountains. On top of the towering peaks that surround the lake, the water itself is a vibrant shade of blue, thanks to the rock flour from glaciers that reflects the color of the turquoise sky.
If you enjoy panoramic views, exciting hikes, and canoeing, Lake Moraine in the Valley of the Ten Peaks is a great place for the adventurous traveler to visit. Plus, you can enjoy some of the most Iconic Canadian Foods!
New 7 Wonders of the World
The New Seven Wonders of the World were chosen in 2000 as part of a campaign to support the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and designate new world heritage sites.
On top of their cultural significance, the New 7 Wonders of the World make a great addition to any travel lover's bucket list. Check out the following brief overview of them all!
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Petra, Jordan
Built as the capital of the Arab Nabataeans, this incredible archaeological site mingles natural wonders and manmade ingenuity. Petra was nicknamed the “Rose City” and was carved into the canyon itself around 300 BC.
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Christ the Redeemer Statue, Brazil
Found above Rio de Janeiro, this soapstone Art Deco statue of Christ the Redeemer is a towering cultural landmark that was opened in 1931 and stands at 98 feet high, crowning Corcovado Mountain with a statue of Jesus Christ.
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Machu Picchu, Peru
Adventurous travelers can find this 15th-century Incan settlement high in the mountains of Peru, to the northwest of Cuzco. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, preserving the incredible complex of Machu Picchu for people to visit.
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The Great Wall of China
Featured in both New World Wonders and Medieval World Wonders listings, the Great Wall of China stretches over 13,170 miles and across 15 separate northern Chinese regions– from Heilongjiang to Xinjiang.
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Chichén Itzá, Mexico
With the main temple known as El Castillo, you can find this incredible Mayan temple structure on the Yucatan peninsula, dating back to 400 AD and pre-Columbian heritage.
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The Colosseum, Italy
Gladiators and their combat were integral to the Roman Empire, and spectators needed an amphitheater to flock to. That’s why the Colosseum of Rome was constructed under Emperor Vespasian in 70 AD. -
Taj Mahal, India
Built under the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan outside of Agra in 1632, this elaborate building was a mausoleum for his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Today, the Taj Mahal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
7 Wonders of the Ancient World
Though only one of the original 7 Wonders of the Ancient World still exists, they were well documented in the Hellenistic era. Visitors can still view the incredible funerary complex in Egypt that still stands– the Great Pyramid of Giza.
The rest of the ancient Wonders of the World included the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Temple of Artemis, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
It’s a World of Wonder
For anyone interested in more geographical content, why not check out the Highest Mountain Peaks in the World, the World’s Tallest Towers, quiz yourself on Famous Bridges, or test your knowledge and Name These Famous Tombs.
And if you had to narrow the greatest sights and sites in the world down to just seven, which would you choose? Why not drop us a line and let us know!
