Aswan Dam - Egypt

Image Credit:upyernoz

The Aswan Dam is actually a pair of dams - the Aswan High Dam and the Aswan Low Dam. In ancient times it was known that the River Nile would flood each summer as the waters flowed down from East Africa. As the population along the river grew it became necessary to find a way to control flooding in this area. Now the land is still fertile enough for farming and the people no longer have to worry about drought but the fields aren’t in danger of being wiped out due to flooding, either.

Victoria Peak (Hong Kong, China)

During the late 19th century the highest mountain at Hong Kong Island was developed into a resort for the rich and famous. The resort can be accessed by tram car and those who visit have a wide variety of dining and entertainment options. The real treat here, however, is the view. Each year over 9.4 million people visit Victoria Peak.

Universal Studios (Osaka, Japan)

Universal Studios, much like Disney, has theme parks all over the world. Its Japanese outpost is one of the most popular and in its first year of operation received more than 11 million visitors. The theme park has since tapered down to a cool 8.7 million visitors per year instead.

Nagashima Spa Land (Japan)

Nagashima Spa Land is not an amusement park alone but an entire tourist complex. The largest flower festival in Japan is held in the spa’s botanical gardens each year. Visitors flock to this location to relax in both the indoor and outdoor hot springs, shop in the mall, and entertain themselves in the amusement park. Over 11.4 million people visit each year, with almost 4 million visiting the amusement park alone.

Temple of Heaven (Beijing, China)

The Temple of Heaven is a series of buildings that were built in the 15th century. They represent some of the finest ancient Chinese architectural works still in existence today. Spiritually, the buildings represent the special relationships between heaven and earth. It is believed that 12 million people visit the Temple of Heaven annually.