A historical convent known for taking in bad luck babies left on its doorstep is now an upscale shopping center.

Propped high atop the peak of Mount Gamsutlmeer, this abandoned village is one of the oldest settlements in the region.

The reason for the strange contortions in the trunks of these "drunken" pine trees in Russia is still a mystery.

This 15th-century cave complex is one of the very few monasteries to stay open throughout World War II and the Soviet regime.

Stunning examples of Russia's 18th-century wooden architecture.

Gigantic natural towers in a Russian plateau.

Intricate wood carvings on an island in Siberia.

Located along Lysaya Mountain, this monastery is home to the largest statue of Buddha in Russia.

The Uyghur settlement in the middle of a lake continues to raise questions.

Unusual, mushroom-like rock formations caused by weathering and water erosion, set to disappear, according to geologists.

Site of the largest impact event to occur over land in Earth's recorded history.

Five mile wide circular ring of rock in the Russian Far East is a curious geological oddity.

The giant Siberian crater known locally as the "doorway to the underworld" is expanding every year.

Siberian whale bones stand as cairns marking location of an ancient butcher yard.

It's hard to believe the dizzying patterns covering this abandoned mine are completely natural.

This ancient village and its adjoining cemetery have a beautiful history of death and remembrance.

This mesmerizingly colorful pond looks like a scene straight out of a fairytale.

Pilots from around the world come to this park to fly gliders.

This historic hydroelectric power plant in Japan has been preserved and is open to the public.

Unusual hexagonal rocks formed by cooling lava named for their resemblance to traditional Japanese tatami mats.

A bovine sumo match in which both bulls live to fight another day.

One of the world's largest tanks mimics the experience of watching rare whale sharks, giant rays, and deep sea creatures from the ocean floor.

A network of sandy streets lined with verdant fukugi trees weaves throughout this tiny seaside town.

An ingenious solution to a tricky engineering problem, this spiraling bridge takes drivers for a dizzying spin.