Home to nearly a third of the world's mud volcanoes, Azerbaijan is home to a messy, bubbling, and sometimes explosive landscape.

This tiny, tranquil Senegalese island serves as a powerful symbol of the Atlantic slave trade.

A tree seems to grow from the ocean floor on this strange strip of sand slowly being overtaken by the sea.

Despite a fraught and controversial history this African island holds a powerful monument to the tragedy of the slave trade.

A monument to the more than one million enslaved Africans deported from the port of Ouidah.

Dozens of snakes are housed and worshipped within the walls of this Vodun temple.

Africa's Venice on stilts.

The world's largest church atop a political fault line.

Where thousands of slaves passed through the "Door of No Return."

This series of rope-style bridges brings visitors into a jungle layer that is usually reserved for birds and monkeys.

These picturesque structures speckle the hill above the monastery.

Be careful not to get trampled at this lively two thousand-year-old market.

A golden temple atop a sacred mountain, known for its giant effigy of the revered Pu Xian.

The world's largest natural arch was forgotten for over 50 years after its discovery.

The western-most fortress on the Great Wall of China has gone from a strategic stronghold to a kitschy tourist carnival.

The ancient remains of this natural fortress can still be found along the Silk Road looking surprisingly preserved.

Comprised of thousands of cave temple carvings this cornucopia of ancient Chinese stone art is unrivaled anywhere in the world.

Hundreds of caves filled with thousands of centuries-old statues and murals.

The tiny statues form China's only known terracotta army from the Han dynasty.

An out-of-place slice of France, smack in the middle of Shanghai.

A son-and-daughter meat market, hawked by mom and dad.

The once highest point in China blends symbolic design with a kick of adrenaline.

A lush desert oasis in the shape of a narrow crescent.

An collection of Chinese propaganda posters from 1949 to 1979.