Great Wall

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications that were built across the historical northern borders of ancient Chinese states and Imperial China as protection against various nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe. Several walls were built from as early as the 7th century BC, with selective stretches later joined together by Qin Shi Huang (220-206 BC), the first emperor of China. Little of the Qin wall remains. Later on, many successive dynasties have built and maintained multiple stretches of border walls. The most well-known sections of the wall were built by the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). (Source:wikipedia.org)

Daily Life in Buddhist Temples

A Buddhist temple or Buddhist monastery, is the place of worship for Buddhists, the followers of Buddhism. They include the structures called vihara, chaitya, stupa, wat, and pagoda in different regions and languages. Temples in Buddhism represent the pure land or pure environment of a Buddha. Traditional Buddhist temples are designed to inspire inner and outer peace. (Source:wikipedia.org)

Kukeri Tradition

Kukeri are elaborately costumed men who perform traditional rituals intended to scare away evil spirits. The costumes cover most of the body and include decorated wooden masks of animals (sometimes double-faced) and large bells attached to the belt. Around New Year and before Lent, the kukeri walk and dance through villages to scare away evil spirits with their costumes and the sound of their bells. They are also believed to provide a good harvest, health, and happiness to the village during the year.

Ahrweiler Wine Festival

Ahrweiler is one of the northernmost wine regions of Germany. The slopes of the city consist of vineyards of wine. Ahrweiler wines are mostly red wines made from the local Spatburgunder and Fruhburgunder. Wine production and trade in Ahrweiler has been going on for over 1000 years. There are many family businesses in the city that deal with grapes and wine. In September, a traditional annual wine festival is held in Ahrweiler, where the "Wine Queen" is chosen. This is Ahr's largest and oldest festival.