Top Ten Largest Cities in the World and Chongqing, China

Do large cities appeal to you? Are you excited to check out the urban scene of your travel destinations. I thought it would be a great idea to share the 10 largest cities in the world. This quick video lists these cities with their giant-sized populations. I found it particularly interesting that I had not heard of Chongqing, China and yet it is HUGE! So pick your favorite top ten, but for today I thought I would focus on Chongqing.

The lesser known, but extremely large Chongqing, China

When you ask people internationally about China's hubs and hotspots, Beijing, Shanghai and, to a lesser extent, Guangzhou typically come up as the most regular names. Far fewer people are familiar with the inland city of Chongqing however, and yet today this burgeoning municipality of 32 million people is cementing its position of one of China's most important new hotspots for trade and investment, having been referred to by The Economist as 'China's Chicago'.

The building is called "Urban Forest".

 

It’s not completed yet, but MAD Architects is taking a stab at what could be one of the coolest buildings, ever. The 700k+ sq ft, 1264 ft tower for Chongqing, China is designed to reflect a hillside landscape. Not only does it appear to defy gravity with its unconventional building structure, it will incorporate numerous gardens, trees, and other green environments.

 

What an awesome architecture landmark this will be when completed! I love the idea for an urban residential building. The incorporated gardens make a huge difference in the quality of life for apartment living in a large concrete jungle.

  

The Fengdu Ghost City is a tourist attraction in Fengdu County, Chongqing municipality, China. It is situated about 170 kilometres downstream from Chongqing on the north bank of the Yangtze River. The Ghost City is modeled after Diyu, the concept of hell in Chinese mythology and Buddhism. It was built over 1,800 years ago.
 

Happy Exploring!

Castles and Cathedrals ~ Countances, France

"The Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Coutances"



The Village of Coutances~  
  

Coutances is built on a narrow height that stretches from north to south to the altitude of 91 meters.

The south, west and east sides of the hill are quite steep, and down quickly to Prépont valleys east of the Soulle Bulsard south and west, which are the three rivers that surround the site the city.

 

Cultural and historical capital of the Cotentin, Coutances, dominated by its Gothic cathedral, invites you to discover and to linger. The churches of St. Peter and St. Nicolas, garden plants, old streets and mansions give the city a charm that has not diminished the reconstruction of post-war. Close to the city's museums Saussey manor and Castle Gratot are an invitation to wander off the beaten track.

 

Castle Gratot~

Just a few miles outside of Coutance you will find the Chateau de Gratot.
The first Château de Gratot was built during the 14th century, but underwent many transformations until the 18th century. It was constructed by the family of Argouges, barons of Gratot: they sold the castle in 1771. The castle is built in a number of styles, the most recent addition being a pavilion built in the 18th century.

The castle was neglected in the 19th century, and was used as a fodder warehouse for local farmers. It was definitively abandoned at the start of the 20th century. Since 1968 it has been recovering its past glories owing to a team of volunteers who restore it lovingly. The main restoration work took place in the late 60's and 70's, requiring tonnes of rubble to be removed from the cellars and ground floor, and the castle grounds to be cleared of undergrowth. Since then some buildings, including two of the towers, have been rebuilt, including adding wooden roofs to the towers and some buildings.

Historical documents and 19th century paintings showing the castle as a romantic ruin were used to guide reconstruction efforts. The 18th century pavilion has been fully restored with roof, floors, a staircase, windows and electricity, allowing it to be used for exhibitions and cultural events. It is open year round to the public.

The Legend of the Fairy~

The Fairy tower (French: La tour de la fée) was constructed at the end of the 15th century, and is supported by strong buttresses. The base is octagonal, and is finished by a rectangular room: the roof has two panels. The top is decoreted by balusters and gargoyles.

Long ago, the Lord of Gratot, returning from hunting, was attracted to the fountain by the beautiful voice of a young woman, it was the fairy Gratot.
Seduced, he married her.

But their union was possible on one condition. It was necessary that he never pronounce the word DEATH! A beautiful day ... If you want to know the thrilling sequel to the legend, you must go and discover the Castle of Gratot!

Where's it at?