[Introduction] Whether the doomsday prophecy of 2012 comes true or not, we should all go out and explore. Not for indulgence or madness before the end, but to wander and find peace amidst the beautiful scenery of the world. For this reason, we specially interviewed ten outdoor enthusiasts to share their dream destinations.
Domestic Edition
Dongji Island — The Shining Pearl of the East China Sea
Expert: Huang Liang
Profession: Wedding Photographer
Vienna, a world-renowned cultural city, attracts music worshippers from afar for a single concert, visiting this temple of music. For many travelers, strolling along the charming Danube River is a highly desirable experience.
As the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna retains its former grandeur. It is one of Europe’s oldest and most important cultural, artistic, and tourist cities. After World War II, the Viennese rebuilt their war-torn city. Today, all of Vienna’s historic buildings have been restored.
Vienna is also known as the “Queen of the Danube.” With beautiful surroundings and enchanting scenery, it enjoys mild winters and cool summers. The Vienna Woods, an extension of the eastern Alps, spread across the western suburbs, covered with lush forests. To the west of the mountains lie elegant residential areas, surrounded by gardens and vineyards. The Danube River flows through the city, with picturesque landscapes of clear water and green hills. Climbing to the Alpine foothills in the western part of the city, the undulating “Vienna Forest” stretches as far as the eye can see; to the east, facing the Danube Basin, you can gaze at the shimmering green peaks of the Carpathian Mountains. To the north, vast meadows resemble a giant green velvet carpet, with the sparkling Danube River winding through it. Houses are built along the mountain slopes, with layered towers creating a distinct skyline. From a high vantage point, churches of various architectural styles add an ancient and solemn hue to this city of green mountains and clear waters. The streets in the city are arranged in a radial and circular pattern, 50 meters wide, with the Inner City enclosed within the tree-lined Ringstrasse. Inside the Inner City, cobblestone streets crisscross, with few high-rise buildings—most are Baroque, Gothic, and Romanesque structures.
It’s worth mentioning that the spires of the medieval St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Twin Towers Church reach into the clouds, with the south tower standing 138 meters high, offering a panoramic view of the entire city. Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty, features Greek-style architecture, statues, and fountains. There is a large park on the island between the Danube River and the Danube Canal. The 57-meter-wide, 4-kilometer-long Ringstrasse, built in 1857, is lined with important buildings such as museums, city halls, parliament, universities, and the national opera house, making it one of Europe’s most beautiful urban thoroughfares. Among the many palaces, the Schönbrunn Palace in the southwestern part of the city stands out as a remnant of Austria’s prosperous historical era.