New seven wonders of the world revealed
- 5 HOURS AGO DECEMBER 08, 2014
The world’s newest wonders have been named. Source: Getty Images
WHAT do Beirut, Kuala Lumpur and La Paz have in common?
They are among the winners of a new global campaign to find the seven most incredible cities in the world.
The New7Wonders Cities was created by Swiss-born filmmaker and explorer Bernard Weber, who has been on the hunt for the best new spots across the globe for years.
More than 100 million votes flooded in back in 2007 when he asked the world whichseven wonders were the greatest. The Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China were among the winners.
Then, in 2011, he did it all again, this time searching for natural wonders. Winners included Jeju Island in South Korea and the Amazon.
The latest list may be surprising to many, but Weber says it showcases the diversity of the planet.
“We began with more than 1200 nominees from 220 different countries and here have seven cities that represent the global diversity of urban society,” Mr Weber said. “For the first time in human history, more than half of our planet’s population lives in cities and this election emphasises the dramatically challenging character of our changing world.”
The winners were whittled down from a shortlist of 28 options, which had included Perth.
Here’s the full list of winners:
Beirut, Lebanon
Although it’s been home to a lot of unrest, Beirut has great shopping and sightseeing, even being called the “Paris of the Middle East” by Lonely Planet.
Sunset at Pigeon's rock in Beirut, Lebanon. Source: Getty Images
Doha, Qatar
Visitors to Doha will find spectacular architecture and cultural sights.
Doha’s towers. Source: Getty Images
Durban, South Africa
Durban is a beach city that’s home to a range of attractions.
The beach at Durban, South Africa. Source: Getty Images
Havana, Cuba
Described as “a city trapped in time”, Havana is magical.
Beautiful Havana. Source: Getty Images
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A vibrant city with towering high-rise buildings, Kuala Lumpur is a hit to the senses.
Cool Kuala Lumpur. Source: Getty Images
La Paz, Bolivia
Perched more than 3500 metres above sea level, this city will leave you breathless in more ways than one!
Cable cars carry passengers between the cities of El Alto and La Paz in Bolivia. Source: Getty Images
Vigan, Philippines
There are ancient structures in Vigan that have survived the test of time.
Vigan, Philippines. Source: Getty Images
