While the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World have their place in history and there have been other attempts to enumerate the world’s most breathtaking wonders and achievements, there are countless deserving destinations that don’t make the final cut. These exceptional places are often jokingly referred to as “the 8th Wonder of the World.” From ethereal glowing beaches to mystical forests that inspired blockbuster films, these eight remarkable Eight Wonders deserve a spot on every traveller’s bucket list.

The floating mountains of China’s Zhangjiajie will leave you breathless

Rising dramatically from the misty valleys of China’s Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park presents a landscape so otherworldly that it inspired the floating mountains of Pandora in James Cameron’s blockbuster movie “Avatar.” Over 3,000 quartzite sandstone pillars tower above the forest floor, some reaching heights of more than 1,000 feet. Winding trails and glass walkways allow visitors to experience these natural skyscrapers from every angle. The park transforms with the seasons, from spring’s vibrant greenery to winter’s ethereal frost-covered spires. Consider staying in nearby Wulingyuan for easy park access and to experience the local Tujia culture, cuisine and traditional handicrafts after your daily adventures.

Bolivia’s salt flats create the world’s largest natural mirror

Spanning over 4,000 square miles, Salar de Uyuni is a blindingly white salt desert that transforms into a perfect reflective surface during the rainy season. This natural wonder formed from prehistoric lakes creates surreal landscapes where sky and earth become indistinguishable. The honeycomb pattern of salt crystals stretches to the horizon, interrupted only by odd cactus-covered islands and the occasional rustic salt hotel. Photography enthusiasts flock here for perspective-bending optical illusion shots that play with the boundless white canvas. The best experience combines both dry and wet season visits, with December to February offering the mirror effect while April to October provides better mobility across the flats. Book accommodation in Uyuni town as your launching point for this unforgettable adventure.

Croatia’s cascading lakes form a living watercolour painting

Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia showcases nature’s artistic genius through 16 terraced lakes connected by a series of waterfalls and cascades. The water’s striking emerald-turquoise hue results from mineral deposits and specialized microorganisms in this karst landscape. Wooden boardwalks wind through the park, allowing visitors to walk directly above the falls and crystal-clear waters. The surrounding ancient beech and fir forests provide habitat for diverse wildlife, including bears, wolves, eagles and rare orchid species. This UNESCO World Heritage site changes dramatically with the seasons, offering lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn colours and magical frozen waterfalls in winter. The park’s accessibility from Zagreb makes it perfect for including in a broader Croatian itinerary.

The sea of stars illuminates Maldivian nights with natural magic

Vaadhoo Island in the Maldives presents one of nature’s most enchanting light shows as bioluminescent phytoplankton create a cosmic display along its shoreline after dark. These microscopic marine organisms emit blue light when disturbed, creating the impression that the stars have fallen into the ocean. This natural phenomenon, known locally as “the sea of stars”, is best viewed on moonless nights between July and February when gentle waves activate the plankton’s glow. Beyond this spectacular display, Vaadhoo offers pristine white beaches, superb snorkelling and authentic Maldivian cultural experiences. Luxurious overwater bungalows provide the perfect romantic setting to witness this magical natural light show from your private deck.

An ancient Chinese terracotta army stands guard for eternity

The Terracotta Army near Xi’an, China represents one of humanity’s most astonishing archaeological discoveries. This silent force of over 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers, horses and chariots was created to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Each warrior possesses unique facial features, hairstyles and clothing details, suggesting they were modelled after real individuals. Discovered by farmers in 1974, this underground army has spent over 2,000 years in formation, arranged in precise military order. The ongoing excavation continues to reveal new treasures, including weapons preserved with chromium technology that was centuries ahead of its time. Stay in Xi’an to explore both the warriors and the ancient city’s many other historical attractions, including its impressive city wall and vibrant Muslim Quarter.

New Zealand’s living constellation transforms caves into starlit wonderlands

Deep beneath the rolling hills of New Zealand’s North Island, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves house thousands of bioluminescent arachnocampa luminosa, creating an ethereal blue-green starscape overhead. These creatures unique to New Zealand use their bioluminescence to attract prey with what appears to be a galaxy of tiny stars reflecting on the cave ceiling. Silent boat tours glide through the darkness beneath this living constellation, creating a peaceful, otherworldly experience. The complex cave system features impressive limestone formations alongside the glowworm displays. For adventure seekers, additional experiences include black water rafting, abseiling and spelunking through narrower cave passages. Combine your visit with nearby Hobbiton, the setting for Peter Jackson’s popular Lord of the Rings movies, for an unforgettable North Island experience that captures both Middle Earth and underground marvels.

Yemen’s alien landscape hosts trees from another world

Socotra Island stands as one of Earth’s most biologically distinct places, isolated from mainland Yemen and Africa for millions of years. This evolutionary laboratory has produced bizarre and beautiful lifeforms like the umbrella-shaped dragon blood trees, bottle-shaped desert roses and cucumber trees found nowhere else on the planet. Nearly 37 per cent of the island’s plant species are endemic, creating landscapes that seem transported from science fiction. Beyond its botanical wonders, Socotra offers pristine beaches, towering limestone mountains and ancient cave systems. The island’s Bedouin inhabitants maintain traditional lifestyles largely unchanged for centuries, adding cultural richness to this natural wonderland. Though challenging to reach due to regional instability, the determined traveller will discover one of the last truly untouched ecosystems on Earth.

Perfectly-formed hills in the Philippines transform with the seasons

The Chocolate Hills of Bohol present one of nature’s most curious landscapes, with over 1,200 perfectly cone-shaped hills spread across 50 square kilometres. These geological formations stand between 30 and 120 metres tall and transform dramatically with the seasons. During the rainy months, they showcase vibrant green grass, but as the dry season approaches, they turn a rich chocolate brown, creating the appearance of endless rows of chocolate truffles. Local legend offers romantic explanations for their formation, from tears of a heartbroken giant to stones thrown during an ancient battle between titans. The Carmen viewing deck provides panoramic vistas of this unique landscape. Combine your visit with Bohol’s other attractions, including the adorable tarsier sanctuary, mangrove forests and pristine beaches for a complete Philippine adventure.