The world’s most brilliant museums provide their visitors an awesome experience of observing the greatest works of art close up, while safeguarding their impressive collections for future generations.

THE VATICAN MUSEUMS, VATICAN CITY, ITALY

While Vatican City is home to the Roman Catholic Church’s governing body and its head, the pope (教皇), this small sovereign city-state (主权城市国家) within Rome offers a we alth of cultural attractions open to visitors of any faith. A must-visit is the Vatican Museums, showcasing masterpieces from the Catholic Church’s extensive collection, including renowned Roman sculptures and vital works of Renaissance art.

Highlights: famous for its beautiful ceiling painted by Michelangelo.

THE BRITISH MUSEUM, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

The British Museum was the first national museum to cover all fields of human knowledge. No other museum is responsible for collections of the same depth and significance. Its eight million objects allow us to explore the extraordinary diversity of human cultures.

Highlights: the world’s second finest collection of Egyptian antiquities (古物) outside Egypt.

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, NEW YORK, USA

“The Met” is the largest art museum in the United States. Presenting over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy, the Met is always eager to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects.

Highlights: its European sculptures and American paintings.

THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, WASHINGTON DC, USA

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 19 museums and the National Zoo. The Institution was founded in 1846 with funds from the Englishman James Smithson (1765-1829) according to his wishes “under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase of knowledge.”

Highlights: the Apollo 11 command module is on the bucket list of most visitors.

Four Magical Bookstores Around the World

There’s nothing better than diving into the pages of a book and travelling to a faraway place. Even in this digital era, book lovers will always adore getting lost in a magical bookstore. Here are 4 of the best bookstores in the world.

Paris, France

As one of the most historical bookstores in the world, Shakespeare and Co. is a good spot for literary lovers. Set in the heart of Paris, the bookstore was opened in 1919 by American Sylvia Beach. She lent books to the famous author Ernest Hemingway when he couldn’t afford to buy them. The bookstore became a popular hangout for writers in the 1920s, including James Joyce, Gertrude Stein and Ezra Pound. Today the shop is active as ever and holds regular readings, workshops and an annual festival with some of the world’s best contemporary writers.

+44 7976886982, https://www.instagram.com/embed.js

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Constructed in 1919, this theater-turned-cinema-turned-bookstore is an example of the connection between the performing arts and books. It preserves the traditional ceiling and special curtains of the former theater and books line the walls, including where the audience once sat in box seats.

+ 54 1148136052, https://www.atlasobscura.com

Mexico City, Mexico

A true feast for the eyes, EI Pendulo is really magical and one of the best book shops in the world. You’ll enter a dreamplace where green trees hang over bookshelves and plants are dotted all over the space, and even the handrails (扶手) look like winding green plants.

+61 (0)396548506, https://www.kaycraddock.com

Hangzhou, China

Located in a commercial center in the Binjiang District, Zhongshuge Bookstore is a notable place of Hangzhou’s Star Avenue. This Chinese bookstore is architecturally unique. Stairs and seats built into round bookshelves combined with mirrored ceilings give the optical illusion (视觉幻象) of countless books. Other optical illusions include a tunnel of books and what appears to be a long roller coaster of books in the children’s book room.

+86 057188003279, https://weibo.com/67661899

The Best Hiking Near New York City

If you want to go hiking near New York City, you’re in luck. These trails can met your needs.

Ice Caves and Verkeerderkill Falls Trail Hike

Along the seven-mile tail, you get to get through the passages of the Ice Caves and walk past Verkeerderkill Falls. The trail is the highest waterfall trail in the Shawangunks. Take the Short Line bus from New York to nearby Ellenville and then take a 14-minute taxi ride to Sam’s Point Preserve.

Yellow Trail at Mount Beacon

Consider this 2.5-mile trail if you don’t have enough time. You can go on a quick but difficult hike there that sends you straight up to the Mount Beacon. You can take in beautiful views similar to its more popular neighbors there. You can even watch the sunset. To get there, take Metro-North to Beacon and take a 5-minute walk to the beginning of the trail.

Stairway to Heaven Trail

The trail lies about 50 miles outside the city, but it allows you to get everything you ever wanted in a hike. You’ll get good exercise if you choose the 7.3-mile “Stairway to Heaven”. Take NJ Transit bus route 196 or 197 to Warwick, New York, and it’s just a 10-minute taxi ride to the beginning of the trail.

Camp Smith Trail

This three and-a-half-mile hike is great for a day trip by yourself. With fairly easy landform (地形), even your four-legged friend can join you on the trail. Take the Metro-North Hudson Line to Peekskill Station for free buses or trains to the Bear Mountain Inn. And you can hike up to see unbelievable Hudson Valley view.