All the cultural relics excavated from the Three Gorges area and other historical collections of the original city museum are housed here. With high-tech facilities, the museum vividly displays the geologic features, species, changes in local culture and customs, as well as models of the massive Three Gorges Dam Project.

Many of the archipelago's islands are populated by giant Aldabra tortoises, and bird species number 250, 12 of those being unique to the islands. Mahe Island's Port Launay Marine National Park is the place to head for whale shark sightings, and Praslin Island is home to the country's national bird - the Seychelles black parrot. Cousine Island is where visitors are encouraged to take part in wildlife conservation projects (and spot free-roaming giant tortoises and rare bird species along the way). A mere 3km away from there is Fregate Island, known especially for its chelonian inhabitants.

The scenic views from Astypalaia's hilltop Venetian castle reward those who dare to make the climb - although little remains of the castle itself, the views of the whitewashed houses leading to the azure waters of Aegaen are simply spectacular.

When the tide recedes, mud flats are exposed allowing you to walk between islands. Trekking across the Wadden Sea is so evocative that it has even got its own verb, Wattwanderungen (mudflat hiking). However, in order to avoid the quicksands and the tides, you must go with a guide.