For a taste of nature just outside the city, hiking up Wutong Mountain is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. The mountain offers a range of trails, so whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll, there’s something for every fitness level. The effort is well worth it when you’re rewarded with sweeping views of Shenzhen—and on clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of Hong Kong in the distance. While the hike is the main attraction, make sure to explore the Hongfa Temple, one of the largest and most revered in Shenzhen, as well as the botanical garden nestled in the mountain’s foothills, where you can relax and immerse yourself in lush greenery.

A quiet spot just outside the city centre, Giusti Garden dates back to the late 1500s and was once part of a private villa owned by Count Agostino Giusti. Mozart and Goethe passed through here, but now it’s mostly a peaceful place to wander. Tall cypress trees, statues, and views over Verona if you climb to the top. There’s also a small hedge maze—local legend says if a couple finds each other inside, they’re meant to stay together.

Île aux Aigrettes is an island in the Southeast of Mauritius, and although it is quite small, it is home to a multitude of rare and diverse plants and animal species. Being a nature reserve since 1965, this islet attracts tourists and locals alike, both of whom come to see the famous pink pigeons, giant tortoises and the last surviving piece of Mauritian dry coastal forest.

One of the finest examples of Medieval architecture in Palermo, the church of Saint John of the Hermits (Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti) is famous for its red domes and architectural design that was greatly influenced by the Arabs during the 12th century. This was originally a mosque that was later converted into a Christian church dedicated to Sicily's hermit monks. Walk along the pretty garden of regional plants and the ruins of the cloister.