Places Edited by Mike Bison

Where the alchemists dream of transmuting base metal into gold was actually achieved.

A golden temple atop a sacred mountain, known for its giant effigy of the revered Pu Xian.

The third-tallest statue in the world depicts the "Buddha of Infinite Light," complete with observation deck in his chest.

While most books are made of wood, these wooden books are truly made of, and all about wood.

Unicorns, elephants, and bears, oh my!

Since 1973, this block has been home to the most concentrated collection of murals in San Francisco.

Monastery, army base, and infamous Soviet Gulag in the far Russian north.

Futuristic apartment blocks are the backdrop for Montreal surfers hangin' ten on the Habitat '67 standing wave.

Giant topiary dog once played a role in a terrorist bomb plot.

These remote Florida islands have a history of sea turtles and sunken treasures, and one of the world’s largest coastal brick fortresses.

A diverse collection of wax, bone, papier-maché and mummified relics.

Behold, a collection dedicated to Germany's favorite vegetable.

A salty cave excavated by elephants and the location of a deadly disease vector.

An autonomous republic of Orthodox monks.

A rotting tree in the middle of Seattle doubles as an elaborately-controlled art piece.

Site of one of World War I's most horrific scenes.

A unique collection of gilded age mechanical pianos.

Commonly acknowledged as the only public monument to the Devil himself.

London's largest outsider art museum.

In Florence's great Duomo, a 26 foot fresco honors a mercenary famous for attacking Florence.

If you are looking for a used Russian battery, Chinese Ham Radio or other electronic oddities this Flea Market is a good place to start.

A tunnel of hardened lava along Maui’s famous Road to Hana.

A Serbian church lit by chandeliers made of weapons.

The magic's in the hole!