Amazingly, this centuries-old wooden monastery is still standing today.

Over 2,000 ancient temples dot the Myanmar landscape at the site of this famed archaeological site.

A series of tiny artificial islands rich with produce bob atop the surface of the lake.

This gem-encrusted temple is said to contain some of the Buddha's hair which can make the deaf hear and the blind see.

Ancient barriers wrap around what was once an important stop along the Silk Road.

This "tower of death" has acted as an observatory, a religious hub, and an executioner's lair.

The Avenue of Mausolea is a series of grand palatial tombs.

An 18-meter-long sarcophagus of a constantly growing dead prophet.

Light still pours into the ruins of this ancient Islamic observatory.

Home to what was once considered the largest gate in central Asia.

Touching displays of wishes for peace from the Cold War era.

Prowl through this sprawling bazaar under a massive Soviet-era dome for delicious eats.

An underground world of gorgeous, palatial metro stations designed as a nuclear shelter complex.

Looking for a unifying history, Uzbekistan finds its answer in a 14th Century Turco-Mongol conqueror... despite the fact he wasn't Uzbek.

This retro, UFO-like structure is a remnant of the Soviet-era circus.

Lonely minaret stump of a destroyed city.

Extremely isolated Silk Road caravanserai in the middle of nowhere.

Built entirely of interlocking pieces, construction of this Chinese Muslim house of worship required zero nails.

According to myth, there's a bloody explanation for the beautiful bright red color of this rock formation set amidst alpine vegetation.

A boulder carved into the shape of the cosmonaut's head.

This Soviet statue is based on a piece of propaganda that's been elevated to national myth.

In Kazakhstan, a colorful cathedral with many lives once survived the most powerful earthquake in the region.

This Soviet-era athletic and recreation facility is the highest ice skating rink in the world.

Once designed as the entrance to Buckingham Palace, this structure was later relocated and stands as a victory arch.