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China: New Bridge Stands Firm While Old Ganjiang River Bridge Blown Up

On May 25, 2025, a video captured the successful controlled demolition of the old Ganjiang River Bridge in Jiangxi, China. The aging structure collapsed within seconds after a series of timed explosions, while a newly built bridge standing just meters away remained completely steady and unaffected.

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Foundation Louis Vuitton - Paris

FRANCE. PARIS (75) BOIS DE BOULOGNE PARK. THE LOUIS VUITTON FOUNDATION, WHICH WILL HOUSE A PERMANENT COLLECTION OF CONTEMPORARY ART AND TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS, WILL OPEN ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC OCTOBER 27TH 2014 (PRECEDED BY THREE OPEN FREE DAYS WITH RESERVATION ON FRIDAY 24, SATURDAY 25 AND SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26). THIS LANDMARK IN PARIS IS SIGNED BY THE FAMOUS DESIGNER FRANK GEHRY. AT THE REQUEST OF BERNARD ARNAULT (LVMH BOSS, FRENCH FIRST FORTUNE AND WORLD TENTH), THE ARCHITECT DESIGNED A "ICEBERG" LANDED ON THE WATER, WRAPPED IN TWELVE HUGE GLASS WALLS THAT SEEM INFLATED BY THE WIND AND PLAY WITH THE LIGHT AND THE SKY. 40 METERS HIGH, THE BUILDING OF 11,000 M2 IS A GREAT TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT THAT DISRUPTS THE PRINCIPLES OF ARCHITECTURE : NOT LESS THAN THIRTY PATENTS WERE FILED, A RECORD. EARLY IN THE PROJECT, LVMH ANNOUNCED AN INVESTMENT OF 100 MILLION EUROS, BUT TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS AND CONSTRUCTION DELAYS - DUE MAINLY TO THE ACTION OF RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATIONS - HAVE ADDED TO THE FINAL AMOUNT, KEPT SECRET. T

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Foundation Louis Vuitton - Paris

FRANCE. PARIS (75) BOIS DE BOULOGNE PARK. THE LOUIS VUITTON FOUNDATION, WHICH WILL HOUSE A PERMANENT COLLECTION OF CONTEMPORARY ART AND TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS, WILL OPEN ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC OCTOBER 27TH 2014 (PRECEDED BY THREE OPEN FREE DAYS WITH RESERVATION ON FRIDAY 24, SATURDAY 25 AND SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26). THIS FUTURE LANDMARK IN PARIS IS SIGNED BY THE FAMOUS DESIGNER FRANK GEHRY. AT THE REQUEST OF BERNARD ARNAULT (LVMH BOSS, FRENCH FIRST FORTUNE AND WORLD TENTH), THE ARCHITECT DESIGNED A "ICEBERG" LANDED ON THE WATER, WRAPPED IN TWELVE HUGE GLASS WALLS THAT SEEM INFLATED BY THE WIND AND PLAY WITH THE LIGHT AND THE SKY. 40 METERS HIGH, THE BUILDING OF 11,000 M2 IS A GREAT TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT THAT DISRUPTS THE PRINCIPLES OF ARCHITECTURE : NOT LESS THAN THIRTY PATENTS WERE FILED, A RECORD. EARLY IN THE PROJECT, LVMH ANNOUNCED AN INVESTMENT OF 100 MILLION EUROS, BUT TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS AND CONSTRUCTION DELAYS - DUE MAINLY TO THE ACTION OF RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATIONS - HAVE ADDED TO THE FINAL AMOUNT, KEPT SE

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Foundation Louis Vuitton - Paris

FRANCE. PARIS (75) BOIS DE BOULOGNE PARK. THE LOUIS VUITTON FOUNDATION, WHICH WILL HOUSE A PERMANENT COLLECTION OF CONTEMPORARY ART AND TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS, WILL OPEN ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC OCTOBER 27TH 2014 (PRECEDED BY THREE OPEN FREE DAYS WITH RESERVATION ON FRIDAY 24, SATURDAY 25 AND SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26). THIS LANDMARK IN PARIS IS SIGNED BY THE FAMOUS DESIGNER FRANK GEHRY. AT THE REQUEST OF BERNARD ARNAULT (LVMH BOSS, FRENCH FIRST FORTUNE AND WORLD TENTH), THE ARCHITECT DESIGNED A "ICEBERG" LANDED ON THE WATER, WRAPPED IN TWELVE HUGE GLASS WALLS THAT SEEM INFLATED BY THE WIND AND PLAY WITH THE LIGHT AND THE SKY. 40 METERS HIGH, THE BUILDING OF 11,000 M2 IS A GREAT TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT THAT DISRUPTS THE PRINCIPLES OF ARCHITECTURE : NOT LESS THAN THIRTY PATENTS WERE FILED, A RECORD. EARLY IN THE PROJECT, LVMH ANNOUNCED AN INVESTMENT OF 100 MILLION EUROS, BUT TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS AND CONSTRUCTION DELAYS - DUE MAINLY TO THE ACTION OF RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATIONS - HAVE ADDED TO THE FINAL AMOUNT, KEPT SECRET. T

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Foundation Louis Vuitton - Paris

FRANCE. PARIS (75) BOIS DE BOULOGNE PARK. THE LOUIS VUITTON FOUNDATION, WHICH WILL HOUSE A PERMANENT COLLECTION OF CONTEMPORARY ART AND TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS, WILL OPEN ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC OCTOBER 27TH 2014 (PRECEDED BY THREE OPEN FREE DAYS WITH RESERVATION ON FRIDAY 24, SATURDAY 25 AND SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26). THIS FUTURE LANDMARK IN PARIS IS SIGNED BY THE FAMOUS DESIGNER FRANK GEHRY. AT THE REQUEST OF BERNARD ARNAULT (LVMH BOSS, FRENCH FIRST FORTUNE AND WORLD TENTH), THE ARCHITECT DESIGNED A "ICEBERG" LANDED ON THE WATER, WRAPPED IN TWELVE HUGE GLASS WALLS THAT SEEM INFLATED BY THE WIND AND PLAY WITH THE LIGHT AND THE SKY. 40 METERS HIGH, THE BUILDING OF 11,000 M2 IS A GREAT TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT THAT DISRUPTS THE PRINCIPLES OF ARCHITECTURE : NOT LESS THAN THIRTY PATENTS WERE FILED, A RECORD. EARLY IN THE PROJECT, LVMH ANNOUNCED AN INVESTMENT OF 100 MILLION EUROS, BUT TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS AND CONSTRUCTION DELAYS - DUE MAINLY TO THE ACTION OF RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATIONS - HAVE ADDED TO THE FINAL AMOUNT, KEPT SE

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Foundation Louis Vuitton - Paris

FRANCE. PARIS (75) BOIS DE BOULOGNE PARK. THE LOUIS VUITTON FOUNDATION, WHICH WILL HOUSE A PERMANENT COLLECTION OF CONTEMPORARY ART AND TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS, WILL OPEN ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC OCTOBER 27TH 2014 (PRECEDED BY THREE OPEN FREE DAYS WITH RESERVATION ON FRIDAY 24, SATURDAY 25 AND SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26). THIS LANDMARK IN PARIS IS SIGNED BY THE FAMOUS DESIGNER FRANK GEHRY. AT THE REQUEST OF BERNARD ARNAULT (LVMH BOSS, FRENCH FIRST FORTUNE AND WORLD TENTH), THE ARCHITECT DESIGNED A "ICEBERG" LANDED ON THE WATER, WRAPPED IN TWELVE HUGE GLASS WALLS THAT SEEM INFLATED BY THE WIND AND PLAY WITH THE LIGHT AND THE SKY. 40 METERS HIGH, THE BUILDING OF 11,000 M2 IS A GREAT TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT THAT DISRUPTS THE PRINCIPLES OF ARCHITECTURE : NOT LESS THAN THIRTY PATENTS WERE FILED, A RECORD. EARLY IN THE PROJECT, LVMH ANNOUNCED AN INVESTMENT OF 100 MILLION EUROS, BUT TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS AND CONSTRUCTION DELAYS - DUE MAINLY TO THE ACTION OF RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATIONS - HAVE ADDED TO THE FINAL AMOUNT, KEPT SECRET. T

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Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

Workers check damaged power facilities in Sanya Village, Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, September 25, 2025. More than 2.16 million local residents had been relocated in south China's Guangdong Province as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, in response to Typhoon Ragasa, which made landfall in the province at about 5 p.m. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of this year, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

Workers repair a damaged road in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, September 25, 2025. More than 2.16 million local residents had been relocated in south China's Guangdong Province as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, in response to Typhoon Ragasa, which made landfall in the province at about 5 p.m. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of this year, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

Workers clear fallen trees on a road in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, September 25, 2025. More than 2.16 million local residents had been relocated in south China's Guangdong Province as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, in response to Typhoon Ragasa, which made landfall in the province at about 5 p.m. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of this year, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

An aerial drone photo taken on September 25, 2025 shows factory buildings of a company in a mess after Typhoon Ragasa in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province. More than 2.16 million local residents had been relocated in south China's Guangdong Province as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, in response to Typhoon Ragasa, which made landfall in the province at about 5 p.m. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of this year, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

Citizens pass by fallen trees in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, September 25, 2025. More than 2.16 million local residents had been relocated in south China's Guangdong Province as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, in response to Typhoon Ragasa, which made landfall in the province at about 5 p.m. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of this year, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

An emergency repair vehicle passes by fallen trees in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, September 25, 2025. More than 2.16 million local residents had been relocated in south China's Guangdong Province as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, in response to Typhoon Ragasa, which made landfall in the province at about 5 p.m. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of this year, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

Workers repair damaged lines of telecommunications in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, September 25, 2025. More than 2.16 million local residents had been relocated in south China's Guangdong Province as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, in response to Typhoon Ragasa, which made landfall in the province at about 5 p.m. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of this year, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Construction of The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge - China

This aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 25, 2025 shows a load test on the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province. The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, set to become the world's tallest bridge, had completed a key load test as of Monday, ahead of its scheduled opening in late September. The bridge is 2,890 meters long with a main span of 1,420 meters. Rising 625 meters above the river, it will set the record for both the tallest bridge in the world and the world's largest span bridge built in a mountainous area, upon completion. Photo by Tao Liang/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Fire In The Mosque Of Cordoba Completely Extinguished - Spain

Interior of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba affected by the fire occurred last Friday, August 9, 2025 in Cordoba (Andalusia, Spain). The Ministry of Culture has claimed this Saturday the immediate activation of the National Plan for Risk Management and Emergencies in Cultural Heritage at the time of the fire in the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba occurred last Friday around 21 hours. The monument has suffered damage to some vaults in the chapel "that have been recently restored" with an approximate dimension of 25 meters, as reported by the dean of the cathedral, Joaquín Alberto Nieva. Photo by Madero Cubero / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Fire In The Mosque Of Cordoba Completely Extinguished - Spain

Interior of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba affected by the fire occurred last Friday, August 9, 2025 in Cordoba (Andalusia, Spain). The Ministry of Culture has claimed this Saturday the immediate activation of the National Plan for Risk Management and Emergencies in Cultural Heritage at the time of the fire in the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba occurred last Friday around 21 hours. The monument has suffered damage to some vaults in the chapel "that have been recently restored" with an approximate dimension of 25 meters, as reported by the dean of the cathedral, Joaquín Alberto Nieva. Photo by Madero Cubero / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Fire In The Mosque Of Cordoba Completely Extinguished - Spain

Interior of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba affected by the fire occurred last Friday, August 9, 2025 in Cordoba (Andalusia, Spain). The Ministry of Culture has claimed this Saturday the immediate activation of the National Plan for Risk Management and Emergencies in Cultural Heritage at the time of the fire in the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba occurred last Friday around 21 hours. The monument has suffered damage to some vaults in the chapel "that have been recently restored" with an approximate dimension of 25 meters, as reported by the dean of the cathedral, Joaquín Alberto Nieva. Photo by Madero Cubero / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Fire In The Mosque Of Cordoba Completely Extinguished - Spain

Interior of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba affected by the fire occurred last Friday, August 9, 2025 in Cordoba (Andalusia, Spain). The Ministry of Culture has claimed this Saturday the immediate activation of the National Plan for Risk Management and Emergencies in Cultural Heritage at the time of the fire in the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba occurred last Friday around 21 hours. The monument has suffered damage to some vaults in the chapel "that have been recently restored" with an approximate dimension of 25 meters, as reported by the dean of the cathedral, Joaquín Alberto Nieva. Photo by Madero Cubero / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Fire In The Mosque Of Cordoba Completely Extinguished - Spain

Interior of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba affected by the fire occurred last Friday, August 9, 2025 in Cordoba (Andalusia, Spain). The Ministry of Culture has claimed this Saturday the immediate activation of the National Plan for Risk Management and Emergencies in Cultural Heritage at the time of the fire in the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba occurred last Friday around 21 hours. The monument has suffered damage to some vaults in the chapel "that have been recently restored" with an approximate dimension of 25 meters, as reported by the dean of the cathedral, Joaquín Alberto Nieva. Photo by Madero Cubero / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Fire In The Mosque Of Cordoba Completely Extinguished - Spain

Interior of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba affected by the fire occurred last Friday, August 9, 2025 in Cordoba (Andalusia, Spain). The Ministry of Culture has claimed this Saturday the immediate activation of the National Plan for Risk Management and Emergencies in Cultural Heritage at the time of the fire in the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba occurred last Friday around 21 hours. The monument has suffered damage to some vaults in the chapel "that have been recently restored" with an approximate dimension of 25 meters, as reported by the dean of the cathedral, Joaquín Alberto Nieva. Photo by Madero Cubero / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Fire In The Mosque Of Cordoba Completely Extinguished - Spain

Interior of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba affected by the fire occurred last Friday, August 9, 2025 in Cordoba (Andalusia, Spain). The Ministry of Culture has claimed this Saturday the immediate activation of the National Plan for Risk Management and Emergencies in Cultural Heritage at the time of the fire in the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba occurred last Friday around 21 hours. The monument has suffered damage to some vaults in the chapel "that have been recently restored" with an approximate dimension of 25 meters, as reported by the dean of the cathedral, Joaquín Alberto Nieva. Photo by Madero Cubero / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Fire In The Mosque Of Cordoba Completely Extinguished - Spain

Interior of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba affected by the fire occurred last Friday, August 9, 2025 in Cordoba (Andalusia, Spain). The Ministry of Culture has claimed this Saturday the immediate activation of the National Plan for Risk Management and Emergencies in Cultural Heritage at the time of the fire in the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba occurred last Friday around 21 hours. The monument has suffered damage to some vaults in the chapel "that have been recently restored" with an approximate dimension of 25 meters, as reported by the dean of the cathedral, Joaquín Alberto Nieva. Photo by Madero Cubero / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Typhoon Wipha - China

Staff members try to remove fallen trees from the road amid heavy rain in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, July 20, 2025. Typhoon Wipha, the sixth typhoon of the year, made landfall near Jiangmen City in south China's Guangdong Province around 5:50 p.m. on Sunday, according to the Guangdong provincial meteorological observatory. At landfall, the maximum wind speed near its center reached 33 meters per second. Wipha is expected to move west-southwestward at a speed of 20 to 25 km per hour. Photo by Lu Hanxin /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Typhoon Wipha - China

Vehicles drive past a fallen road sign in Nanshan District of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, July 20, 2025, ahead of Typhoon Wipha's landfall. Typhoon Wipha, the sixth typhoon of the year, made landfall near Jiangmen City in south China's Guangdong Province around 5:50 p.m. on Sunday, according to the Guangdong provincial meteorological observatory. At landfall, the maximum wind speed near its center reached 33 meters per second. Wipha is expected to move west-southwestward at a speed of 20 to 25 km per hour. Photo by Mao Siqian /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Typhoon Wipha - China

Vehicles pass through a flooded area in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, July 20, 2025. Typhoon Wipha, the sixth typhoon of the year, made landfall near Jiangmen City in south China's Guangdong Province around 5:50 p.m. on Sunday, according to the Guangdong provincial meteorological observatory. At landfall, the maximum wind speed near its center reached 33 meters per second. Wipha is expected to move west-southwestward at a speed of 20 to 25 km per hour. Photo by Lu Hanxin /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Typhoon Wipha - China

Clearance services are suspended ahead of the landfall of Typhoon Wipha at the Shenzhen Bay Port suspends its in Nanshan District of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, July 20, 2025. Typhoon Wipha, the sixth typhoon of the year, made landfall near Jiangmen City in south China's Guangdong Province around 5:50 p.m. on Sunday, according to the Guangdong provincial meteorological observatory. At landfall, the maximum wind speed near its center reached 33 meters per second. Wipha is expected to move west-southwestward at a speed of 20 to 25 km per hour. Photo by Mao Siqian /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Typhoon Wipha - China

A vehicle passes through a flooded area in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, July 20, 2025. Typhoon Wipha, the sixth typhoon of the year, made landfall near Jiangmen City in south China's Guangdong Province around 5:50 p.m. on Sunday, according to the Guangdong provincial meteorological observatory. At landfall, the maximum wind speed near its center reached 33 meters per second. Wipha is expected to move west-southwestward at a speed of 20 to 25 km per hour. Photo by Xiao Ennan /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Typhoon Wipha - China

Rescuers evacuate a man trapped inside a vehicle hit by fallen trees and road lamp in Luohu District, Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, July 20, 2025, ahead of Typhoon Wipha's landfall. Typhoon Wipha, the sixth typhoon of the year, made landfall near Jiangmen City in south China's Guangdong Province around 5:50 p.m. on Sunday, according to the Guangdong provincial meteorological observatory. At landfall, the maximum wind speed near its center reached 33 meters per second. Wipha is expected to move west-southwestward at a speed of 20 to 25 km per hour. Photo by Shenzhen fire and rescue department/Handout via Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Typhoon Wipha - China

Vehicles of the Photo by Shenzhen fire and rescue department head for Zhanjiang on the Shenzhen-Zhongshan link ahead Typhoon Wipha's landfall in south China's Guangdong Province, July 20, 2025. Typhoon Wipha, the sixth typhoon of the year, made landfall near Jiangmen City in south China's Guangdong Province around 5:50 p.m. on Sunday, according to the Guangdong provincial meteorological observatory. At landfall, the maximum wind speed near its center reached 33 meters per second. Wipha is expected to move west-southwestward at a speed of 20 to 25 km per hour. Photo by Shenzhen fire and rescue department/Handout via Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Corse du Sud - France

FRANCE. CORSE DU SUD (2A) EXTREME SOUTH REGION. BONIFACIO. THE CITADEL. PERCHED ON CLIFFS OVER 60 METERS HIGH, THE CITADEL HAS STOOD SENTINEL OVER THE MEDITERRANEAN FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS. 25 MILLION YEARS OLD, COMPRESSED LIMESTONE STRATA HAVE CREATED A STRATEGIC ROCKY OUTCROP ON WHICH MAN FIRST SET UP SURVEILLANCE POINTS, AND THEN A FORTIFIED TOWN. Photo by Stephane Frances/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Behind The Scenes Of The Vatican

New recruit of the Swiss Guards tries his uniform on with two dressmakers on May 6, 2016 at the Vatican. The pompous title 'defenders of the freedom of the Church' qualifies the Swiss Guards, of which there are one hundred. These soldiers are not nearly as picturesque as their uniforms, which are said to have been designed by either Raphael or Michaelangelo, but whose design was actually produced at the turn of the last century. It is not a simple procedure to become a member of the Guard, which is one of the world's oldest military factions. One must have Swiss nationality, be of the Catholic faith, measure over 1.74 meters in height, and be less than 25 years of age when signing on for the first time. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Behind The Scenes Of The Vatican

New recruit of the Swiss Guards before the swearing-in ceremony on May 6, 2005 at the Vatican. The ceremony is held each May 6 to commemorate the 147 Swiss Guards who died protecting Pope Clement VII during the 1527 Sack of Rome. The pompous title 'defenders of the freedom of the Church' qualifies the Swiss Guards, of which there are one hundred. These soldiers are not nearly as picturesque as their uniforms, which are said to have been designed by either Raphael or Michaelangelo, but whose design was actually produced at the turn of the last century. It is not a simple procedure to become a member of the Guard, which is one of the world's oldest military factions. One must have Swiss nationality, be of the Catholic faith, measure over 1.74 meters in height, and be less than 25 years of age when signing on for the first time. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Behind The Scenes Of The Vatican

New recruit of the Swiss Guards before the swearing-in ceremony on May 6, 2015 at the Vatican. The ceremony is held each May 6 to commemorate the 147 Swiss Guards who died protecting Pope Clement VII during the 1527 Sack of Rome. The pompous title 'defenders of the freedom of the Church' qualifies the Swiss Guards, of which there are one hundred. These soldiers are not nearly as picturesque as their uniforms, which are said to have been designed by either Raphael or Michaelangelo, but whose design was actually produced at the turn of the last century. It is not a simple procedure to become a member of the Guard, which is one of the world's oldest military factions. One must have Swiss nationality, be of the Catholic faith, measure over 1.74 meters in height, and be less than 25 years of age when signing on for the first time. Photo by Eric Vandeville/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Voluntary Tree-planting Activity - China

Staff members inspect the growth of trees in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 25, 2025. Nagqu City has an average altitude of 4,500 meters. Due to the unfavorable conditions for tree growth, such as permafrost, low temperature, frequent strong wind throughout the year, it was once the only prefecture-level city in China without trees used for urban greening. In 1998, people of Nagqu started the trial of planting trees. After more than 20 years of continuous practice, Nagqu has gradually established a trial planting system, with trees of many varieties being planted in the city. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

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Voluntary Tree-planting Activity - China

A staff member trims saplings at a tree cultivation base in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 25, 2025. Nagqu City has an average altitude of 4,500 meters. Due to the unfavorable conditions for tree growth, such as permafrost, low temperature, frequent strong wind throughout the year, it was once the only prefecture-level city in China without trees used for urban greening. In 1998, people of Nagqu started the trial of planting trees. After more than 20 years of continuous practice, Nagqu has gradually established a trial planting system, with trees of many varieties being planted in the city. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

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Voluntary Tree-planting Activity - China

People take part in a voluntary tree-planting activity in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 25, 2025. Nagqu City has an average altitude of 4,500 meters. Due to the unfavorable conditions for tree growth, such as permafrost, low temperature, frequent strong wind throughout the year, it was once the only prefecture-level city in China without trees used for urban greening. In 1998, people of Nagqu started the trial of planting trees. After more than 20 years of continuous practice, Nagqu has gradually established a trial planting system, with trees of many varieties being planted in the city. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

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Voluntary Tree-planting Activity - China

A man transport saplings in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 25, 2025. Nagqu City has an average altitude of 4,500 meters. Due to the unfavorable conditions for tree growth, such as permafrost, low temperature, frequent strong wind throughout the year, it was once the only prefecture-level city in China without trees used for urban greening. In 1998, people of Nagqu started the trial of planting trees. After more than 20 years of continuous practice, Nagqu has gradually established a trial planting system, with trees of many varieties being planted in the city. Photo by Tenzin Nyida/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Voluntary Tree-planting Activity - China

Staff members inspect the growth of trees in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 25, 2025. Nagqu City has an average altitude of 4,500 meters. Due to the unfavorable conditions for tree growth, such as permafrost, low temperature, frequent strong wind throughout the year, it was once the only prefecture-level city in China without trees used for urban greening. In 1998, people of Nagqu started the trial of planting trees. After more than 20 years of continuous practice, Nagqu has gradually established a trial planting system, with trees of many varieties being planted in the city. Photo by Tenzin Nyida/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Voluntary Tree-planting Activity - China

This photo taken on April 25, 2025 shows a trial base for tree planting in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 25, 2025. Nagqu City has an average altitude of 4,500 meters. Due to the unfavorable conditions for tree growth, such as permafrost, low temperature, frequent strong wind throughout the year, it was once the only prefecture-level city in China without trees used for urban greening. In 1998, people of Nagqu started the trial of planting trees. After more than 20 years of continuous practice, Nagqu has gradually established a trial planting system, with trees of many varieties being planted in the city. Photo by Tenzin Nyida/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Voluntary Tree-planting Activity - China

This drone photo shows people taking part in a voluntary tree-planting activity in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 25, 2025. Nagqu City has an average altitude of 4,500 meters. Due to the unfavorable conditions for tree growth, such as permafrost, low temperature, frequent strong wind throughout the year, it was once the only prefecture-level city in China without trees used for urban greening. In 1998, people of Nagqu started the trial of planting trees. After more than 20 years of continuous practice, Nagqu has gradually established a trial planting system, with trees of many varieties being planted in the city. Photo by Tenzin Nyida/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Voluntary Tree-planting Activity - China

Staff members inspect the growth of saplings in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 25, 2025. Nagqu City has an average altitude of 4,500 meters. Due to the unfavorable conditions for tree growth, such as permafrost, low temperature, frequent strong wind throughout the year, it was once the only prefecture-level city in China without trees used for urban greening. In 1998, people of Nagqu started the trial of planting trees. After more than 20 years of continuous practice, Nagqu has gradually established a trial planting system, with trees of many varieties being planted in the city. Photo by Tenzin Nyida/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Voluntary Tree-planting Activity - China

Students take part in a voluntary tree-planting activity in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 25, 2025. Nagqu City has an average altitude of 4,500 meters. Due to the unfavorable conditions for tree growth, such as permafrost, low temperature, frequent strong wind throughout the year, it was once the only prefecture-level city in China without trees used for urban greening. In 1998, people of Nagqu started the trial of planting trees. After more than 20 years of continuous practice, Nagqu has gradually established a trial planting system, with trees of many varieties being planted in the city. Photo by Tenzin Nyida/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Voluntary Tree-planting Activity - China

Students take part in a voluntary tree-planting activity in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 25, 2025. Nagqu City has an average altitude of 4,500 meters. Due to the unfavorable conditions for tree growth, such as permafrost, low temperature, frequent strong wind throughout the year, it was once the only prefecture-level city in China without trees used for urban greening. In 1998, people of Nagqu started the trial of planting trees. After more than 20 years of continuous practice, Nagqu has gradually established a trial planting system, with trees of many varieties being planted in the city. Photo by Tenzin Nyida/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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