Good architects and engineers combine the needs of human beings with qualities of intellect and imagination, as well as technical expertise to create functional structures that also are works of art. For example, ancient Roman aqueducts provided the function of transporting water in the form of simple, yet elegant, layered arches.

An aqueduct is an artificial channel through which water is conducted to the place where it is used. Most aqueducts of ancient times were built of stone, brick or pozzuolana, a mixture of limestone and volcanic dust. Rome had many aqueducts and was the only ancient city reasonably supplied with water. By A.D. 97, nine aqueducts brought about 85 million gallons of water a day from mountain springs. Later, five others were built. About 200 cities in the Roman colonies had aqueducts.

One of the most famous structures in the world can be found to the northwest and north of Beijing, China. Said to be visible from the moon, the Great Wall is the longest fortified line ever built. It zigzags to the east and west along the mountains, stretching more than 1,500 miles.

Construction of the Great Wall began in the 7th century B.C. It stands about 25 feet high and has 40-foot towers built into it every 200 to 300 yards. The wall tapers from a 25-foot base to about 15 feet at the top. Its sides are made of earth, brick and stone, while the top is paved with bricks set in lime, forming a roadway for horsemen. The Great Wall was built entirely by hand and took hundreds of years to complete.

1. Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong is number one on my list for many reasons: Hong Kong has whopping 39 buildings over 200 meters tall. It also boasts four of the 15 tallest buildings in the world… that’s all in one city! Hong Kong’s skyline shows a large selection of distinct sky-reaching towers, with beautiful night lighting and reflection. This city exemplifies the post-modern skyscraper and skyline. Finally, the mountain backdrop makes this skyline (as you can clearly see) the greatest on the planet!
Metro/Urban Population: 6.8 million

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