Nature is the best artist, but sometimes humans intervene, and this combination creates some truly amazing places. We present a selection of the world's most unusual parks.
1. Park of 200 Buddhas, Laos
The Park of 200 Buddhas was created relatively recently by Bounlyea Soulitat, one of Laos's religious leaders. The work took a long time, and Soulitat himself was never able to complete it, having gone mad. Nevertheless, the park is astounding: over 200 sculptures of Buddhas, snakes, gods, and heroes from Hindu and Buddhist mythology are gathered in a relatively small area. Thanks to its carefully designed layout, visitors can get up close to each stone statue, examine the carvings, or, if they prefer, gaze at the stone faces from afar. What's astonishing is that each stone figure has its own unique facial expression. Every single statue is meticulously crafted: the scales on the snakes' bodies, the folds in the heroes' clothing, the attributes, the faces... Some statues reach 20 meters in height, while others are no taller than a five-year-old child.
The park is located just five kilometers from the town of Nong Khai and is easily accessible by bike or even on foot. Besides the statues, it features picturesque ponds, manicured flowerbeds, and a glass sphere open to visitors, where the embalmed body of the park's creator, Boonlewa Sulitat, rests.
2. Green Lake, Austria
This park, located in the Austrian town of Tragoess, is remarkable primarily because in winter it's an ordinary park with flowerbeds, paths, and groves. People come here to sit on comfortable benches, have a picnic, and admire the stunning views of the mountains and the lake, whose water has an unusual green hue. But in summer, the lake overflows, and the water level rises from two to ten meters. Then the park is flooded and completely submerged.
And then divers from all over the world flock here. This is perhaps the only place in the world where you can see the familiar world underwater. All the plants, park paths, and benches remain in place, and you swim past them with scuba gear. Small fish swim among the terrestrial vegetation in the crystal-clear water. And so it goes on until winter returns.
3. Sinners' Park, Thailand
The park is not recommended for those with unstable mental health. The Park of Sinners, located on the grounds of a Buddhist temple 40 km outside of Bangkok, is filled with sculptures of people impaled with spears, hanged, eaten by mythical animals, and who died in other, equally horrific ways—a kind of graphic representation of what "hell on earth" might look like. Furthermore, speakers installed throughout the park regularly play muted psychedelic music and an eerie voice recounting various horrors, tortures, and the like—fortunately, in Thai.
Incidentally, Thais often come here with their children—apparently for educational purposes. But we wouldn't recommend bringing a child to such a place. Adults should only visit this park if they have either a strong psyche or a unique sense of humor.
4. Cosmic Speculation Park, Scotland
According to the park's creators, Charles Jencks and Maggie Cheswick, this place should give visitors an understanding of the universe and humanity's place in it, as well as the idea that all modern science is merely a step in the process of understanding something truly extraordinary. The park lacks conventional flower beds or convenient paths. Instead, it features completely futuristic objects, such as unusually shaped artificial hills, bridges, and staircases. Everything is so harmonious that aluminum sculptures of the most bizarre shapes blend perfectly into the surrounding landscape.
Visitors can even enter a "black hole" or find themselves in a Klein bottle, ponder complex mathematical formulas, or wander inside fractals. From a bird's-eye view, all the park's artificial objects form a coherent picture. This is one of those amazing man-made places on planet Earth that is definitely worth a visit.
5. Creation Museum, USA
This park was created primarily to demonstrate that God's creation of the Earth (as described in the Bible) in no way contradicts the theory of evolution. Visitors are treated to giant, moving dinosaur figures, juxtaposed with a "reconstruction" of Noah's Ark. Behind glass display cases, bones of prehistoric animals and biblical artifacts are displayed nearby. Park staff maintain that the existence of dinosaurs is consistent with the Bible—God could have created them just like all other animals, but for some reason they did not survive the Great Flood.
Regardless of your religious beliefs, the park is certainly worth a visit. The fact is that most of the dinosaur bones and reconstructed skeletons are genuine archaeological finds. And the idea of combining biblical history with science is quite intriguing in itself.
6. Keukenhof Flower Park, Netherlands
Keukenhof is world-famous primarily for its vast tulip fields. Over 100 varieties of these flowers grow on 32 hectares. Of course, besides tulips, the park also boasts other flowers: lilacs, orchids, roses, and lilies. In the spring, the park attracts over 800,000 tourists—due to the finicky nature of the tulips, the park is only open from March to May.
Every year at the end of April, the park hosts a Flower Parade: huge floats made entirely of plants move through the streets of the city of Lissa.
7. Francisco Alvarado Park, Costa Rica
This park is a true marvel of landscape design. As you stroll along its paths, you'll see elephants, monkeys, and other animals carved from living cypress. But the park's highlight is its mystical labyrinth of living plants: countless green arches loom over visitors, intricately intertwined paths unfold beneath their feet, and along the way, you'll encounter many surprises—just look no further than the giant figure of a sleeping woman, her body and face carved from moss-covered stones.
8. Jurong Bird Park, Singapore
Jaurong is home to birds from all over the world. The majority of the park's avian inhabitants are, of course, from Southeast Asia, but there are also many species from Europe, America, and Africa. The park's main feature is that visitors are given the illusion that the birds are living in the wild—there are no aviaries or cages. Each group of birds is provided with conditions that mimic their natural habitat: for example, the penguins have an air-conditioning system, and the flamingos have a large artificial pond.
Visitors most enjoy exploring the parrot aviary, home to 110 species of these brightly colored, intelligent birds. Equally fascinating is the pavilion with an artificial waterfall, home to 1,500 bird species from around the world. You can observe their lives in real time, watching them feed, sleep, and raise their young. However, feeding them is prohibited—park staff warn that it can negatively impact the birds' health.
9. Kingdom of Dwarfs, China
In truth, it's not really a park. The Dwarf Kingdom is more like a village inhabited exclusively by dwarves. The park has its own school, hospital, and shops. But from time to time, the village's doors open to visitors, and the dwarves dress up in fairytale costumes and give tours of their homes. The houses, by the way, are quite interesting, shaped like mushrooms or trees. The park's entire staff is made up entirely of its residents.
From a public morals standpoint, the park raises some concerns among both Europeans and Chinese. However, the site is popular, and the Chinese authorities are in no hurry to lose a significant source of income.
10. Chess Park, Japan
In the Japanese city of Osaka, a park dedicated to board games has been established on the banks of a canal. The paths, tables, children's slides, and all other amenities are designed with a chess theme. Naturally, the park also features chessboards, backgammon tables, and boards for Go and checkers. While the park isn't particularly popular with tourists, it's a favorite among locals, who often come here with their children.
The park is also remarkable because its creators had limited resources, so all the structures are made from inexpensive and environmentally friendly materials like pressed wood and cardboard. If you find yourself in Japan, stop by—you won't regret it, because Chess Park is an excellent example of how to create an interesting and useful recreational space right within the city limits.
11. Zhangjiajie: Fantastic Landscapes from Avatar«
Zhangjiajie Park, covering 13,000 square meters, is famous for its 800-meter-tall limestone and quartz columns—it was here that the film "Avatar" was filmed. The picturesque columns are covered in dense vegetation, and many of the trees are over a hundred years old. This fairytale kingdom of Pandora is home to over 500 diverse animal species and rare plants, such as the pigeon tree. It is also known as the handkerchief tree, as the shape and size of its flowers resemble both pigeon wings and handkerchiefs. You can also see the ginkgo tree here—a bisexual tree with fan-shaped leaves, a relative of dinosaurs. Its leaves and seeds have healing powers and are said to slow down aging.
This park is incredibly beautiful. Be sure to take the cable car, the elevator built right into the cliff, and the glass-bottomed path that reveals a vast abyss. When you visit Huanglong Cave with its underground lake and cross it by boat, climb the 999 steps of Tianmen Mountain and see clouds floating at your feet, you'll feel like a conqueror of the world...
12. Versailles Park: Harmony of Perfection
When Louis XIII commissioned landscape architect André Le Nôtre to transform his hunting grounds, he never imagined that the Park of Versailles, once perfected, would become a work of art. It is one of France's most famous landmarks. Picturesque flowerbeds, graceful avenues lined with statues and benches, 1,400 fountains, 350,000 trees, grottoes and cascades, reflecting pools reflecting the sky and the opulent palace—the gardens and parks are too numerous to explore in a day, so be prepared to dedicate several days to this journey. Versailles is one of the most unusual parks in the world, as everything here is governed by strict mathematical logic. Every flower and blade of grass in the park has precise coordinates, and even the orchids displayed in colorful pots obey geometric laws.
Visit Marie Antoinette's farm, admire the "Little Venice" canal, stroll along the Allée des Enfants, and sit on the shore of the Lake des Suisses. Everything here is beautiful and perfect, and when the sun illuminates the main alley, it seems to stretch into eternity. Just as Louis XIII intended…
13. Ashikaga Flower Paradise
The Japanese certainly know a thing or two about beauty, otherwise how could the most beautiful park in the world have been created on the island of Honshu? Eternal summer reigns here. In late winter, tulips, plums, and daffodils bloom; in spring, thousands of rhododendrons and azaleas burst into flames; in summer, irises, hydrangeas, and roses delight the eye; and in autumn, the scent of saffron fills the air. This fragrant Japanese paradise is teeming with wisteria—white, pink, yellow, purple, violet, and blue. They grow in clusters and resemble butterflies, and some flowers are over a hundred years old! Wisteria twines around arbors, forming a long, 80-meter tunnel that locals call the Tunnel of Love and Happiness.
In late autumn, the garden falls asleep for a short time, only to soon awaken and fill the world with beauty again…
14. Firefly Garden, Malaysia
In Malaysia, near Kuala Selangor, There's a firefly garden, which is visited at night. It's hard to say whether this park is the most beautiful in the world, but its uniqueness is undeniable. Imagine—the trees and shrubs twinkling and sparkling like Christmas trees draped in garlands. The best way to witness this magic is from a boat on the river—under the stars, in complete silence, broken only by the cries of birds. It feels like you've entered a fairy tale, with tiny sparks of light flashing in sync in the thicket of mangroves. A colony of millions of fireflies beckons with its enchanting shimmer to all who come to the park in search of a miracle.
15. The Kingdom of Lakes and Waterfalls
A list of the world's most beautiful gardens and parks would be incomplete without the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, which Croatians themselves call the eighth wonder of the world. These 16 picturesque lakes are nestled in a mountain basin, surrounded by moss-covered slopes and spruce and beech forests. The lakes, cascading and connected by 140 waterfalls, delight the eye with magical emerald and turquoise hues. There are numerous streams, rapids, and mysterious caves. One of them will truly surprise you. Šupljara Cave, located beneath the waterfall, is called a "hole" because it has no bottom or ceiling. Incidentally, the largest waterfall, at a height of 72 meters, can be admired from a cliff along which hiking trails run. The sheer number of waterfalls creates a mist of tiny droplets above the lakes—an impressive sight. It's no coincidence that wedding ceremonies and weddings are held beneath the waterfalls. This park is a true water kingdom, because water is everywhere. It rumbles, gurgles, bubbles, splashes, and drips!
This Croatian nature reserve is a true land of pristine nature, untouched by civilization. Rare plants and animals have survived here, and 50 species of local orchids are recognized as the most beautiful in Europe. The Plitvice Lakes are rich in fish; local trout even fearlessly swim up to people, feasting on bread crumbs. In winter, the park transforms into a true snowy fairytale, reminiscent of the Snow Queen's kingdom!
16. The High Line: a park hovering above the ground
One of the most unusual parks is located in Manhattan, 10 meters above the ground. The High Line was once a railroad site, later transformed into a picturesque park that has become a favorite strolling spot for both visitors and residents. The green avenue, with flowerbeds, trees, shrubs, benches, and tables, stretches for 2.3 kilometers. It offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the Chelsea neighborhood. From the ruins, a masterpiece of modern urban architecture emerged, and what's most interesting is that many cities and countries have adopted this original idea and created parks in a similar style.
The High Line is a popular art space in the city, where bohemians gather to host exhibitions and installations. Near 10th Avenue, a section of the park has been transformed into a glass-enclosed amphitheater-style space with benches—a great place to sip coffee, watch the traffic, and chat with friends.
17. New York's Central Park
This beautiful park, located on Manhattan Island, is one of the most magnificent parks in the United States and a renowned recreational destination worldwide. In the mid-19th century, New York City began to expand rapidly. Amidst bustling streets and industrial plants, the park was created to provide recreation for residents and visitors. Although relatively small, the park is visited by approximately 25 million people annually. While the park appears natural, all the natural landscapes of the national park are man-made. The park features playgrounds, rock formations, and beautiful lakes. Its corners are perfect for spending time with family. Young people enjoy summer venues that host theatrical performances and musical concerts. These green spaces are truly the lungs of this vast metropolis. An interesting fact is that the park's territory is equivalent to a separate New York City police station. Statistically, the National Park is the safest place in any North American city.
18. Gorky Park, Moscow
This magnificent park in the heart of the Russian capital opened its doors to visitors in 1928. A monumental arch of antique-style columns greets Muscovites and visitors. An observation deck on the roof of the main entrance offers magnificent views of the city and the Moskva River. Wide alleys and small squares attract visitors with their cleanliness and comfort. A beautiful fountain and a stunning mosaic flower bed occupy the center of the park. Children can enjoy playgrounds and numerous attractions. Gorky Park has also become a magnificent sports center for Moscow. A basketball court, chess club, and beach sports center are always busy. Bicycle rentals are available for cyclists. Pushkinskaya Embankment offers views of the river. Visitors can take pleasure boat tours. In winter, the park hosts an ice rink with equipment and gear rentals. A favorite spot for Muscovites and tourists, the park has become the center of major city celebrations.
19. Park Güell, Barcelona
A unique park structure is located in the beautiful Catalan city of Barcelona. Built in the early 20th century, the park's uniqueness lies in the harmonious blend of gardens and residential buildings. At the park's entrance, visitors are greeted by unusual and architecturally stunning houses, more reminiscent of sculptures than living spaces. The administration building is crowned with a five-pointed cross. Park Güell's central alley, with its numerous fountains, leads to a stunningly beautiful hypostyle hall. This hall, known as the "Hall of a Hundred Columns," consists of 86 Doric columns. Musicians utilize the excellent acoustics of the columned hall for concerts. A mosaic salamander is considered a unique sculpture and a highlight of the park. Stone walking paths radiate from the central alley. Small, original houses built into the cliffs resemble bird colonies. The combination of architecture and natural plantings in the Spanish park creates a unique atmosphere of beauty and tranquility.
20. Suan Nong Nooch Garden Park, Thailand
The most popular tourist destination in Thailand. Indeed, the park, opened in 1980, has plenty to offer. Its 250-hectare grounds are home to a large number of rare and unique tropical flowers and plants. Suan Nong Nooch Park boasts the country's largest orchid plantations. The park also recreates natural landscapes from around the world and features Thai landmarks. The park's owner has also created an original display of his rare car collection within the park. The nearly identical recreation of a historical monument adds a unique and distinctive touch to this beautiful place. Stonehenge. Tourists are also attracted by the numerous national shows held amid the tropical beauty of the Thai park.
21. Butchart Gardens, Canada
The flower garden complex was created by Robert and Jennie Butchart on the site of a depleted quarry. It all began with Jennie's passion for flower gardening. In 1908, a Japanese designer was invited to create a uniquely beautiful Japanese garden. The most beautiful varieties of roses were planted nearby. Today, the gardens and flower beds, integrated into the natural landscape of Canada's west coast, are visited by approximately one million tourists a year. In the tranquility of the park, you can stroll along paths among ponds and waterfalls, cross wooden bridges spanning numerous streams and small canals, and inhale the enchanting aroma of fragrant flowerbeds and gardens.
22. Fairchild Garden, USA
Located in Florida, this unique park includes a museum, a research center, and a center for the conservation of rare plant and tree species. In 2012, the Orchid Center was also established here. The 34-hectare park is home to collections of rare tropical plants, including palms, flowering trees, and various grape varieties. A delight for visitors, the park also serves as a research center for the conservation of rare flora worldwide. Trees and plants are selected based on their growing regions and the need to preserve endangered species. Amazingly, the park's staff and volunteers have successfully managed to eliminate insects. Their absence makes the park's picturesque landscapes even more enjoyable.
23. Iguazu Park, Argentina-Brazil
Two South American countries equally divided this corner of paradise between them. To preserve the uniqueness of this natural wonder, a decision was made in 1934 to establish a park here. This most beautiful place on earth includes approximately 270 waterfalls on the Iguazu River. It took very little time for humans to cultivate this wonderful park. Wooden bridges were built between the numerous islands for a better view of these beauties. The park also boasts the stunning Devil's Throat waterfall. This border park is listed as one of the seven most beautiful and incredible places on the planet.
24. Lower Park of Peterhof, Russia
The palace and park complex, stretching along the Gulf of Finland, is a most beautiful place not only in Russia but also in the world. The stunning alleys of fountains and canals amidst the park's lush greenery, along with the Baroque palaces, are true masterpieces of architectural art. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come to see the uniquely beautiful Samson Fountain or stroll along the marble Voronikhin Colonnade. Numerous sculptures and magnificent palaces enhance the park's beauty. The Lower Park is part of the vast Peterhof Museum-Reserve complex and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
25. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
The park covers over 100 hectares and consists of three riverside gardens: Wau South Garden, East Wau Garden, and Wau Central Garden. Here you'll see so-called supertrees—vertical gardens in the form of enormous trees up to 50 meters tall. There's also a giant flower dome, consisting of seven different gardens, which maintain a unique microclimate. The cloud forest, with its 42-meter-high cloud mountain, is especially noteworthy. It maintains the climate and coolness of a high mountain.
26. Garden of Miracles, Dubai, UAE
Dubai Miracle Garden is the world's largest flower park, captivating the imagination with the idea that such splendor can exist in the middle of the desert. Spread over nearly 7 hectares, it features over 45 million flowers, arranged in diverse arrangements by top designers from around the world. The 800-meter-long, 3-meter-high flower wall has earned a Guinness World Record.
Modern technology was essential here: engineers had to construct an underground irrigation system. There's also a butterfly garden that deserves special attention.
27. Cranbourne Botanic Gardens, Australia
This amazing park was created on the site of a former sand quarry. Mining had a devastating impact on the local ecology, so the park created here is a model of design and landscape design, where a new facility, incorporating both art and ecology, has emerged from the barren land. Today, it is the largest garden on Earth dedicated to Australian flora, home to over 1,700 plant species.
28. Yosemite Park, USA
Covering an area of 3,081 square kilometers, the park is notable not only for its native flora but also for its fauna. It boasts steep cliffs, fast-flowing rivers, dozens of waterfalls, and picturesque ponds. The park also boasts an entire grove of redwood trees.
29. Corcovado, Costa Rica
The park is located on the Pacific coast and is notable for its untouched natural beauty. It is truly a pristine natural wonder. Over 500 species of trees grow here, including the cottonwood tree, which can reach 70 meters in height. Scarlet macaws, jaguars, monkeys, ocelots, armadillos, sloths, and many others live here. Legend has it that the famous explorer Francis Drake hid part of his treasure in Salsipuedes Cave, located here.
How many of the world's best parks are there? Each one is beautiful and unique in its own way. Nature is considered the best creator, but when combined with brilliant human ideas, even greater masterpieces can be created, evoking delight and admiration even in those who are hard to impress.