▲ The Valley of the Kings is located in a limestone canyon on the west bank of the Nile in Luxor, Egypt, serving as the secret burial ground for pharaohs and nobles of the New Kingdom of ancient Egypt (1539–1075 BC). Initiated by Thutmose I's tradition of rock-cut tombs, a total of 63 tombs have been discovered here, including the intact tomb of Tutankhamun, which yielded vast treasures. The tomb walls preserve vivid colorful murals and inscriptions, offering insights into ancient Egyptian religion, art, and funerary culture.
▲ The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut (Temple of Hatshepsut) is located on the west bank of the Nile in Luxor, Egypt. This ancient Egyptian architectural masterpiece was built in honor of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut. The temple is constructed in terraces against a cliff face, blending perfectly with the natural surroundings. Its well-preserved colonnades and reliefs vividly depict the pharaoh's reign and religious ceremonies.
▲ The Nile, stretching approximately 6,670 kilometers, is the world's longest river, flowing through 11 African countries before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. Revered as the "River of Life" and the "bassinet of civilization," its fertile banks nurtured ancient Egyptian civilization, with pyramids and other historic sites dotting its shores. In mythology, it embodies the god Hapi, and since ancient times, poets have celebrated it as a "flowing epic."
▲ The "Farmer's Gate Statues" in Egypt are actually the colossal seated statues of Ramses II at the Abu Simbel Temple, also known as the "Four Guardian Kings" or "Guardian Deities of the Sun Temple." These four identical pharaoh statues stand 20 meters tall. With a history of 3,000 years, they conceal an optical marvel—during the Sun Festivals in February and October each year, sunlight perfectly illuminates the sacred statues in the inner sanctum. Additionally, the entire temple complex was relocated 60 meters during the construction of the Aswan High Dam, making it a dual marvel of ancient and modern engineering.
