Porcelain Tower, Nanjing, China
If you’ve ever smashed a piece of porcelain crockery, a 260-foot tower made from the stuff might not sound like the smartest idea. Yet surprisingly this architectural gem lasted for around 400 years, from the 14th to 19th centuries, before being destroyed by rebels. In its day, it showcased a traditional pagoda style, adorned with colorful Buddhist imagery and lit up by lanterns at night.
In 2015, the tower was reborn in the form of a modern, steel and glass construction when property developer Wang Jianlin donated $156 million (£118m) to the construction of a new building. Complete with multiple viewing platforms and surrounded by a futuristic Buddhist-themed museum, it certainly provides a new take on the historical site.
