The new seven wonders of the world were announced in 2007 after a global vote. They are: the Great Wall of China, the Petra in Jordan, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, the Machu Picchu in Peru, the Chichen Itza in Mexico, the Roman Colosseum in Italy, and the Taj Mahal in India.
The Great Wall of China was the most popular choice, with more than 21 million votes. Petra was second, with around 18 million votes, and the Christ the Redeemer statue was third, with just over 17 million votes.
The new seven wonders of the world were announced as an alternative to the old seven wonders of the world, which were announced in 250 BC. The original seven wonders were the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
The new seven wonders of the world were chosen by a panel of experts, as well as by public vote. The experts considered things such as the historical importance, the architectural beauty, and the tourism potential of each site.
The new seven wonders of the world are a popular tourist destination. More than 330 million people visit the new seven wonders of the world each year.