Swirling steps

You wouldn't expect much swagger from cement steps in a city park, but this edifice of tinted concrete certainly delivers on style. Accenting a seaside park in Dalian, China, it's just a small part of this northeastern city's mosaic of architectures. Mixed in with glass skyscrapers, brightly modern decor, and experimental building designs, you'll find many traditional Chinese and European structures here—even a deluxe hotel resembling a fairy tale castle.