Nations on Xi’s Mideast tour full of historical and modern wonders

The exterior of the Nasir-ol-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, Southern Iran. As sunlight cascades through its vibrant stained glass windows, every inch of the Nasir-ol-Mulk Mosque bursts with color. The mosque, in Southern Iran, is illuminated with a kaleidoscope of colors when light shines through its windows. With its stained glass, beautiful patterned carpets and intricately detailed ceiling tiles, the mosque attracts worshipers and tourists alike. [Photo/IC]

Chinese President Xi Jinping left Beijing on Tuesday for state visits to Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran.

The Mideast area has long been a hot spot in the global geopolitical arena. While tensions are almost the only focal point for the world's attention, what has been relatively ignored is its rich bounty of natural and cultural landscapes. From the Great Sphinx in Egypt and small Persian rug shops in Iran, to the stunning city view of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, historical wonders and modern developments ceaselessly work together to make the Mideast another ideal travel destination for international tourists.