While it is entirely possible for a bustling metropolis to decline into obscurity within the span of a hundred years, the chances for relatively unknown and ordinary
town to transform into a major city to draw all international limelight are much slimmer. However, the legendary rise of Johannesburg is certainly an exception. Prior to 1886, the city was just a nameless small town that nobody knew. But things would change dramatically after Australian gold prospector George Harrison tripped upon a stone accidentally and stumbled upon the hidden gold that has been buried beneath the barren land. After further investigation, he discovered that what lied beneath the earth was not a minor mine of little importance, but an arc-shaped gold reef that ran for approximately 430 km in length with a width of 24 km. The sheer quantity of the mine deposit was unprecedented and overwhelming, and the discovery of the gold reef at Johannesburg became an instant sensation. 

The abundant mineral deposit attracted more and more gold prospectors to Johannesburg. Within just three years, it has grown to become the largest city in South Africa. With its population hitting the million mark, the town was officially named as Johannesburg, and it is shortened to "Joburg" by the local residents. Because of its rich mineral deposit, the city is also known as "Egoli" (lit. city of gold). Johannesburg is situated on plateau at an elevation of approximately 1,900 and it is a typical high-altitude city with a mild and dry climate. With moderate winters and cool summers, Johannesburg is one of the most habitable cities around the world. Apart from being the largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg is also the country's gateway to the world with the OR Tambo International Airport (previously known as Johannesburg International Airport and Jan Smuts International Airport) located just 45 km in her suburbs. At the same time, the city is also the hub of economy and a financial center of South Africa. With the world's largest gold deposit at Witwatersrand, South Africa is the number one nation around the globe for her production of gold. It is fair to say that Johannesburg grew and thrived as a city because of gold.

The downtown area of Johannesburg is modernized with rows upon rows of skyscrapers and well-constructed high-capacity highways. Architecture at the heart of Johannesburg that will catch your attention include: 1. J.G. Strijdom Tower - the highest telecommunication tower across the entire African continent. It was completed in 1971 at a height of 269 meters. 2. Sentech Tower - standing at a height of 260 meters and a cousin of the Strijdom Tower, Sentech Tower is a TV tower belonging to South Africa's National Broadcasting Company. It is the second tallest building in South Africa and the two towers make the most identifiable landmarks of Johannesburg. 3. Carlton Center: located at the heart of downtown Johannesburg, the 50-story building was the tallest building in Africa upon its completion (prior to the two towers). There is an observation deck on its 50th floor, which offers a birds-eye view of the city of Johannesburg.

However, in the midst of the high-tech commercial zone, there are still many herbal stores ran by native South Africans with shamans practicing traditional medicine. At Johannesburg, one will witness the convergence of African civilization and Western civilizations. Coupled with the aromatic incense stores and tailors operated by Indians, the city is a melting pot of Asian, Western and African cultures. Gold Reef City: the restoration of the prosperous Gold Reef City in its full glory during the heyday of the gold rush in the 19th century.
 

Cultural experience: visitors can head to the Zulu Cultural Village within proximity to Johannesburg for a taste of authentic tribal culture and dance performances by the aborigines. Shopping: 
there is no better place than the Bruma Market World if you are interested in scavenging for treasures in a flea market. For an authentic and unforgettable experience of native African traditional culture, leave the area for the whites in the north and head southwest to Soweto. South African National Museum of Military History: home to an incredible collection of displays, including informative historical data and weapons used during the WWI, WWII and the first/second Boer Wars.