The world is a beautiful place, and its stunning beauty is often celebrated in popular lists like the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 7 Natural Wonders of the World, and more. However, there are so many amazing places on the planet that are sometimes missed on these famous lists. Narrowing these beautiful places down to just 5 is a challenging task, but this list presents an overview of the beauty that earth has to offer.
Zhangye, Danxia, Geopark, China
Zhangye Danxia Geopark has become one of the most popular sites for travelers and landscape photographers that visit China. Located in the Gansu province near the city of Zhangye, the geopark is known for the colorful rock formations that reach several hundred meters in height and showcase a sharp form. Many artists admire this stunning destination as it is vibrant and resembles an oil painting.
Banff National Park, Canada
If you have seen postcards of Canada, then it is likely that you know about Banff National Park. It is one of the most beautiful places in Canada. It is native to a number of glaciers, hot springs, and some of the tallest peaks in the country. Some of the top attractions of the park include Johnston Canyon, Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, and Lake Louise. Banff Upper Hot Springs are considered the best hot springs in the area. Overall, Banff National Park is an excellent choice if you are planning a getaway that will bring you closer to nature.
Pamukkale, Turkey
Pamukkale is a Turkish word that means “cotton castle”. It is the perfect way to describe this natural beauty in the River Menderes valley. The curved, smooth terraces are the result of limestone deposits from the flowing waters coming from the hot springs. Over thousands of years, the process has created a truly stunning and unique landscape. The best way to admire the awe and beauty of Pamukkale is from the sky on a hot air balloon.
Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam
Mu Cang Chai is often included in the list of most beautiful places in the world and it’s not surprising why. The destination is filled with many zigzagging terraces situated in the mountain slopes. Farmers in the area plant rice on these terraces. From February to April, they are flooded with water, creating a beautiful mirror-like effect in the sparkling sunlight. From May to September, the slopes exhibit a lavish emerald color when the rice sprouts rise. This is the best time of the year to visit the area.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
Stretching over 600 kilometers, Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic drives on the planet. The stunning coastal road takes you from Torquay to Warrnambool in Victoria and passes by a number of great attractions, including the popular Twelve Apostles. Along the coastal drive, you will see some of the best wildlife, nature, and scenery of Australia. There are a wide variety of activities along the way, such as sea sports, wine tasting, and more.
If you love nature and want to be awestruck by the beauty of the planet, these 5 places will certainly inspire you to plan a trip soon so you can experience the stunning landscape, magnificent views, exotic locals, and more.
Photos by: Ted Bryan, Aaron Greenwood, James Wheeler, Andrey Olesko, Quang Nguyen Vinh, Amit Kumar