The Danxia of China are rocky mountains in the country's southeast, southwest and northeast. These mountains are over 80 million years old and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their unique appearance. Indeed, the sedimentary layers of the rocks, in ochre tones, range from light yellow to red, which creates an astonishing ►
The Danxia of China are rocky mountains in the country's southeast, southwest and northeast. These mountains are over 80 million years old and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their unique appearance. Indeed, the sedimentary layers of the rocks, in ochre tones, range from light yellow to red, which creates an astonishing contrast with the green touches that dot the terrain. Tectonic plate movements and erosion created these reliefs composed of cliffs, valleys and turrets. To the northwest, Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park is home to the best-known Rainbow Mountains, which rise to 2000 meters above sea level and are one of the favorite destinations of locals. The most magical thing about this already exceptional place is that the hues of the mountains change throughout the day and during the seasons.
The famous painted dunes are named after their colors in California's Lassen Volcanic National Park land. They are sometimes described as a landscape straight out of a watercolor painting. These particular colors are caused by ash fallout and volcanism in the area. This rich geological area is one of the few places that presents the four types of volcanoes. The hilly terrain is dotted with trees, and the colors of the dunes create a holographic effect seen from above, contrasting with the surrounding black volcanic rock. To enjoy this panorama, you can climb the Cinder Cone volcano adjacent to the dunes. The golden hour, the beginning of the sunset, is the best time to admire the painted dunes because the rays give them a unique hue.
The Netherlands in spring is a real paradise for lovers of flowers and bright colors. The country is, of course, known for its tulips, but not only: at this time of year, dozens of colorful flower beds adorn the cities of Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam or Utrecht. You can also observe cherry blossoms and attend the Amsterdam Tulip Festival, which marks the beginning of spring. Tours of tulip farms, gardens, and parades are organized. The Keukenhof flower park in Lisse hosts a large parade featuring flowers, and you can also move away from the cities to admire the fields covered with flowers of all colors, planted at the foot of the windmills typical of the Netherlands.
At the heart of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, has the largest pool of hot water in the United States, heated to more than 70 ° C, with a depth of more than 30 meters and a diameter exceeding 100 meters. This spring, called Grand Prismatic Spring, owes its fame to the gradient of colors it displays, ranging from bright orange on its banks to deep blue in the middle of the water. In this area, whose surreal landscape is reminiscent of that of another planet, there are also geysers, such as the Old Faithful, one of the largest and most active in the world. To make the most of the colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, take the Fairy Falls Trail, which will give you a view from above of the basin and the steam that emanates from it, as well as the geysers and rich wildlife of the region.
In Udon Thani, in northeastern Thailand, Red Lotus Lake seems straight out of a fantasy universe. This body of water is covered with pink flowers as far as the eye can see, but be careful; you have to go there early in the morning because the flowers, which are actually water lilies, are open at daybreak and close in late morning. Sunrise boat tours are offered to watch the flowers open, and the sun's rays reveal the shimmering colors of the lake: the pink of the flowers, the green of the leaves, and the golden reflections on the lake's water. Early in the morning, it is also easier to spot the many birds that live in the vicinity.
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