Amazing Aerial Views That Show The World In A New And Interesting Light
While walking along sandy beaches, mountain trails, and wintery landscapes can be breathtaking; there's nothing quite like the exotic bird's-eye aerial view. And with the invention of drones, those exquisite views are now more accessible than ever.
From the clear blue waters of Grecian islands to the winter wonderland of Kamchatka, Russia, here are some aerial views that will have you rethinking your place in the world.
400,000 Chrysanthemums In Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
It might not look like it from afar, but this aerial view is actually a stunning display of 400,000 Chrysanthemums in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. Particularly significant in Chinese culture during the Double Ninth Festival, the chrysanthemum symbolizes autumn and longevity.
Apart from the Double Ninth Festival, there are many other celebrations around the country dedicated to the flower. During the Chrysanthemum Festival, for example, people hold chrysanthemum planting and modeling competitions! Participants go all out, modeling life-sized animals and Chinese characters out of the bright flowers.
A Shipwreck Off The Coast Of Greece's Epanomi Beach
Off the coast of the tiny Grecian town of Epanomi lies a rusting ship that found its permanent home at the bottom of the sea in the 1970s. According to the locals, the ship was carrying out "oil transfer works" when it hit a sandbar.
The sailors abandoned the ship, and it's been there ever since. Now, it's a great diving site for those ambitious enough to follow the winding sandy roads leading to the peninsula.
Tea Gardens Surrounded By Qiandao Lake
Located in the Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province of China, there is a village called Cunkeng that lies on Qiandao Lake. But the area is more than merely beautiful; it's also the home to organic tea gardens.
The tea grown here takes on a naturally sweet aftertaste, thanks to the freshwater of the human-made lake and the village's pollution-free environment. Looking very closely at this aerial image, there are tiny specks visible in the gardens. Those spots are people!
Spinner Sharks Off The Coast Of Palm Beach, Florida
This particular aerial image is amazing yet frightening, depending on who you're talking to. Taken off the coast of Palm Beach, Florida, the photo shows a shiver of spinner sharks.
Aptly named for their spinning leaps, this particular shark species enjoys spending time in the warmer, more tropical waters found around the world. Interestingly, they can't seem to make up their minds when it comes to depth. They can be found anywhere from 300 feet deep to the very shallow waters directly off the coast, as seen here.
Cherry Tree Blossoms In Guizhou, China
The Guizhou Guian Cherry Blossom Garden is home to more than 700,000 cherry blossom trees, all of which bloom into varying shades of stunning pastel pink flowers. A tourist hotspot, the cherry blossom trees are a sight to behold in full bloom.
Seeing the blooms in this aerial view, one can truly see how the pink flower overtakes the surrounding blue and green landscape in an awe-inspiring display of what nature is fully capable of.
The "Winter Fairy Tale" Of Russia's Kronotsky Nature Reserve
This magnificent view is of the snowmobile and ski routes throughout the Kronotsky Nature Reserve in Kamchatka, Russia. The photo showcases the reserve's Shchapina spruce forest, a unique area that has never caught fire nor been chopped down for any reason, including for lumber.
It's no wonder the beautiful, snowy route has the name "Winter Fairy Tale." The scene looks like something straight out of a Hans Christian Andersen story.
A Forest After A Raging Wild Fire In Talca, Chile
In 2017, Talca, Chile was hit with what former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet called the "greatest forest disaster in Chilean history." Two days after New Year celebrations, the hillsides of Valparaíso went up in flames, soon followed by hundreds of thousands of acres.
This aerial view shows the after-effects of a forest located in Talsa, Chile, once the fires were under control. In the photo, a team can be "seen" scattering seeds so one day a new forest of trees will grow.
A Humpback Whale Next To A Boat In Byron Bay, Australia
Australia is home to many wild and fantastic creatures, including gigantic humpback whales. Ranging from 39–52 feet, this particular whale absolutely dwarfs the boat right next to it. And at 28–33 tons, it's safe to say the boat's passengers were equal parts thrilled at the sight as well as a bit scared the gentle giant was going to capsize their vessel!
Humpback whale watching has become a very popular tourist activity in more than one part of the world.
Plots Made By Workers In Guérande's Salt Marshes
Located in Guérande, France, the salt marshes shown in this image have been a major player in salt production for hundreds of years. Virtually a swamp full of saltwater, 4,200 acres in size, the marshes are home to many different forms of life, including 280 different species of migrating birds!
Among marshland experts, the salty area is also a very popular tourist destination. There's even a gift shop to purchase high-end salts!
Lake Fennberg In Italy Looks Like A Dream
Located in the middle of a dense forest, surrounded by mountains, and sitting 1,043 meters above sea level is Lake Fennberg. With 35 types of orchids, freshwater crayfish, and a whole slew of various other types of animals and flora, the lake is considered the perfect place for a summer swim.
Located in the Italian providence of South Tyrol, Lake Fennberg is the epitome of quiet countryside living and is an ideal place to go and relax.
Victoria Falls In All Its Glory
Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is the incredible spectacle on the Zambezi River. At 354-feet tall and 5,604-feet wide, Victoria Falls is considered one of the largest natural waterfalls in the world.
The first European to discover the marvel was David Livingstone, who stumbled upon the falls in 1855. Now, it is a highly sought-after tourist attraction, especially the "Devil's Pool." A naturally formed "armchair" sits at the edge of the falls.
The Crystal Waters Of Greece's Kavourotrypes Beach
Kavourotrypes, also known as Orange Beach or Portokali, is a sliver of land located near Sarti, Greece. Dubbed "real paradise on earth," the area has crystal blue waters, white sandy beaches, and a fantastic view of Mt. Athos in the distance. Oh, and it's completely surrounded by a palm tree and rock forest.
It might not come as a surprise to learn that this is one of Greece's most popular tourist locations.
The Keketuohai Scenic Area
This is an aerial view of Xinjiang, China's Keketuohai scenic area which is full of lakes, waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and acres upon acres of beautiful forests. A huge tourist destination, the area receives around 568,000 people on an annual basis.
This particular shot was taken during the autumn months, showcasing the vivid leaves as they begin to change color. According to Trip.com, this is one of those must-see locations when visiting the region.
The National Park Of Tzoumerka's Winding Road
The National Park of Tzoumerka in Tzoumerka, Greece, is a sight to behold. Full of natural beauty, the park is known for its spectacular waterfalls, radiant rivers, and overall forest landscape that has been untouched by Greece's booming tourist developments.
Popular attractions in the park include the breathtaking stone Plaka Bridge, the mountainside Monastery of Our Lady of Kipina, the monuments of Statuary Square, and, of course, the winding road.
Pearl Farmers Hard At Work In Deqing County
In China's Zhejiang Province, freshwater pearl farming is the main source of income for many of the residents. In fact, this particular providence is China's largest production base for freshwater pearls.
In 2016 alone, the farmers procured 200,000 pounds of freshwater pearls, a solid 10% of China's total for the year. That's a whole lot of pearls! That same year, the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture added freshwater pearl farming to the country's list of "most important agricultural heritage," according to CGTN Live.
Lumber Floating Down Lake Saimaa In Finland
Lake Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland and is used for a wide variety of activities, thanks to its canal. Connecting Lake Saimaa to the Gulf of Finland, the canal is used to transport various goods, such as lumber, metals, minerals, and other cargo.
This aerial view showcases a bit of the logging that goes on around the lake, with many pieces of timber from the logging industry floating majestically on the surface of the lake.
An Amusement Park During China's Lantern Festival
This aerial image is an amusement park set up during the celebration of the Lantern Festival in Binzhou, Shandong Province of China. Celebrated on the 15th day of the first month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the festival celebrates the future.
The main attraction of the festival, the lanterns, come in various colors. Some people let go of red lanterns, meaning they're hoping for a year of happiness while letting go of a gold lantern symbolizes future wealth.
The Wintery Road To The Ski Resort In Kocaeli, Turkey
This beautiful wintery landscape is located in Kocaeli, Turkey, near the popular tourist ski destination and resort called Kartepe. Fully equipped with everything an avid snow enthusiast could ever dream of, the area offers more than one lodging option.
Of course, you have to get there first! As seen in the photo, the path to get up the mountain is beautiful, serene, and most likely covered in ice. So, it's not for the faint of heart!
A Boat Off The Coast Of Lidingö Island In Sweden
Sweden isn't known for its warm weather, something that probably explains the chunks of ice floating past this boat in the waters off Lidingö Island. While the ice isn't exactly an attractive feature to some visitors, the island has made a name for itself and has some very affluent residents.
More than one famous Swede calls the island their home, including Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA.
Cape Miseno, The Tip Of The Phlegraean Peninsula
A bit away from the rest of civilization is Cape Miseno, the very tip of the Phlegraean Peninsula that borders both the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Pozzuoli. Located on the picturesque cliffside is the Capo Miseno Lighthouse, a still-working lighthouse that has been active since its construction in 1869.
Rebuilt in 1953, the lighthouse stands 12-feet tall and is connected to a two-story house where the keeper lives.
