尖峰国家公园的高峰步道，圣贝尼托县，加利福尼亚州，美国 High Peaks Trail at Pinnacles National Park, San Benito County, California (© yhelfman/Getty Images)

诞生于火，历久弥坚 A monumental milestone

加利福尼亚州尖峰国家公园成立纪念日

欢迎来到加州中部的尖峰国家公园，布满了锯齿状山峰、石塔、巨石和奇特的洞穴。1908年，当时西奥多·罗斯福总统将该地区指定为国家纪念地。随后在2013年，尖峰正式升级为国家公园。在庆祝其成立周年之际，让我们花点时间欣赏这个地方。2300万年前的一次火山喷发，造就了公园独特的地貌。这段炽热的历史创造了高耸的岩柱、峭壁和塌落巨石形成的堆积洞穴。经过数百万年的板块构造运动，这片土地向北推移，使公园远离了最初的火山发源地。真是一段漫长而奇妙的旅程！

公园内有各种徒步路线，既有轻松的步道，也有极具挑战的攀爬路径。例如，今日图片中展示的高峰步道，以陡峭的攀爬和狭窄通道著称，极为考验体力；而熊谷水库则提供了更悠闲的漫步体验。此外，尖峰国家公园也是多种野生动物的家园，包括山猫、野兔、黑尾鹿，以及啄木鸟和蝙蝠等鸟类，吸引着众多野生动物爱好者。公园最珍贵的宝藏之一是曾濒临灭绝的加利福尼亚神鹰。通过成功的保护计划，这些雄伟的鸟类被重新引入，成为尖峰国家公园引以为傲的成就。

Anniversary of Pinnacles National Park, California

Jagged pinnacles and spires, monoliths, and unusual caves—welcome to Pinnacles National Park in central California. President Theodore Roosevelt designated the area as a national monument in 1908, and Pinnacles would earn its status as a national park in 2013. As we celebrate the park's anniversary today, let's take a moment to appreciate this landscape. Pinnacles owes its formations to an ancient volcanic eruption that occurred 23 million years ago. The fiery beginnings made towering spires, cliffs, and talus caves, which are created by falling boulders wedged into narrow canyons. Over millennia, tectonic forces shifted the landmass northward, leaving the park far from its volcanic birthplace. Talk about a journey!

Pinnacles offers a variety of trails, from easy walks to challenging climbs. The High Peaks Trail, featured in today's image, tests your stamina with steep climbs and narrow passages, while Bear Gulch Reservoir provides a more relaxed stroll. Pinnacles is home to a range of wildlife including bobcats, jackrabbits, and black-tailed deer, and bird species like woodpeckers and bats, making it attractive for wildlife enthusiasts. Among the park's many treasures are once-endangered California condors, which were reintroduced here in a successful conservation effort.

魔鬼角，圣皮埃尔，留尼汪岛 (© MONTICO Lionel/Alamy)

魔鬼与自然的气息

留尼汪岛，魔鬼角

魔鬼角（Pointe du Diable）位于留尼汪岛，这里展现了自然力量与神秘气息的奇妙交汇。魔鬼角由约20万年前内日峰的熔岩流形成，这片玄武岩半岛壮丽地伸入印度洋。

魔鬼角的一侧曾是冲浪者的天堂，如今因鲨鱼袭击事件而让人敬畏，但这里依然回荡着人类与海洋和谐共处的传说。另一侧是卵石滩，海浪在这里不断雕刻着地貌。海风裹挟着咸腥的海水，波涛拍击悬崖的回响萦绕耳边，让人深刻感受到自然的残酷力量。

对于渔民来说，这里是一个盛产岩鱼的避风港。对于徒步旅行者，沿着海岸小径探索，可欣赏到令人叹为观止的全景景观。魔鬼角迷人与危险并存，是留尼汪岛地质与人类历史的生动见证。在此反思与自然的关系，心怀敬畏与感激。

萨阿拉·德拉谢拉村，加的斯省，西班牙 Village of Zahara de la Sierra, Cádiz province, Spain (© SEN LI/Getty Images)

宁静之地 Calmness overload

萨阿拉·德拉谢拉村，加的斯省，西班牙

萨哈拉·德拉谢拉位于西班牙加的斯的群山之上，是伊比利亚半岛南部历史与自然完美结合的白色小镇。村庄坐落在岩石山顶，从今日图片中可以看到，它俯瞰着碧蓝的萨哈拉-埃尔加斯托尔水库和郁郁葱葱的格拉萨莱马自然公园。该公园自1977年起被列为联合国教科文组织生物圈保护区。村内的摩尔人城堡遗址和15世纪塔楼，见证了其作为中世纪要塞的辉煌历史。漫步在鲜花簇拥的狭窄街道，参观风景如画的圣玛丽亚德拉梅萨教堂，或放松身心，尽享壮丽景色。萨哈拉·德拉谢拉还是探险的门户，徒步、骑行和皮划艇等活动只是小镇丰富体验的一部分。

许多人认为萨哈拉·德拉谢拉的名字来自阿拉伯语“azahar”，意为柑橘花。然而，研究表明，这一名称实际上源自“sahra”，意为荒野或贫瘠的土地，反映了小镇所在的岩石山地特征。作为安达卢西亚著名的“白色城镇”，萨哈拉·德拉谢拉定会让你在西班牙最美的角落之一收获难忘的体验。

Village of Zahara de la Sierra, Cadiz, Spain

Zahara de la Sierra, a stunning whitewashed village in the hills of Cádiz province in Spain, offers a blend of history and nature in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. Perched on a rocky hilltop, the village seen in today's image overlooks the Zahara-El Gastor Reservoir and the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1977. Its Moorish castle ruins and 15th-century tower reflect its history as a medieval fortress. Stroll through streets lined with flower-filled balconies, visit the church of Santa María de la Mesa, or simply relax and take in the views. Zahara is also a gateway to adventure—activities like hiking, cycling, and kayaking are only a little of what the village has to offer.

The name 'Zahara de la Sierra' was once thought to have come from 'azahar,' the Arabic word for 'citrus blossom.' However, studies suggest it comes from 'sahra,' which means 'wild' or 'barren land,' reflecting the rugged hill where the village is located. As part of Andalusia's Route of the White Villages, Zahara de la Sierra promises unforgettable experiences in a beautiful corner of Spain.

小屋和特尔莫尔灯塔，兰德温岛，威尔士，英国 Cottage with Tŵr Mawr Lighthouse in the background, Ynys Llanddwyn, Wales (© Westend61 on Offset/Shutterstock)

“威尔士”祝你新年快乐！ 'Welsh' you a Happy Hen Galan!

威尔士新年快乐！

谁说新年一定要在1月1日？在威尔士，1月13日，人们会“时钟倒转”庆祝盖兰节，也就是“旧新年”。 在这一传统中，“Calennig”（意为“新年礼物”）起着核心作用，将庆典与儒略历时代的风俗相连接。尽管1582年世界大部分地区改用格里高利历，但威尔士的一些地区依然坚持旧传统。在传统上，这一天会有孩子们挨家挨户拜访，唱歌送祝福，以此换取硬币、食物或糖果等礼物。其中一大特色是用丁香装饰的苹果，它们并非用来食用，而是象征好运与繁荣的装饰品。

尽管这些古老的传统在威尔士部分地区有所演变，但“Calennig”的精神依然存在。像威尔士的首都卡迪夫这样的城市已将这一庆典演变成了大型活动，包括烟花表演、集市和社区聚会。如果你的新年目标在1月13日已经动摇，“Calennig ”便为你提供了一个”重启“的机会。何不感受威尔士的魔力？举杯庆祝慢生活，或前往兰德温岛，欣赏这里的灯塔与小屋，这正是今天图片的拍摄地。毕竟，在威尔士，庆祝永远不嫌晚！

Happy Welsh New Year!

Who says New Year's Day has to be on January 1? In Wales, the clocks turn back—figuratively—to celebrate Hen Galan, or the 'Old New Year,' on January 13. As part of this tradition, Calennig, meaning 'New Year's gift' in Welsh, plays a central role, linking the celebration to customs from the Julian calendar era. Even after most of the world switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1582, some Welsh communities clung to their old ways. Traditionally, the day involves children going door-to-door, singing songs, and offering good wishes in exchange for gifts like coins, food, or sweets. A unique feature is its clove-decorated apples. These aren't for snacking, though; they're miniature symbols of luck and prosperity.

While these old traditions have evolved in some parts of Wales, the spirit of Calennig thrives. Cities like Cardiff, the capital of Wales, have transformed the celebration into large-scale events, complete with fireworks, markets, and community gatherings. If your New Year's resolutions are already wobbling by January 13, Calennig offers a do-over. So why not embrace a little Welsh magic? Raise a toast to the joys of taking things slow or visit Ynys Llanddwyn for its lighthouse and cottages, featured in today's image. After all, in Wales, it's never too late to celebrate.

梅克内斯的Heri es-Swani，摩洛哥 Heri es-Swani in Meknes, Morocco (© Calin Stan/Shutterstock)

旧时代的古老拱门 Arches of a bygone era

梅克内斯，摩洛哥

梅克内斯位于摩洛哥中北部，是一座历史悠久的皇家城市。17世纪，阿拉维王朝的苏丹伊斯梅尔·伊本·谢里夫曾将其作为摩洛哥的首都。这座城市以宏伟的城墙、壮丽的城门以及经久不衰的建筑闻名，完美体现了摩洛哥的建筑风格。其中最令人印象深刻的地标之一就是今日图片展示的古城赫里·埃斯·斯瓦尼。

赫里·艾斯-斯瓦尼最初建造为马厩，同时也用于储存大量粮食，供养城市居民和苏丹的军队。这座建筑的设计既实用又令人印象深刻，厚实的墙壁和创新的冷却系统，有效维持了食物储存的稳定性。建筑内部由22排对称拱门将空间分为若干走廊，过去曾有拱形天花板。在当时，骡子会爬到屋顶平台，将粮食通过专门设计的天花板洞口送入下方的储存空间。这里曾经可以容纳多达1.2万匹马，如今，这座建筑仅剩一座空壳，宛如一幅充满历史感的风景画，等待着人们前来探索。对于好奇古代帝国是如何建造和维持的人而言，这座历史古迹无疑是必游之地。

Heri es-Swani in Meknes, Morocco

An imperial city in northern central Morocco, Meknes is steeped in history. Once the capital of Morocco under Sultan Ismail Ibn Sharif of the Alawi dynasty in the 17th century, it's known for its massive walls, grand gates, and structures built to last centuries. Meknes reflects the Moroccan style of architecture, with one of its most impressive landmarks being Heri es-Swani, seen in today's image.

Heri es-Swani was originally constructed as a stable and for storing vast amounts of grain to sustain the settlement and the sultan's armies. Its design was both practical and impressive—thick walls and an innovative cooling system helped maintain the food supply. Twenty-two rows of symmetrical arches divided the space into corridors that once had vaulted ceilings. Back then, mules climbed onto the roof terrace to deliver grain, which was dropped through specially designed holes to the floor below. The structure housed more than 12,000 horses. Today, it stands as an empty shell, acting as a scenic backdrop ready to be explored. This historical monument is a must-see for anyone curious about how empires were built and fed.

亚伯拉罕湖，阿尔伯塔省，加拿大 Abraham Lake, Alberta, Canada (© Basic Elements Photography/Getty Images)

冰层中气泡奇观 Bubbles, bubbles everywhere

亚伯拉罕湖，阿尔伯塔省，加拿大

听说过冻住的泡泡吗？每到冬季，加拿大阿尔伯塔省的亚伯拉罕湖便会上演这一奇观，这些气泡不仅美丽，更是科学的结晶。建于1972年的亚伯拉罕湖是一个占地超过20平方英里的人造湖，沿北萨斯喀彻温河延伸。湖泊的水源来自落基山脉的冰川融水，即使在寒冬，湖水依然清澈透明。冰川融水携带的细小沉积物能够散射阳光，而岩石的天然过滤作用将污染物降至最低。

冬季的亚伯拉罕湖吸引了来自世界各地的摄影师和游客，他们渴望在这里目睹这一罕见的奇观：冰冻气泡。湖床上的腐烂植物会释放出甲烷等气体，当气温降至一定程度时，涌向湖面的气体被冰层锁住，形成了大小不一、形态各异的气泡层。更令人惊奇的是，这些绚丽壮观的气泡虽冻结在脚下，却高度易燃。一月至二月冰层最厚，气泡也最为清晰可见。如果你计划前往参观，尽量在靠近岸边的区域活动，以确保安全。

Abraham Lake, Alberta, Canada

Ever heard of frozen bubbles? Abraham Lake in Alberta, Canada, has them during the winter, and they're not just beautiful—they're science in action. Created in 1972, Abraham Lake is a human-made reservoir that spans more than 20 square miles along the North Saskatchewan River. Thanks to glacier-fed waters from the Rocky Mountains, the lake stays transparent even in the coldest months. Glacial meltwater carries fine sediment that scatters sunlight, while natural filtration through rocks keeps pollutants to a minimum.

The snowy season attracts photographers and visitors from around the world who are eager to capture a rare sight at Preacher's Point: bubbles. These frozen globes form when microorganisms break down dead plants and animals on the lake bed, releasing methane. As the gas rises, it gets trapped by the ice, creating layers of bubbles in various sizes and shapes. It's wild to think that they're flammable and chilling under your feet. The ice is thickest in January and February and the bubbles clearly visible. If you're planning to check it out, just remember to stick close to the shoreline for your safety.

苏丝斯黎沙丘，纳米布沙漠，纳米比亚 Sossusvlei sand dunes, Namib Desert, Namibia (© Airpano/Amazing Aerial Agency)

变换的地平线 Shifting horizons

苏丝斯黎沙丘，纳米布沙漠，纳米比亚

想象在日出时分，连绵起伏的沙丘泛着橙色光芒，延伸至视野尽头，欢迎来到横跨纳米比亚数千英里的纳米布沙漠。据估计它已有5500万年的历史，被认为是世界上最古老的沙漠。这里拥有地球上最著名的沙丘，包括高达1,066英尺的“大爸爸”沙丘；纳米比亚最高的沙丘“沙丘7”，高度达1256英尺；以及深受摄影师喜爱的“沙丘45”，高度约为560英尺。

在这片广袤干旱的沙漠中心，是苏丝斯黎，也就是今天图片中的场景。这里是一片被高耸沙丘环绕的盐沼和黏土平原，讲述了一个对比的故事。大约每十年，曹查布河泛滥时，这片平原会化作令人惊叹的碧蓝湖泊。附近的‘死亡谷’令人毛骨悚然，这里有古老干枯的骆驼刺树，由于极度干燥的气候，它们未曾腐烂，仿佛被时间冻结。游客还能在此目睹一个充满惊人生命力的生态系统。从适应力极强的剑羚到聪明的纳米布沙漠甲虫，后者通过背部收集雾滴饮用水，这片沙漠充满了生存与韧性的故事。

被雪覆盖的长城，中国 Snow on the Great Wall, China (© View Stock/Alamy Stock Photo)

银装素裹，巍峨壮丽 Sliver-covered and magnificent

长城，中国

如今，这个古老的奇迹绵延 13,000 多英里，横跨崎岖的山脉、峡谷和数千年前修建的沙漠防御工事。长城上有陡峭的壕沟和瞭望塔，用以抵御入侵者。徒步攀登长城可以近距离感受这一历史地标，体验独特的长城之旅。从保存完好的慕田峪长城，到人迹罕至、最原始、最险峻的箭扣长城，每段长城的体验都不尽相同，有些台阶像梯子一样高。中国长城不仅仅是一堵墙，它还象征着坚韧和力量。今天，我们攀登长城，就是用顽强的毅力向更高的地方攀登！

National Take the Stairs Day

New year, new goals—so why not start by taking a step toward better health? On this National Take the Stairs Day, let's climb into the past. The Great Wall of China, one of the longest humanmade structures in the world, offers the perfect inspiration. Stretching more than 13,000 miles and dating back thousands of years, the ancient marvel in today's picture is a series of fortifications spanning rugged mountains, valleys, and deserts. Featuring steep trenches and watchtowers, parts of it were designed to keep invaders at bay. Hiking the Great Wall offers a unique glimpse into this historical landmark. The experience varies from well-preserved sections like Mutianyu to wild, unrestored parts such as Jiankou. Some steps are so high, they're more like steps on a ladder! Talk about a workout—taking these stairs could rival any modern fitness challenge.

The Great Wall of China isn't just a wall, but a symbol of perseverance and strength. Similarly, taking the stairs instead of the elevator is a small but empowering step toward better health. Millions of people live with chronic conditions like asthma, and by choosing the stairs, you're not just building strength, but also improving your overall health. So, the next time you face an elevator, think of the Great Wall and take the stairs. Your future self will thank you!

日落时的摩拉基大圆石，南岛，新西兰 Moeraki Boulders at sunset, South Island, New Zealand (© Douglas Pearson/eStock Photo)

岩石与滚石 Rocks and rollers

摩拉基大圆石，南岛，新西兰

今天是“古老岩石日”，一个庆祝和学习古老岩石与化石的节日。岩石虽常见，但我们很少花时间思考它们的神奇之处。在火山中锻造或在千年压力下形成的这些固体矿物质，是我们了解地球如何形成的关键。岩石中还可能包含化石，即早已灭绝的生物遗骸，为科学家揭示地球45亿年历史中生命和植物的演化线索。

世界上最奇特的岩石景观之一位于新西兰的科伊科希海滩。摩拉基大圆石中有些直径达到7英尺，经过数百万年的自然雕琢形成。每一块巨石最初都起源于约6500万年前海底的一颗小石子。随着时间推移，泥沙在其周围逐渐堆积，并被方解石粘合在一起。受侵蚀和海水运动的影响，这些巨石最终显露于世。如今，新的巨石仍不断形成，而原有的巨石则在自然作用下逐渐分解。

Moeraki Boulders, South Island, New Zealand

Are you ready to rock the new year? Today is Old Rock Day, a day for celebrating and learning about old rocks and fossils. Rocks are common and few of us take the time to consider how amazing they are. But forged in volcanoes or molded by millennia of pressure, these solid masses of minerals hold the key to understanding how our planet formed. Rocks can also contain fossils, the remnants of long-extinct organisms, which give scientists clues about what creatures and plants have lived on Earth during its 4.5-billion-year history.

One of the world's most curious rock displays can be found on Koekohe Beach in New Zealand. The Moeraki Boulders, some of which are 7 feet in diameter, have been shaped by nature over millions of years. Each boulder started as a pebble on the seabed around 65 million years ago. Over time, layers of mud and silt built up around them, cemented together by calcite. Thanks to erosion and the movement of the sea, the boulders eventually emerged. Today, new boulders are still appearing, while the elements are slowly breaking down existing ones.

被水淹没的地下室，圣弗朗西斯大教堂，拉文纳，意大利 Flooded crypt, Basilica of San Francesco, Ravenna, Italy (© Andrea Pucci/Getty Images)

神圣的深渊 Divine depths

被水淹没的地下室，圣弗朗西斯大教堂，拉文纳，意大利

在意大利拉文纳市，有一座圣弗朗西斯大教堂，以其美丽和历史意义而闻名。这座罗马式教堂始建于公元450年，在9世纪时又加建了一座坚固的方形钟楼，使教堂的外观更加突出。教堂设计有三座中殿，由两排各12根圆柱分隔。而今日图片中的圣弗朗西斯大教堂最引人注目的部分是地下墓穴。这座墓穴是早期宗教设计的杰出典范，拥有向下倾斜的拱形天花板和排列整齐的石柱。地面铺设的地砖镶嵌着精美复杂的马赛克图案，至今仍然保存完好，堪称艺术杰作。

拉文纳建在松软的沼泽地上，由于城市逐渐下沉，拉文纳面临着持续的结构性挑战，这在墓穴中尤为显著，如今墓穴常年淹没在约一英尺深的水中。然而，拉文纳并未对抗洪水而是选择接受它，在水池中放养了金鱼，金鱼在古老的石柱间和淹没的马赛克地砖上方游动。游客们常向水中投掷硬币祈求好运，使这座墓穴更像是一口许愿池，而非传统的埋葬之地。

Flooded crypt, Basilica of San Francesco, Ravenna, Italy

In the Italian province of Ravenna lies the Basilica of San Francesco, recognized for its beauty and historical significance. This Romanesque church, originally built in 450, features a sturdy square bell tower added in the 9th century, enhancing the basilica's exterior. Its design features three naves, divided by two rows of 12 columns each. Featured in today's image is the basilica's real showstopper: The basement crypt, or burial chamber, is a stunning model of early religious design. Complete with vaulted ceilings that slope down into rows of stone columns, its floor is a work of art itself. It's inlaid with beautifully intricate mosaic tiles that have withstood the test of time.

Built on soft marshland, Ravenna faces ongoing structural challenges because the entire city is gradually sinking. This is particularly evident in the crypt, which now remains perpetually submerged under about a foot of water. But instead of battling the slow flood, the basilica has embraced it, filling the pool with goldfish that glide between the ancient columns and above the submerged mosaics. Visitors often toss coins into the water, making the crypt more of a wishing well than a burial site.