Unusual Places Everyone Should Visit
You may have seen the Grand Canyon, Thai temples, or Machu Picchu. But now it’s time to branch out and explore some of the world’s more strange and unexplainable places! We’ve compiled a mix of the most eccentric, obscure, and puzzling destinations that may be just what you’re looking for. Find out about the weirdest places on earth that are guaranteed to shock and amaze you!
1. Rainbow Mountains of China
Zhangye, a sunny desert town in southwestern China, lies at the foot of a striking limestone mountain range. The highest peak, known as “The Five Colored Mountains,” draws visitors from all four corners of the earth. The mountain range is composed of five different colors, each representing a distinct element: the yellow Gishan is for gold, white Yangguan is for water, red Laoshan is for fire, green Fengshan is for wood, and blue Xianyashan represents metal (which is to be found underneath the mountain).
2. Glass Beach
California’s Glass Beach is a popular destination, but maybe you haven’t heard about it before reading this. Over the years, however, it has attracted a less desirable crowd: beachcombers and squatters living on the lands illegally. In the early 20th century, residents of this part of California were concerned about the amount of refuse washing up on their beaches. The government designated this beach as a dump site and tons of garbage was deposited there through the years, which created colorful pieces of glass that now attract tourists worldwide.
3. Socatra Island
Socotra Island, which is about 350 miles off the coast of Somalia in the Indian Ocean, has been called “the most alien-looking place on earth.” It was discovered by an Italian explorer who named it after his boat. The island has the oldest trees ( dragon’s blood tree ) and other vegetation that can survive without fresh water.
4. Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills in the Philippines is a former volcano with a lush and grassy rolling landscape dotted with more than 3,000 chocolate-colored hills. The hills range in size from around 30 feet high to 100 feet high. Nobody is sure about the origin of their name; some say it’s because sulfur mixed with rainwater created a sweet smell like chocolate, while others think it’s because when locals discovered them, the grass was so tall that only the hills appeared above it.