12 beautiful gem-like towns

[New Sancai Compilation and First Release] The world is big and beautiful. Beautiful small towns are not particularly hard to find. Of all the beautiful places to visit in every corner of the globe, here are just a few of the towns worth seeing for yourself.

△ Gordes, France: Gordes is often crowded with tourists in the summer. But can you really blame tourists for wanting to immerse themselves in the magic of one of the most beautiful villages in France, if not the world? Set high on the cliffs above a valley, it has cobbled lanes, churches and a monastery, dotted with lavender fields that look like they were plucked from a storybook.

△ Japan, Shirakawa-go (Shirakawa-go, Japan): Shirakawa-go, located in Ono District, Japan, is one of the snowiest places on earth, with an average annual snowfall of 400 inches. Its thatched-roof architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adds an extra sparkle. As the winter wonderland fades and the weather warms up, this traditional and peaceful little village takes on a woodland charm, with the hillsides turning deep green and colorful and fragrant wildflowers blooming.

△ Giethoorn, Netherlands: Giethoorn (also known as the "Venice of the Netherlands") has approximately 2,800 residents. This idyllic village in the province of Overijssel in the northeastern Netherlands is known for its hand-dug canals, 176 bridges connecting the islands to the mainland, walking and cycling trails, and thatched houses dating back to the 18th century. And famous. Since the infrastructure here doesn't support cars, residents (and nearly a million tourists a year) get around by boat, on foot, and by bicycle.

△ Stepantsminda, Georgia: Located along the Georgian Military Road worth a road trip, Stepantsminda is a quiet town in the Caucasus Mountains in northeastern Georgia. It is famous for its 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church, which sits atop the massive snow-capped peak of Mount Kazbek at an altitude of 7,119 feet. This valley village is also filled with ancient myths, adding to its mystique.

△ Oia, Greece: Every summer, tourists flock to Oia, a small fishing village on the northwest tip of Santorini. But the sheer number of outsiders has caused distress among locals and longtime visitors. But it's hard to blame visitors for wanting to see the characteristic whitewashed houses on the cliffs, the sparkling Aegean Sea and the sunset over the caldera.

△ Guatapé, Colombia: Travel two hours east from Medellín and you will see Guatapé, a vibrant Andean town with natural beauty and There are also man-made beauties. Photogenic Guatapé resembles a brightly colored facade decorated with delightful hand-painted murals. It also has a huge artificial lake that is a beautiful and popular place for water sports. Protruding to the southwest is the Piedra del Peñol, where visitors can climb hundreds of steps to the top for a panoramic view.

△ United States, Stowe, Vermont: Among the many beautiful towns in the Green Mountain State, Stowe in northern Florida continues to be famous for its covered bridges, typical New England architecture and seasonal scenery. The changing scenery is breathtaking. It's a winter dreamland with piles of powder snow, frozen Bingham Falls, ski slopes, groomed cross-country ski trails and ice skating. During the warmer months, attention turns to the hiking trails and verdant mountain views of Smugglers' Notch State Park.

△Ban Rak Thai, Thailand: With a population of less than 1,000 people, Ban Rak Thai is synonymous with "sleepy town". Its remote location in northwestern Thailand keeps this stunning village under wraps and away from the hordes of tourists. This means you can see lush mountains, tea plantations and houses hung with traditional Chinese lanterns without having to fight through the crowds. To appreciate the peaceful beauty of Ban Ratai at its best, get up early and watch the mist roll on the lake.

△ Ilulissat, Greenland: Ilulissat is like a scene from a movie, including the towering icebergs and colorful Ilulissat Icefjord, Disko Bay of houses. Although its cinematic beauty leaves visitors questioning whether it's the product of Hollywood special effects, we assure you that this coastal town in western Greenland is real. Visitors can also expect to see the dance of the Northern Lights in winter and the emergence of the midnight sun in summer.

△ Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany: Few places reflect the wonder and splendor of Rothenburg. Located along the famous Romantic Road in the Franconia region of Bavaria, this fairytale German village features solid cobblestone alleys, intact city walls and medieval buildings including Half-timbered houses and historic castle), with tree-lined views from all sides. Day-trippers come to this enchanting land, and even the crowds don't dim its brilliance.

△Mexico, San Sebastian Bernal (San Sebastian Bernal, Mexico): San Sebastian Bernal is a quaint village in the central highlands of Querétaro state, backed by the The volcanic rock boulders are considered to be peculiar villages. The cobbled streets, colorful facades, sacred boulder backdrop and the surrounding vast arid landscape create a fascinating contrast. This is a place where natural beauty, culture and tradition come together in the most fascinating way.

△ Stone Town of Zanzibar, Tanzania: Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Stone Town of Zanzibar is a unique cultural center with hundreds of years of history. , a well-preserved example of a Swahili coastal trading port. For hundreds of years, things have remained essentially the same. This allows visitors to better appreciate the enduring charm of the maze-like streets, beautiful old houses, vibrant bazaars, palace-turned-museums, mosques, cathedrals and Omani fortresses.

(Author: Lindsay Cohn)

(Compiled by: Bai Ding)

(Editor: Jiang Qiming)

(Source of the article: First published by Xinsancai)