Dalian is a major coastal city in Liaoning Province in northeastern China, situated on the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula between the Yellow Sea and Korea Bay. Its long coastline, numerous bays, hills, and waterfront districts give the city a strong maritime character. Dalian is an important port and commercial center, while its urban landscape includes broad streets, public squares, parks, and historic buildings.

Malibu is a coastal city in Southern California, stretching along the Pacific Ocean west of Los Angeles. The community is set between the Santa Monica Mountains and a long, irregular coastline of sandy beaches, rocky coves, sea cliffs, and offshore waters. Much of Malibu remains relatively low-density, with homes and roads following the narrow coastal strip between the mountains and ocean.

Polonnaruwa, located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, served as the island’s capital nearly a thousand years ago. Today, it offers one of the most extensive and well-preserved archaeological sites in South Asia. Visitors can walk among the ruins of royal palaces, Buddhist monasteries, and intricately carved stone temples. One of the highlights of Polonnaruwa is the Gal Vihara, a group of colossal Buddha statues carved directly into granite.

Cat Ba, the largest island in Vietnam’s Halong Bay, is a striking mix of rugged limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and vibrant jungle. Long home to fishing communities, the island has retained its local charm while also becoming a gateway to the natural wonders of the surrounding bay.

The Dades Gorges, carved by the Dades River in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, offer a winding stretch of road, towering rock walls, and centuries-old kasbahs perched on the cliffs. Located between the towns of Boumalne Dades and M’semrir, the gorge is especially known for its switchback road, often nicknamed “the snaking road of Tissadrine.” It’s a favorite among photographers and motorcyclists, with hairpin curves that reveal a new layer of landscape with every turn.