On September 27, DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, together with Lonely Planet China, the world’s leading travel information provider, jointly recommended ten “Aerial Views of China · Breathtaking Destinations,” aiming to help more people discover the enchanting landscapes of the Chinese land and the magical appeal of aerial photography.
The selected destinations for “Aerial Views of China · Breathtaking Destinations” were chosen through public voting and jointly recommended by industry travel experts and aerial photography professionals. These ten places are already well known to the public for their inherent scenery and conventional tourist perspectives. Remarkably, when viewed from the air, the familiar landscapes transform and evolve into new dimensions and layers. It stirs a deep yearning to explore further and touch the hidden, fantastical beauty of these places.
Today, travelers’ needs have evolved from “just visiting” to “immersive experiences.” Sharing travel experiences has also become more diverse and sophisticated. To empower photography-loving travelers to become the “protagonists” and “experiencers” of their journeys, DJI has continuously innovated and iterated its products in both design and functionality. It is reported that the current flagship product, the “Mavic” Mavic Pro, features a foldable design—compact, portable, and user-friendly. Equipped with DJI’s latest flight platform and aerial imaging technology, it offers a maximum transmission distance of 7 kilometers and a flight time of up to 27 minutes, helping travelers unleash their creativity anytime, anywhere.
This National Day holiday, let’s appreciate the majestic beauty of China “reaching the skies” through the unique aerial perspectives provided by portable travel drones like the “Mavic” Mavic Pro.
Recommended: Ten “Aerial Views of China · Breathtaking Destinations”
【Fujian Tulou】 (Author: Zheng Zeng Source: DJI SkyPixel)
【Sichuan · Ruoergai First Bend of the Yellow River】 (Author: Baoding Source: Baoding)
【Hunan · Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan】 (Author/Source: Wulingyuan District Tourism Bureau)
【Jiangxi · Wuyuan Huangling Shaiqiu (Autumn Drying)】 (Author/Source: DJI)
【Guangxi · Longji Rice Terraces】 (Author: Yi Mi Wang Xian Source: DJI SkyPixel)
Beijing · Jiankou Great Wall
Viewed from above, Jiankou unfolds a breathtaking panoramic view of the Great Wall stretching along the mountain ridge. As the seasons change, spring blossoms and winter snow set off the ancient yet unyielding walls on the ridgeline. Countless stunning photographic works attract Great Wall enthusiasts from all over to witness its grandeur. Structures like General's Pass, Eagle Flies Facing Up, Beijing Knot, and Nine-Eye Tower form a winding chain of watchtowers and beacon towers.
Fujian · Tulou
The uniquely UFO-like architectural style of Fujian Tulou makes them perfect subjects for drone photography. Nestled among forests and terraced fields, they offer richly colored, regionally distinctive photos from an aerial perspective.
Sichuan · Ruoergai First Bend of the Yellow River
In Ruoergai, at the border between Sichuan and Gansu, the vast and fertile grasslands stretch far and wide. Here, the Yellow River meets the Baihe River, creating a particularly spectacular scene at sunset. With an absolutely high vantage point, you’ll find that the term “nine bends and eighteen turns” is simply not enough to describe the winding river.
Gansu · Zhangye Danxia
Gansu Province was named the No. 1 Best Travel Destination in Asia by Lonely Planet in 2017. For aerial photography, we believe the magnificent Danxia landforms in Zhangye are among the most eye-catching features.
Hunan · Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan
If you’ve seen the movie Avatar, you must vividly remember the floating mountains on Pandora. Giant rocks hover in mid-air, forming ranges through the clouds, with steep cliffs covered in vegetation and waterfalls cascading down.
Jiangxi · Wuyuan Huangling
In recent years, widely promoted Wuyuan Huangling seems like a rural theme park tailor-made for drone photography. Villagers hang long bamboo racks in front of and behind their houses to dry bright red chilies, golden rice, and soybeans. From the air, the white-walled, black-tiled Huizhou-style buildings nestled among valleys and terraces create a delightful scene.
Fujian · Xiapu Tidal Flats
Xiapu Tidal Flats, where the sea becomes farmland, has long been a classic destination for photography enthusiasts. Depending on the type of seafood being farmed, the flats feature various net cages and poles that form beautiful lines under the interplay of light, shadow, and seawater.
Ningxia · Sand Lake
Half lake, half desert—that’s how Sand Lake got its name. This man-made freshwater lake is now covered with reeds, giving visitors the illusion of being in a water town. Drifting slowly by boat through the reed marshes, the dark green waters ripple gently, while wild birds occasionally darting out from the reeds draw bursts of exclamations.
Guangdong · Shaoguan Danxia Mountain
As Guangdong Province’s first UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, the graceful Danxia Mountain is cloaked in lush forests, presenting a stark contrast to the exposed rocks and bold colors of the northwestern Danxia landscapes. Many travelers come to watch the sunset at Yangyuan Stone Scenic Area and the sunrise at Zaolao Peak Scenic Area. With a drone, it’s even more worthwhile to rise early and capture the scene of azure waters winding around crimson cliffs under a sea of clouds.
Guangxi · Longji Rice Terraces
For half a month after the 15th day of the fourth lunar month, clear water flows down the terraced fields of Longji, brightening the entire mountainside. Locals have carved out large fields on gentle slopes and small ones on steep terrain, adapting to the land’s contours and stacking fields into terraces — creating today’s hottest scenic attraction in northern Guilin.
Drone Photography Tips: If you plan to take aerial footage at this recommended destination, please familiarize yourself with your country’s laws and regulations regarding unmanned aircraft, consult the relevant local government authorities or review their rules for drone usage, and comply with management policies at the destination. Choose a drone that suits the size of your suitcase to avoid adding extra burden to your trip. Among various compact drones, the foldable “Mavic Pro,” which can be packed in a backpack, is a traveler-favorite.