舍夫沙万的蓝色墙壁, 摩洛哥 Blue walls of Chefchaouen, Morocco (© AnetteAndersen/Getty Images)

从抗拒到绽放 From resistance to radiance

舍夫沙万的蓝色墙壁, 摩洛哥

1944年1月11日，摩洛哥迈出了通往自由的关键一步。当天，66位民族领袖共同签署《独立宣言》，要求结束法国和西班牙的殖民统治，并明确表达国家拥有主权的正当权利。这份宣言在苏丹穆罕默德五世的支持下递交，不仅呈交给殖民当局，也送达了美国、英国以及前苏联的代表，向世界传达出摩洛哥争取独立的呼声与全球自决潮流息息相关。尽管随后遭到打压与镇压，独立运动仍顽强坚持。直到1956年，摩洛哥终于实现完全独立，这一历史节点也成为北非地区迈向自主新时代的重要转折。

如今，在里夫山脉间的舍夫沙万，那股坚韧的精神依旧回荡。这座被称为“蓝色明珠”的小城，最早建于15世纪，原本是为了抵御葡萄牙人的入侵而筑起的堡垒。后来，城市渐渐染上了独特的蓝色调，有人说这是犹太传统的延续，也有人认为源自安达卢西亚的文化习俗。漫步在城市静谧的巷子里，深浅不一的蓝墙与清爽的山风相互映衬，像是走进一幅缓缓展开的画卷。你会不自觉感受到：摩洛哥的故事，从来都是由勇气、文化与色彩共同写成的。

Blue walls of Chefchaouen, Morocco

On January 11, 1944, Morocco took a bold step toward freedom. Sixty-six leaders signed the Proclamation of Independence, demanding an end to French and Spanish colonial rule and affirming the country's right to sovereignty. This manifesto, backed by Sultan Mohammed V, was presented not only to colonial authorities but also to representatives of the US, UK, and the former Soviet Union—a signal that Morocco's struggle was part of a global call for self-determination. Though repression followed, the movement endured, and by 1956 Morocco achieved full independence, marking a turning point in North African history.

Today, that spirit of resilience echoes in Chefchaouen, the 'Blue Pearl' of the Rif Mountains. Founded in the 15th century as a fortress against Portuguese incursions, the city later adopted its signature blue palette—a tradition some trace to Jewish influence and others to Andalusian roots. Wandering through its serene alleys, where indigo walls meet crisp mountain air, feels like stepping into a living canvas—a reminder that Morocco's story is painted in courage, culture, and color.

日出时分，马特洪峰的倒影映照在斯特利湖中, 采尔马特, 瑞士 The Matterhorn reflected in Lake Stellisee at sunrise, Zermatt, Switzerland (© Andy Trowbridge/naturepl.com)

纯粹的瑞士魔力 Pure Swiss magic

马特洪峰, 采尔马特, 瑞士

鲜有景致能像马特洪峰倒映在斯特利湖如镜的湖面上那般，完美呈现阿尔卑斯的灵魂。这座传奇山峰耸立在瑞士与意大利边境，海拔高达14,692英尺，象征着大自然的壮美与冒险精神，吸引着世界各地的攀登者、徒步者与追梦人。

在瑞士那座迷人而无车的小镇采尔马特，马特洪峰主宰着整个地平线，它那锯齿般的山脊在天空下勾勒出一幅天然的艺术剪影。来到斯特利湖畔，景色更显魔幻——尤其在日出时分，山峰的倒影柔和地浮现在如镜的湖面上，仿佛大自然按下暂停键，只为让你静静品味这片刻的宁静。

无论你是在高山小径徒步，捕捉变幻的光影，还是只是深深吸入那一口清冽的山间空气，这片景象都会默默提醒你：阿尔卑斯之所以能吸引旅行者数个世纪，其魅力就在这里。马特洪峰不仅是一座山，它更是瑞士之所以令人难忘的魅力——自然纯粹、冒险精神，以及让人一见便铭记的传奇之美。

The Matterhorn reflected in Lake Stellisee at sunrise, Zermatt, Switzerland

Few sights capture the spirit of the Alps like the Matterhorn mirrored in Lake Stellisee's glassy waters. Rising 14,692 feet on the Swiss-Italian border, this legendary peak has long symbolized natural beauty and adventure, drawing climbers, hikers, and dreamers from every corner of the globe.

From Zermatt—a charming, car-free village in Switzerland—the Matterhorn dominates the horizon, its jagged silhouette etched against the sky like a work of art. At Lake Stellisee, the view turns magical, especially at sunrise when the mountain's reflection glows softly on the mirrorlike surface. It feels as though time stands still, as if nature paused just for you to savor the moment.

Whether you're trekking alpine trails, photographing the shifting light, or simply breathing in crisp mountain air, this scene offers a quiet reminder of why the Alps have inspired travelers for centuries. The Matterhorn isn't just a mountain; it's a reflection of everything that makes Switzerland unforgettable.

缪尔树林国家保护区的巨型红杉树林, 加利福尼亚州, 美国 Giant redwood trees in Muir Woods National Monument, California, USA (© photo by canderson/Getty Images)

时光在此处茁壮成长 Where time grows tall

缪尔树林国家保护区, 美国

走进巨人的国度吧。试着像拥抱一位温柔的巨人那样，把双臂环在红杉粗壮的树干上，触摸蕴藏着千年智慧的时间年轮。欢迎来到缪尔树林国家纪念地——它在1908年的今天正式诞生，坐落于旧金山北部，是一座由海岸红杉构成的壮丽殿堂。这里的红杉是地球上最高的树木，其中一棵高达约258英尺，相当于43个人从头到脚叠加的高度。这些树大多已经600到800岁，有的甚至跨越了千年。但对于一个最长能活到2000年的物种来说，它们依然算是“年轻的巨人”。在这片幽深的原始森林中，每一棵高耸入云的红杉都是时间的见证者，也是一位静默的守护者。

它们是如何屹立至今的？厚实且耐火的树皮与天然的单宁让红杉远离虫害与疾病；它们的根系虽只深入地下三四米，却能向四周延展近百英尺，与周围的同伴紧紧相扣，形成稳固的支撑。来自太平洋的雾气在干燥的夏季飘入森林，提供近四成的水分；倒下的巨木则化作“育苗木”，分解自身、滋养土地，为新生命铺下起点。当你步入这片森林，请向这些超越生命尺度的巨木轻轻致意。你的脚步声在时间的河流中荡起涟漪，顺着它缓缓向前，流向这些巨人耐心等待的未来。

Muir Woods National Monument anniversary

Step into the realm of giants. Try embracing a BFG (Big Friendly Giant) as you wrap your arms around a thousand years of wisdom in a single tree trunk. Welcome to Muir Woods National Monument—established on this day in 1908—a majestic hall of coastal redwoods just north of San Francisco. These towering redwoods are the tallest trees on Earth—one here stretches about 258 feet, roughly the height of 43 people stacked head to toe. Most are 600–800 years old, and some have stood for over a millennium, yet they're still considered 'young' for a species that can live for 2,000 years.

How do they endure? Thick, fire-resistant bark and tannins ward off insects and disease, while their roots—though only 10 to 13 feet deep—spread outward up to 100 feet and interlock with neighbors for stability. Fog drifting in from the Pacific provides nearly 40% of their water during dry summers, and fallen trees recycle nutrients as 'nurse logs,' fueling new life. As you enter this forest, bow to the trees that rise beyond life itself. Your footsteps ripple through the river of time, flowing toward the future these giants patiently await.

椋鸟群在布莱顿西码头废墟上空盘旋, 英格兰 Starling murmuration over the ruins of Brighton's West Pier, England (© Philip Reeve/Photodisc/Getty Images)

废墟之上，椋鸟群舞 Rust meets rush

椋鸟群在布莱顿西码头废墟上空盘旋，英格兰

椋鸟是天生的“舞台明星”，它们深谙抢镜之道：羽毛在阳光下闪烁绿紫光泽，叫声里还夹杂着模仿的趣味。椋鸟原产于欧亚大陆，如今已遍布全球。19世纪，一位痴迷莎士比亚作品的鸟类爱好者，将椋鸟引入纽约中央公园，从此开启了它们的美洲传奇。

英格兰布莱顿西码头，锈迹斑驳，却在椋鸟云潮掠过时焕发生机。每逢秋冬黄昏，成千上万的椋鸟在空中翻涌，宛如一曲无声的交响乐。这场奇景被称作“椋鸟群舞”，名字本身就带着韵律感，恰似翅膀拍击的节奏。科学家认为，鸟群俯冲盘旋是为了迷惑天敌、保持体温，并传递栖息地的信息。无论缘由如何，这场天幕之舞总令游客举起手机仰望，在鸟群归巢前争相捕捉这转瞬即逝的奇观。

Starling murmuration over the ruins of Brighton's West Pier, England

When a bird is called a starling, you'd expect it to be a bit of a show-off. True to its name, this little creature knows how to steal the spotlight. From shimmering feathers that glint green and purple in the sun, to its ability to mimic sounds, the starling is the headline act. Originally native to Europe and Asia, the common starling has spread across the globe. In the 19th century, a group of them were introduced to New York's Central Park by an enthusiast of birds mentioned in Shakespeare's plays.

Brighton's West Pier may be a ruin, but when starlings gather above it, the scene is anything but broken. Each evening in autumn and winter, thousands of these small birds twist and turn in the air. The spectacle is called a murmuration, a term as musical as the sound of wings beating in unison. Scientists suggest the birds swoop and swirl to confuse predators, keep warm and share information about roosting spots. Whatever the reason, the result is a dance that has visitors gazing upward, phones in hand, hoping to catch a glimpse before the flock settles for the night.

拱门国家公园的北窗框景中的炮塔拱门, 犹他州, 美国 Turret Arch framed by North Window in Arches National Park, Utah, USA (© Jim Patterson/TANDEM Stills + Motion)

古老岩石的传奇 OldRockArch

古岩石日

今天，让我们重新审视时间的尺度。古岩石日，揭开地球深藏的秘密：亿万年的风沙、海洋与火焰，塑造了我们脚下的世界。在犹他州拱门国家公园，透过北窗眺望炮塔拱门，仿佛凝视一段漫长的史诗。如今的拱门由恩特拉达砂岩构成，而那些砂岩曾是流动的沙丘和浅海，经过漫长侵蚀才雕刻出如今的拱形。可即便如此，这些地质构造仍算年轻。地壳在板块、侵蚀与火山的轮回中不断重生，唯有古老的大陆地盾守护着真正的远古。加拿大的阿卡斯塔片麻岩，约有40亿年历史，是目前已知最古老、仍扎根原处的岩石。

古岩石日不仅讲述岩石的故事，也铭记地质学先驱。泰奥弗拉斯托斯与老普林尼记录了早期矿物研究；1603年，阿尔德罗万迪让“地质学”成为一个学科的名字；150年后，威廉·史密斯绘出了首张地质地图；1785年，詹姆斯·赫顿掀开地球年龄的面纱，让我们第一次意识到脚下世界的浩瀚时光。

Old Rock Day

Today is a day that puts time into perspective. Old Rock Day highlights the vast geological processes that have shaped our world since its earliest eras. In Arches National Park, Utah, Turret Arch—seen through North Window—offers a striking reminder: landscapes can take hundreds of millions of years to assemble. The Entrada Sandstone that forms these arches began as shifting dunes and shallow seas long before erosion carved today's shapes. Even so, these formations are relatively young. Most rocks on Earth disappear over time because plate tectonics, erosion, and volcanism continually recycle the crust. Only the planet's ancient continental shields preserve truly old material. Canada's Acasta Gneiss, about 4 billion years old, is the oldest known rock still rooted where it formed.

Old Rock Day also remembers the pioneers of geology. Theophrastus and Pliny the Elder recorded early mineral studies, while Ulisse Aldrovandi helped establish the term 'geology' in 1603. One hundred fifty years later, William Smith drew the first geological map. And in 1785, James Hutton revealed the Earth's immense age, providing insights that continue to shape our understanding of the ground beneath our feet.

努克, 格陵兰 Nuuk, Greenland (© nevereverro/Getty Images)

努克的慵懒时光 Chillin' in Nuuk

努克，格陵兰

想象一下，日常通勤途中，映入眼底的是峡湾风光、漂移的冰块，以及天际舞动的极光——这不是梦，而是努克的日常。作为格陵兰的首都，这座小而灵动的北极城市，将因纽特文化与北欧现代气息交织融合。它的故事始于1728年，由丹麦-挪威传教士汉斯·埃格德创建，最初的名字叫“Godthaab”，寓意“美好希望”。

走进努克，仿佛踏入历史长河：汉斯·埃格德故居、红木教堂静静诉说18世纪的故事。格陵兰国家博物馆陈列着因纽特人的文物，以及保存完好的奇拉基索克木乃伊，让人得以窥见这座岛屿的悠久历史。这里还有全球唯一的北极高尔夫球场！然而，努克的魅力不仅在于景点，更在于寒冷降临时，人们彼此守望的温情。

冬日白昼短暂，落雪纷飞，努克却依然生机勃勃。人们纷纷踏上雪地，在峡湾沿岸进行越野滑雪、雪鞋健行、泛舟或狗拉雪橇。室内更是温馨，三五好友相约"咖啡时光"——这是格陵兰岛的传统，浓郁的格陵兰咖啡配上奶油与蛋糕，暖意融融。努克告诉我们，这里的冬季不是孤寂，而是人与人之间的陪伴，以及在寒冬深处绽放的生机与色彩。

Nuuk, Greenland

Picture a city where your daily commute offers views of fjords, drifting ice, and the Northern Lights. That's everyday life in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland—a small yet spirited Arctic hub blending Inuit heritage with Nordic modernity. Founded in 1728 by Danish-Norwegian missionary Hans Egede, it began as a small settlement called Godthaab—'Good Hope.'

Nuuk preserves 18th-century landmarks like the Hans Egede House and the red wooden Nuuk Cathedral. The Greenland National Museum displays Inuit artifacts and the well-preserved Qilakitsoq mummies, offering a glimpse into the island's deep past. This city is also home to the world's only Arctic golf course. But it's not just the sights that define Nuuk—it's how people come together when the cold sets in.

Winter brings short days and snowfall, yet the city buzzes with life. People head out for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, boating, or dog sledding along the fjords. Indoors, friends gather for 'kaffemik'—a cozy coffee-and-cake tradition with strong Greenlandic coffee topped with whipped cream. Nuuk shows that life in the cold isn't about endurance—it's about balance, community, and finding color even in the depths of winter.

国王山, 楚加奇山脉, 阿拉斯加, 美国 Kings Mountain, Chugach Mountains, Alaska, USA (© Chris Moore - Exploring Light Photography/TANDEM Stills + Motion)

王者视野 A royal view

国王山, 楚加奇山脉, 阿拉斯加

在阿拉斯加楚加奇山脉，国王山不仅仅是远方的轮廓，它的雄浑之美足以让人停下脚步凝视。海拔逾5800英尺，坐落在帕尔默东北约22英里，俯瞰格伦公路第75英里段，这条公路因壮丽景观而闻名。山体的坡面刻满冰川遗痕，沟谷与山脊如同天然的冒险乐园。

德纳伊纳语中的名字 Bashtl'ech'，意为“黑石”，诉说着它的文化根源；而英文名则纪念了阿拉斯加淘金热时期的探矿者阿尔·金。如今，徒步者和攀登者为挑战而来：陡峭的坡道、瞬息万变的天气，以及如画的景致，都是历经艰辛后的奖赏。晴天时，远方的马塔努斯卡冰川闪烁光芒，野花点缀岩石，阿拉斯加的荒野在此刻展现出温柔一面。带上保暖衣物和笑容，天气瞬息万变，但若你足够幸运，站在国王山顶，仿佛与天空握手。

Kings Mountain, Chugach Mountains, Alaska

Kings Mountain in Alaska's Chugach Mountains isn't just another bump on the horizon—it's the kind of rugged beauty that makes you slow down and stare. Rising over 5,800 feet and sitting roughly 22 miles northeast of Palmer, this peak towers over mile 75 of the Glenn Highway, a route famous for its dramatic scenery. Its slopes bear the marks of ancient glaciers, etched into ridges and valleys that seem tailor-made for adventure.

The Dena'ina name, Bashtl'ech' (black stone), speaks to its cultural roots, while its English name honors Al King, a prospector from Alaska's gold rush days. Today, hikers and climbers come for the challenge: steep ascents, unpredictable weather, and views so sweeping they feel like a hard-earned reward. On clear days, the Matanuska Glacier glimmers in the distance, and wildflowers brighten the rocky terrain, reminding you that even Alaska's wilderness has a soft side. Pack layers and a sense of humor—the weather changes fast—but if you're lucky, standing atop Kings Mountain feels like shaking hands with the sky.

劳特布隆嫩的施陶巴赫瀑布, 伯尔尼州, 瑞士 Staubbach Falls at Lauterbrunnen, Canton of Bern, Switzerland (© pongnathee kluaythong/Getty Images)

传奇故事前的篇章 The steps before the saga

J.R.R.托尔金纪念日

今日图片带我们走进瑞士劳特布隆嫩小镇，静谧山谷间，远处的施陶巴赫瀑布在阳光下闪烁。1911年，年轻的托尔金曾在徒步旅行中穿越这里，那时他还未成为《魔戒》和《霍比特人》的作者。巍峨的峭壁、银白的瀑流和清冽的山风，深深印刻在他的记忆中，被认为启发了他笔下的瑞文戴尔——中土世界中隐秘的精灵圣地。

1月3日，托尔金诞辰，世界各地的读者举杯庆祝“托尔金日”，晚上9点齐声向“教授”致敬。这一传统始于1972年，由托尔金协会发起，既追忆《魔戒》中弗罗多为比尔博举杯的场景，也缅怀作者在牛津的岁月。托尔金用一生塑造现代奇幻，将语言、神话与勇气交织成永恒的史诗。今天，我们纪念的不只是作家，更是梦想的缔造者——他让我们相信，即使最微小的旅程也能成就伟大，而奇迹就藏在身边，触手可及。

J.R.R. Tolkien Day

Our picture of the day takes us to the Swiss village of Lauterbrunnen, where the Staubbach Falls shimmers in the distance beyond a quiet alpine valley. This is the landscape a young traveler, J.R.R. Tolkien, crossed during a hiking trip in 1911, long before he became the storyteller behind 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit.' Its soaring cliffs, silver waterfalls, and crisp mountain air left a lasting impression and are believed to have inspired his vision of Rivendell, the elven refuge hidden deep in Middle-earth.

On January 3—Tolkien's birthday—fans across the globe celebrate Tolkien Day, raising a toast at 9 PM to 'The Professor.' The tradition, started by The Tolkien Society in 1972, recalls both Frodo's toast to Bilbo and the writer's years at Oxford, where he spent a lifetime shaping modern fantasy—interweaving language, legend, and moral courage into timeless tales. Today, admirers honor not just an author but a world-maker—one who showed that even the smallest journey can lead to greatness, and that wonder awaits, ever-present, just beyond the familiar.

威尼斯鸟瞰图, 意大利 Aerial view of Venice, Italy (© Clement Leonard/Getty Images)

威尼斯的灵魂 The soul of Venice

威尼斯鸟瞰图，意大利

从高空俯瞰威尼斯，宛如一幅迷人的水上画卷，但这座意大利瑰宝真正的魅力，藏在古老墙垣与曲折水巷之间。公元5世纪，它在潟湖中的一簇岛屿上诞生，由沼泽蜕变为海上霸主。中世纪时期，威尼斯成为连接欧洲与东方的重要贸易枢纽，财富与文化在此交织。如今，哥特式宫殿、文艺复兴艺术，以及圣马可大教堂、公爵宫、里亚托桥等地标，仍在诉说这座城市的辉煌历史。

威尼斯的魅力，不仅在于桥梁与运河，更在于那些才华横溢的灵魂。《马可·波罗游记》讲述了这位探险家的奇幻旅程，维瓦尔第在这里谱写出《四季》的乐章。威尼斯更是文学与艺术的灵感源泉：托马斯·曼的《威尼斯之死》、莎士比亚的《威尼斯商人》和《奥赛罗》，以及亨利·詹姆斯的《阿斯彭文稿》，都在这座城市的光影中诞生。

如今的威尼斯，在历史魅力与现代挑战之间保持微妙的平衡：既要守护脆弱的古迹，又要应对汹涌的游客潮。贡多拉依旧在百年老墙的倒影中轻轻滑过，而狂欢节等传统节庆，则让这座城市的古老风情延续至今。

Aerial view of Venice, Italy

Seeing Venice from above is mesmerizing, but this Italian gem's true magic lies within its walls and waterways. Founded in the 5th century on a cluster of islands in the Venetian Lagoon, the early settlement rose from marshland to become a maritime powerhouse. By the Middle Ages, it had evolved into a major hub for trade between Europe and the East, fueling immense wealth and cultural growth. The city's grandeur shines through its Gothic palaces, Renaissance art, and landmarks such as St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

Venice is celebrated not only for its iconic architecture and interwoven canals but also for the brilliant minds who shaped its legacy. 'The Travels of Marco Polo' chronicles the adventures of the Venetian merchant and explorer, and Antonio Vivaldi—composer of 'The Four Seasons'—was also born here. The city has inspired timeless works, including Thomas Mann's 'Death in Venice,' Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice' and 'Othello,' and Henry James's novella 'The Aspern Papers.'

Today, Venice balances historic charm with modern challenges—from preserving fragile architecture to managing tourism. Gondolas glide past centuries-old facades, while festivals like Carnevale keep traditions alive.

跨年夜，奥伯鲍姆桥，柏林，德国 New Year's Eve, Oberbaum Bridge, Berlin, Germany (© spreephoto.de/Getty Images)

柏林，新年之桥 Where Berlin bridges the New Year

跨年夜

三、二、一……等等，先按下暂停键。新年还没到，但柏林的奥伯鲍姆桥仿佛已经提前按下了“庆祝”按钮。今晚，这座桥不再只是河上的通道，而是一条通往新年的跑道：引擎低鸣，烟花预热，人群齐声练习着那句“新年快乐！”

奥伯鲍姆桥，恰好镶嵌在弗里德里希斯海因与克罗伊茨贝格之间，横跨施普雷河，连接着两种截然不同的跨年节奏。弗里德里希斯海因带来俱乐部的电音和街头小吃，克罗伊茨贝格则以慵懒的酒吧和临时举杯迎接新年。而桥上？一切都是即兴：屋顶迸射的烟花，河岸闪烁的光点，还有偶尔让人忍俊不禁的“这烟花是不是飞偏了？”的笑语。红砖塔楼静静守望，它们曾是东西柏林的分界，如今化作团聚的象征。跨入新的一年，就从这里开始：脚步、笑声与烟花，共同点亮柏林的夜空。

New Year's Eve

Three… two… one… wait—hold that countdown. It's not New Year's yet, but the Oberbaum Bridge already feels as if Berlin hit its 'celebrate' button ahead of time. On this night, the bridge transforms from a simple river crossing into a runway where this city taxis toward midnight, engines humming, fireworks warming up, and the crowd collectively practicing its 'Happy New Year!' voice.

Wedged perfectly between Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, the bridge sits at the meeting point of two neighborhoods across the River Spree that approach the eve with completely different strategies. Friedrichshain shows up with club beats and street snacks. Kreuzberg brings laid-back bars and last-minute toasts. The Oberbaum Bridge? From here, the scene is pure improvisation—bursts of color from rooftops, random sparkles from the riverbanks, and occasional 'Was that meant to go sideways?' moments. The bridge's iconic red-brick towers watch over it all, steady and unfazed. These towers once marked the divide between East and West Berlin, but tonight they mark something far better: togetherness. Here's to crossing into another year—one step, one cheer, and one firework at a time.