▲ This is North America's lowest point, with an elevation of -86 meters, a vast and spectacular natural salt flat. The snow-white salt crystals spread out before you like an endless snowfield, and a slight "crunch" sound can be heard as you walk on them, as if you are treading on frozen ground, experiencing the wonder of being at North America's lowest land surface. The name "Badwater" originated from early explorers who found the water in the basin too salty and bitter to drink. After nightfall, Badwater Basin is also a famous stargazing spot – it's open and unobstructed, far from city light pollution. On clear nights, you may have the chance to capture stunning images of the Milky Way, star trails, and reflections, making it a "secret starry realm" for photographers and astronomy enthusiasts.
▲ As a symbolic landmark marking the entrance to Death Valley, this wooden sign reading "Death Valley National Park" serves as the first photo stop for countless visitors. Behind the sign stretches an expansive desert and layered mountain ranges, with the rugged, desolate natural backdrop exuding classic Western charm.
▲ These golden, soft dunes are located in the heart of Death Valley, forming one of the more accessible dune view areas and serving as a filming location for countless Hollywood movies like "Star Wars" and "Transformers." The dunes can reach heights of around 30m, constantly reshaped by the wind into graceful curves. Visitors can freely wander, take photos, or simply sit atop the dunes to feel the delicate texture of windblown sand brushing past their fingertips—an experience that transports you to an Arabian fantasy.
▲ Perched at an elevation of 1,669 meters on a ridge, Dante's View is known as the "highest point of Death Valley," offering a commanding perspective over the entire Death Valley basin and Badwater Basin. Standing at the cliff's edge, the salt flats below stretch out like white waves into the distance, while layered mountains outline the earth's skeleton. On clear days, you can even see Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, which appears almost in line with the lowest point, Badwater Basin, creating a rare geographical contrast. This location was also one of the filming sites for the movie *Star Wars*, and its extraordinary scenery and serene atmosphere have earned it the nickname "Heaven's Eye in Hell" from visitors.
▲ Named after Christian Zabriskie, an early mining developer in Death Valley, Zabriskie Point is one of the vantage points overlooking the "folded mountain" landscape. Golden-hued wave-like rock ridges crisscross the terrain, resembling a geological canvas sculpted by flowing water. At sunset, the rocks are bathed in golden light, creating distinct layers of color and mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow—one of Death Valley's most poetic moments. It has also served as a filming location for movies such as "Good Will Hunting" and "The Chorus."
▲ Artist's Palette: As you drive along the winding Artists Drive mountain road, a landscape unfolds before your eyes, resembling a palette personally mixed by God. The rocks display a variety of natural mineral colors, including green, pink, yellow, magenta, and light blue, formed by the long-term deposition of iron oxide and manganese. This is one of Death Valley's most iconic geological features, like a fairytale hill, perfect for close-up shots and photos with natural wonders. Around sunset, the light and shadows enhance the colors even more, making it a favorite golden hour for photographers.
