That looks unreal: unbelievable places around the world

Ever seen a photo of somewhere that looked so incredible that it simply defied belief? As artificial intelligence (AI) evolves to the level where we question what’s real and what’s been prompt-generated, it’s natural to feel sceptical towards images that look too good to be true. 

However, your eyes don’t deceive you this time: these otherworldly places will make you look twice, but more importantly, actually exist. Here’s planet Earth, as if created by AI.

Chocolate Hills: Bohol, Philippines

“Generate a vast landscape dotted with hundreds of symmetrical, grass-covered mounds that stretch to the horizon. The conical hills rise uniformly from the ground, creating almost a cartoon-like panorama. The sky is a dreamy blue, with fluffy white clouds casting gentle shadows over the rolling terrain. Capture the delightful, whimsical beauty of this natural wonder.” 

Zhanjiajie National Forest Park: Hunan Province, Chinese Mainland

“Create a breathtaking scene of towering sandstone pillars that rise majestically from the misty forest floor. The landscape is dotted with lush greenery, with ancient trees clinging to the sides of the cliffs. Capture the ethereal beauty and dramatic verticality, emphasising the awe-inspiring nature of the towering rock formations and the serene atmosphere of the surrounding forest.” 

Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark Sai Kung: Sai Kung, Hong Kong SAR

“Visualise a stunning coast of dramatic hexagonal rock columns; a rugged and wild geology that evokes ancient volcanic activity. The siltstone cliffs topped with green provide a striking contrast to the indigo, star-scattered heavens above. Paint an imposing scene that highlights the intricate rock patterns, conveying a powerful atmosphere of millions of years of history before you.”

Jodhpur: Rajasthan, India 

“Build an intriguing city whose higgledy-piggledy buildings are almost exclusively painted in different shades of blue. The vibrant, densely arranged buildings seem to be stacked on top of each other and reach as far as the eye can see. An ancient fort overshadows the scene, appearing hewn from the red sandstone of the towering mountain it sits upon. Its vertical, impregnable walls tell tales of ancient dynasties and invasions repelled.” 

Waitomo Glow Caves: Waitomo, New Zealand 

“Conjure up an underground lake within a cave – a subterranean wonder where the ceiling is covered in a galaxy of stars. The lights are bioluminescent insect larvae, but you wouldn’t know it, as they generate a celestial glow. The bright turquoise points of light above create a mystical light show that envelops the observers below. 

Longhorn Cavern State Park: Texas, US

“Imagine an enchanting underground limestone passageway sculpted by ancient underground rivers. The cavern walls ripple with intricate, wave-like formations, which create a mesmerising display of natural artistry. Soft lighting reveals the textures and patterns of the rock, casting shadows that add depth and mystery to the scene.”