The Terracotta Army figures' excavation （发掘）is regarded as one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century. They     1     （lie） underground for more than 2000 years before farmers     2     （dig） a well in 1974 uncovered what is now considered one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world. So the Terracotta Army Museum in Xi'an is a must-see. The dramatic exhibition     3     （reveal） the secrets behind the 2,000-year-old army of clay statues that guarded the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China and founder of the Qin dynasty.

They are the incredible, mysterious tomb guardians,     4     discovery in 1974 made global headlines. To date, archeologists still haven't uncovered all of their secrets. The vast stone army numbers some 8.000     5     （individual） crafted figures. Designed with an impressive level of detail, each figure is     6     one-of-a-kind work of art. The life-sized sculptures vary     7    height according to military ranking, with their uniforms, hairstyles, and even    8     （face） shapes and expressions following suit. The Terracotta Army,     9     （select） as one of Top 10 Things to Do in China, was regarded as the     10     （eight） wonder of the world and awarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 even if the inner tomb itself has yet to be excavated.

Anyway, if you are interested in Chinese history, the Terracotta Army Museum is an ideal choice that should be included in your schedule in China.

Chinese everywhere know of the goddess Mazu. Temples     1    ( construct) in honor of her for centuries, and her story is legendary. Mazu is the goddess of the sea and she protects fishermen and communities near the ocean. The legend of Mazu     2    (date) back to over 1,000 years ago in the Xianliang Port of Meizhou Bay in Putian, Fujian Province. Lin Moniang, Mazu's real name, was an attractive young girl and was respected and well-liked by everyone in her village. Lin Moniang was also revered for her ability to forecast     3    weather. This gift was     4    (especial) advantageous to the fishermen     5     fished the seas in the area. The young girl was capable of     6     (warn) them of the coming weather conditions and telling them if it was safe to go out to sea or if it would be best     7    (stay) in port.

The legend of Mazu proclaims that     8     her death she went up to heaven and became an immortal. From heaven she watches over the seas and the people who travel on and across     9    (it) . Because of this, over 100 million people worship her. In fact, there are more than 1,500 temples dedicated to her the world over. About 900 of them are located in Taiwan.     10     there is a Chinese community, there is a temple dedicated to Mazu.

Chinese New Year is a celebration     1    (mark) the end of the winter season and the beginning of spring. This is why decorating with plants, fruits and blooming flowers carries special significance. They represent the earth coming back     2     life and wishes for new beginnings. Here are some of the most popular and their special meanings.

Oranges: Orange trees are more than decoration; they are a symbol of good fortune and wealth. They make great gifts and you see them many times     3    (decorate) with red envelopes and messages of good fortune. The fruits are also some of the “lucky” foods,     4     are a must during the celebrations.

Bamboo: Chinese love their “Lucky Bamboo” plants and you will see them often in their homes and offices. Certainly during the holiday period, this plant is a must. Bamboo plants and stems, used     5    (frequent) in fengshui,     6    (associate) with health, abundance and a happy home. They are easy     7    (care) for and make great presents.

Plum Blossoms(梅花): The beautiful long     8    (branch) covered with pink-colored buds (蓓蕾) make fantastic decorations. The plum trees are     9     first to flower even as snow is melting     10     a cold winter. They represent the promise of spring and a renewal of life.