1 . Famous Places around the World

The best time to visit...

Now we are in the Year of the Tiger. In Chinese culture, tigers are named the king of all animals. They symbolize power, energy, protection and generosity. Tigers and fearless creatures, so that’s why in China you can see images of tigers on the walls of temples and houses to get rid of disasters and danger. Tigers have an important cultural meaning not in China, but across Asia.

Instead of tigers, lions are seen as the king of all animals in the West. That’s why brave warriors are given the name “the lion”. But in the West, tigers are also powerful animals. In English, if you want someone who feels nervous to take it easy, you can say to them, “easy tiger”.

Tigers are endangered species now. We can only hope that in the Year of the Tiger more people can learn about tigers and help protect their habitats (栖息地) from destruction (破坏).

5 . Culture Flying High

Known as the birthplace of kites, Weifang in Shandong Province has a long history of making kites.

Weifang kite-making dates back to 2,000 years ago. At first, they were often used by the army for measuring distance and communication purposes. During the Ming Dynasty(1368—1644), kites started to be popular among ordinary people as entertainment. Weifang kite-making was included in the national-level intangible cultural heritage lists(国家级非物质文化遗产名录) in 2006. Since 1984, the International Kite Festival has been held in Weifang every year.

Yang Hongwei, 56, is an inheritor(继承人) of the Weifang kite-making art, born into a kite-making family. “Every time I see the beautiful kites, my boredom and negative feelings go away,” said Yang.

Having a special connection with kites, Yang learned the art from her grandfather at the age of 16. After practicing the skills for 10 years, she started her own shop in 1992. On Yang’s kites, people can see not only common patterns like butterflies and birds, but also some paintings telling Chinese legends and history.

Though the idea was cool, the process was not easy. “It’s really hard work,” Yang added, “but when I explain the stories on the kites to foreign customers, I feel a sense of great achievement.”

In her space time, she also travels to different countries including Germany, Australia, the US and New Zealand to tell people about Chinese stories seen on kites and the traditional ways of making kites. “I’m an inheritor of the culture. It is also an important job of mine to spread the heritage around the world and onto the next generation,” she said.

6 . How to fight against COVID-19(新冠病毒)? We choose some books to help you. The books were translated into 13 languages, including Japanese, French and Russian. They are convenient for readers to enjoy.

	Virus, Virus, You Cannot Scare Me! (Writer: Mu Xiangzhen) The book makes parents and children be able to learn—in a fun way—about how viruses（病毒）spread and what people can do to protect themselves. It tells children not to fear about viruses. Besides, it also introduces the idea of getting well with nature, and hopes children can protect wild life and the natural environment.
	A Special Spring Festival (Writer: Gao Jing) This book pictures children’s special Spring Festival in China during the outbreak of COVID-19. It tells a story of a common family in China. It tries to answer the child’s question “Why can’t I be allowed to play outside?” It tells the child what COVID-19 is, how it spreads, and how we can protect ourselves from it. The pictures show love between family members, friends and everyone.
	Ten Tips to Fight Monsters (Writer: Dong Ruihan) Dad leaves 10 tips to help us fight the virus. Who will win the war? The story will gently teach children how to prevent the disease (疾病)in a language that they can easily understand. It will help kids remain calm in the hard time, and encourage them to help family members to prevent the disease.
	A Brief History of Viruses for Children (Writer: Changsha White-flag Dolphin Children’s Book Workshop) This storybook tells the beginning of the virus, so the readers can understand the history of the virus easily. The book sets up a “Ten Questions about COVID-19” section, which explains the knowledge of COVID-19(including how it spreads), helping children readers to understand the virus basing on (基于)reason and science.

7 . Many people like animals and keep one or more as pets—dogs, cats or some kinds of birds. If you keep a dog or a cat as a pet, you must know how to look after them.

A grown-up dog needs two meals a day—not more. And it can eat meat, fish, rice and some other things. Dogs like large bones, but don’t give them chicken bones. Remember to give them much clean water.

A dog should have a clean, dry box for sleeping. Washing it once a week is good for its health. If it is ill, take it to a doctor. A healthy dog will bring you more pleasure.

Be careful if you have a cat. It has two meals a day with some meat of fish. Cats drink a little milk every day. Sometimes you should give them vegetables to eat. Don’t forget that they need clean water to drink.

Take good care of your pets. They will be your good friends. Maybe they can give you some help when you need.

10 . Do you like banana cake? Do you know how to make it? The following can help you.