1 . The 15-day Spring Festival is the biggest holiday of the year for many Chinese to leave from their jobs to travel home and see their loved ones. But along with gathering come a lot of traditions aimed at making sure the year ahead is lucky and happy.
Here are some key dos and don’ts that many Chinese follow before and after the Lunar New Year.
DOs
Set off fireworks
The more fireworks or firecrackers you set off, the better.
Not only do you light up the night sky with a symphony of color, but the loud banging sounds are thought to scare off evil spirits.
Eat dumplings
Eating dumplings is a popular tradition in northern China because dumplings not only taste good but also look like pieces of gold.
Clean your home
Sweep, mop, vacuum, steam-do anything and everything to make sure your home is clean before the midnight on Lunar New Year eve. The aim here is to free your home from any bad luck that’s accumulated over the past year.
DON’Ts
Wash or cut your hair
Leave your hair as it is on the first day of the New Year.
The Chinese character for hair is the same first character in the word for prosperity(发达).
This means washing or cutting it off is seen as washing your fortune away.
Clean post-New Year
Cleaning of any kind on the first day is strictly forbidden.
You clean your home to avoid any bad luck before the New Year - now you want to be sure not to wipe, sweep or wash away any of the good luck that arrives after midnight.
Buy books
It’s bad luck to buy them during the 15-day Spring Festival.
The Chinese word for "book" (shū) sounds exactly the same as the word for "lose’"-so buying a book is considered an invitation to bad luck.
Also, avoid giving books as gifts to anyone, because it’d be like wishing bad luck upon them.
1. Why is the Spring Festival the best time for many Chinese people according to the text?| A．They can enjoy a lor of delicious dishes. |
| B．They can get together with their family members. |
| C．It’s time for them to say good-bye to the past year. |
| D．The festival will bring them good luck and happiness. |
| A．setting off fireworks | B．enjoying tasty dumplings |
| C．cleaning your home | D．leaving your books untouched |
| A．Advertisement. | B．Literature. |
| C．Culture. | D．Travel. |
2 . China now has 52 sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage list, some of which may give you some clues on your next travel plan.
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor is located in Lin Tong County, near Xi’an city, capital of Shanxi province. A total of 8,000 life-size terracotta warriors, chariots and horses, and hundreds of bronze weapons have been unearthed from it. It is believed that it is a major archaeological find, called the eighth wonder of the world, paralleling Egypt’s pyramids.
Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement
Kulangyu Island, known in the local dialect as Kulangsu, is located on the entry of the Jiulong River, facing the city of Xiamen , influenced by Western culture in the 19th century, especially music. With such a harmonious blend of Western music and Eastern culture, Gulangyu is naturally referred to as the “island of music”.
Qinghai Hoh Xil
Hoh Xil, located in the north-eastern end of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is China’s largest and the world’s third largest uninhabited area. Hoh Xil, with high altitude and fierce weather, no people to live there, is a paradise for wildlife and home to more than 230 species of wild animals including endangered species such as the Tibetan antelope.
Huangshan Mountain
Huangshan, known as “the loveliest mountain of China”, lies in the south of Anhui province in eastern China. The scenic area covers 154 sq km, famous for its peaks, rocks, pines, clouds and springs, with a rich cultural heritage.
1. Where will you go if you are interested in history during your stay in Xi’an?| A．Qinghai Hoh Xil. | B．Kulangsu. | C．Mausoleum. | D．Huangshan. |
| A．Its beautiful scenery. |
| B．Its value in Archeology. |
| C．Its unique natural living environment for wildlife. |
| D．Its mixture of Western music and Eastern culture. |
| A．A science fiction. |
| B．A history textbook. |
| C．A travel guidebook. |
| D．An entertainment magazine. |
3 . Things That You Can’t Miss in Macao
Macao Tower AJ Hackett Bungee Jump
The Macao Tower, 338 meters tall, is the world's 10th highest tower, with a variety of activities, such as eating and entertainment. One of the exciting activities is the bungee jump. The AJ Hackett Macao Tower Bungee Jump is 233 meters high, making it a Guinness World Record as the highest bungee jump in the world.
Grab a traditional Portuguese dinner
Macao was colonized by Portugal (葡萄牙) before 1999. As a result, Portuguese culture is deeply immersed into many corners of Macao. Many Portuguese settled and opened Portuguese restaurants in the special administrative region, but the flavor is more adaptable to Chinese people.
Visit a museum
Macao, as a tiny little city with only an area of 30.5 square kilometers, has 23 eye-catching museums. Due to its unique history, both Eastern and Western historical sites can be found. Many of them are preserved for cultural heritage, tourist spots or museums, such as the Grand Prix Museum, Maritime Museum and Wine Museum.
Selfie at the Ruins of St. Paul
The Ruins of St. Paul is the signature landmark of Macao. The ruins consist of the St. Paul’s College and the Church of St. Paul, built in 1583. However, after three fires in 1595, 1601 and 1835, the church was seriously damaged.
1. If you want to go bungee jumping, you should go to_______________.| A．the ruins of St. Paul | B．the Macao Towel. |
| C．a Portuguese restaurant. | D．the Maritime Museum |
| A．has a great influence on | B．is deeply impressed by |
| C．is well prepared for | D．is made up of |
| A．In a letter | B．In a history book |
| C．In a news report. | D．On a tourism website. |
Bridges House Hotel is a hotel in the centre of Delft and has shops and museums next door. There are many restaurants in the area where you can eat a lovely dinner in the evening. The market square is within easy walking distance. The comfortable rooms are all uniquely decorated and have a splendid bathroom. Air conditioning and free Wi-Fi are available. There are extra long beds for your convenience.
Breakfast is served in the hotel lounge. In the evenings, guests can have a drink here as well.
Hotel Juliana
Just a 5-minute walk from the centre of Delft, this friendly family hotel is close to everything and offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price. The main priority（优先权） is to provide you with quality service through personal attention and by creating a pleasant atmosphere.
This hotel is also conveniently located near the Technical University of Delft. Other cultural spots and a series of bars and restaurants are just a stroll away.
Shanghai Hotel
This unique hotel features Chinese-style decoration and an elegant bar. Shanghai Hotel is located next to the A13 highway, only a 10-minute drive from Delft city centre. It offers free on-site parking.
Each of the rooms at Shanghai Hotel includes flat-screen cable TV, a desk and tea/coffee making facilities plus a refrigerator. The comfortable modern bathrooms have a shower, a hairdryer and free makeup.
Hotel de Koophandel
Located on the central Beesten Market, Hotel de Koophandel is surrounded by cafes and restaurants in the heart of Delft. In the breakfast room, you can enjoy various breads, toasts, cereals, eggs and fruits in the morning.
The comfortable and uniquely decorated rooms are equipped with a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. Coffee and tea facilities are available. Because of the perfect location, you can easily walk around the city centre and visit the main places of interest.
For more detailed information, please click here www. booking, com/hotel/nl
1. Which hotel is the best choice if someone is extremely tall?
| A．Bridges House Hotel. | B．Hotel Juliana. |
| C．Shanghai Hotel. | D．Hotel de Koophandel. |
| A．can enjoy various breads and eggs |
| B．can go to the Technical University of Delft |
| C．may be interested in Chinese-style decoration |
| D．may visit some parks for free |
| A．They offer free Wi-Fi. |
| B．They are at Delft city centre. |
| C．They offer free on-site parking. |
| D．They offer comfortable rooms. |
| A．In a magazine. | B．In a newspaper. |
| C．On the Internet. | D．In a TV program. |
