Besides the animal zodiac system (十二生肖), Chinese people also show their connection with animals in other ways    1     Paper-cutting in the shape of animals is one of the most common examples.

Paper-cutting is an amazing art. People use scissors cut paper into different shapes of animals, flowers, cut babies and so on. This art just needs simple tools, but it is not easy at all. When we look at the masters to cut paper, it only takes them a few minutes to finish, but for green hands,    2    他们需要练习很长时间。

Paper-cutting has a long history. When it first appeared in around 386, it didn’t attract much attention because of the shortage of paper.     3    这种艺术直到 6世纪才开始流行。With the development of the art, even in royal (皇家的) families ladies were also judged by the ability at paper cutting. In the 21st century,    4     red paper-cutting which means good luck can be often seen in weddings.

Without doubt, all these handwork products can reflect the relations between humans and animals, and even the whole world, and also the wisdom of ancient Chinese people.     5     It’s regretful that fewer and fewer young people show interest in it. Maybe, when the young can understand the real spirit of the art, they will finally fall in love with it.

Nowadays many people want to have a more interesting experience when arriving in a new city or country. Here are some better ways to travel, both for you and for the environment.

Get out of the car and walk.     1     It’s slower but it’s the greenest way to travel. It’s also the most rewarding way to see a city, but remember to wear comfortable shoes. You can slow down your pace, enjoy fresh air and beautiful scenery along the way.

    2     骑自行车也是一个好的选择。 Many hotels now offer free bikes to guests. It is convenient for people to travel around the city. Some also provide electric bikes that make it easier to go up hills and on longer journeys. Some cities also have Mobikes and you can pick up one easily.     3     它不免费但很便宜。

If you have to take transport in a city, try to take public transport. Most cities now offer lots of information and very cleat maps about the public transport at the city’s websites.     4     So search for them at the websites when you arrive in a city.

    5     If possible, take trains or ships to travel from city to city. They are usually greener than cars and planes.

Helping others is easier than you think.    1     You don’t need to wait to become a rich man like Bill Gatesto help the poor.You can become a volunteer, you can donate your time, you can donate your old clothes and so on. And in doing so,     2     你可以成为一个更好更快乐的人。

Choose some people to support.For example, homeless people, poor children and so on. All of these are suitable.

    3     Decide what you are able to give. Yes! Sometimes it isn’t only money — you can donate your time as a volunteer, you can donate your knowledge teaching poor children, you can donate your old clothes, you can donate food or     4     你可以和一个饥饿的孩子分享食物。

Tell people about it. Tell your friends or your children.    5     Put it in your blog or on your website. In this way, the good work you do will be multiplied!

In the West, if you are going to visit someone’s home, it is polite to take a present with you. Flowers, wine and sweets are all good choices. However, if you want to impress the host or hostess,     1     why not bring with you something handmade?

It is always wise to bring books about China to your foreign friends     2     目的是为了让他们更多地了解中国. If you think books are too ordinary, you can bring some traditional handicrafts such as fans.     3     In the past, fans were used not just to cool oneself. Sometimes fans were decorated with paintings or poems. When you give your friends the present, you can tell them a little about Chinese history. For the hostess, you can give her silk or a present with beautiful Chinese decorations, such as a handmade purse or a Chinese comb. I’m sure she will like it.

You can also give your foreign friends something to eat or drink.     4     你可以做一些中国菜and take them to your friends’ house. You can also bring Chinese tea. Tea is a national drink in China. It is an important part of Chinese culture.

    5     If you need to bring a present to children, toy pandas are a good choice. The giant panda is China’s national treasure. It is popular around the world.

It is just past five o’clock on the Chinese New Year’s Eve, and Luo Yan lifts the cover of a large bowl to breathe in the rich smell of the soup     1     his wife and mother have prepared.

Luo Yan and his wife and son have settled in the big city far away from their hometown. Their journey from the city where they live and work back to their hometown was a     2    漫长而又疲乏的 one just a few years ago. However,     3     the high-speed train has made it more convenient for them to go back home. During the four-hour trip, they chatted happily with each other.

    4    一到家, they find Luo’s parents eagerly waiting for them. Indeed, the family couldn’t be happier to be together. As midnight approaches, Luo Yan takes his parents, wife and son outside to set off firecrackers.     5     The whole village is lit up with the flashes of fireworks.