1 . In 2011, artist Grimanesa Amorós stepped off a boat made of totora reeds (芦苇) onto an island—also made of totora reeds — in the northwest portion of Lake Titicaca. It’s home to one of the world’s most innovative achievement of human engineering: the Uros Islands.

The man-made floating islands, which are home to the native Uros people, are created by putting layers upon layers of totora roots and reeds. This water-resistant plant grows in the lake and is the lifeblood of the Uros community. It is used to make boats, houses, roofs, mattresses (床垫) and more. The plant is also eaten and serves as medicine, and its flowers are used to make tea.

However, the Uros weren’t always dependent on the totora. More than 500 years ago, the growing Inca Empire began to invade the Uros’ mainland villages. To beat this threat, the Uros began to build the islands, which could be launched deep into Lake Titicaca, away from danger. Hundreds of years later, there are now about 120 of these constructed islands, with around 1,300 people living on them.

To build the islands, the Uros first gather large blocks of totora roots. Multiple blocks are pulled together, and the roots and reeds mix naturally to form a layer about 1 to 2m thick. The totora reed is laid on top of this floating base. The Uros use a long tool to reach deep down into the water and cut the plant above the base. Then, the reeds are dried in the sun for one to four weeks and bundled (捆绑) together using a rope. Once dried, totora reeds are placed in alternating directions on top of the root blocks and become the ground that the Uros walk and build their homes on.

Today, urban influences are evident on the islands: Solar panels power bedroom lights and small TVs; a radio station operates on the main island. It’s evident that these modern changes and tourism have changed the Uros’ life on the lake. One thing remains certain, though. As long as there is totora growing at Lake Titicaca, the islands’ rooted foundation will stay the same.

Chengdu is regarded by many as one of the happiest cities in China, as well as the home of pandas. It     1     (become) the first Asian city to be identified as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2010.

Chengdu is a place where it seems to blur (难以区分) the boundaries between past and future. Its ancient temples, traditional alleys and historic architecture open a window into ancient China,     2     (take) you into a world of past impressive beauty. But what is really surprising is its focus on the future. Transforming into a center of technology, innovation and development, this city has     3     (ambition) plans to become a science city in southwest China.

Chengdu is not only rich in history and modernity, but also in flavor. This city is known     4     its spicy food, with bold flavors and centuries-old cooking traditions coming together to offer dining experiences     5     will delight all the senses. Chengdu’s most popular food, such as tongue-numbing mapo tofu and hotpot, is     6     feast for the palate (味觉). Hotpot works like this. A heat source     7     (place) on the dining table keeps a pot of soup stock simmering (煨), and a variety of Chinese foodstuffs and     8     (ingredient) are served beside the pot for the diners to put into the hot stock.

All this richness that Chengdu has to offer led to its selection as the host city for the 31stFISU World University Games. The athletic event was an opportunity not only     9     (show) Chengdu’s sporting spirit, world-class infrastructure,     10     (warm) and organizational skill, but also to promote friendship and cross-cultural understanding.

3 . Are you a fan of outdoor adventures? Do you enjoy scenic views to relax? Look no further, as the following destinations offer all that and more.

Athabasca Falls

Alberta, Canada

Water from the Canadian Rockies flows down into the waterfalls of Jasper National Park, creating a flow with wild energy. The falls are wheelchairs accessible, with a paved path taking admirers to a number of viewpoints. If visitors leave the path, they can explore both the upper and lower regions of the trail.

Akaka Falls Trail

Hakalau, Hawaii

A short half-mile hike is big on sights and low on hard activity. The well-kept ring like trail guide visitors around to see a number of waterfalls, including the 442-foot main attraction, and beautiful local flora (植物群) among the famous landscape. Though there are no hills to climb, there are a number of stairways to go.

Nugget Falls

Juneau, Alaska

Located in Tongass National Forest about 12 miles from Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier has produced Nugget Falls, a fan-like waterfall that leads into a lake. A series of short hikes allows for different views of the waterfall and icy surrounds, which are also known for frequent brown bear sightings.

Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Valley, California

Yosemite National Park is one of the oldest national parks in America and home to the fifth tallest waterfall in the world. Hikers can reach it by taking a 1-mile trail from the lodge or the 7.2-mile round-trip Yosemite Falls Trail route. Late spring is best, with the highest water flow. In the winter, the temperatures dip below freezing. A park admission fee applies.

5 . Mexico has more than just beaches. Several Mexican cities have been recognized as forming part of the heritage of humanity and are considered to be of outstanding universal value.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca and the nearby archaeological site Monte Alban have both been recognized by UNESCO. Oaxaca, the capital city of the state of the same name, was founded in 1529 and offers a good example of previous Spanish town planning. Oaxaca is considered one of Mexico’s best foodie destinations. Learn what foods and drinks you should try in Oaxaca.

Guanajuato

As a silver mining town in the past, Guanajuato seems special. The winding streets and small squares give it a more friendly feel than some of the other cities. This is a student town with a vibrant culture and an important cultural festival — the International Cervantino Festival which is held every October.

Puebla

Puebla is one of Mexico’s large cities, but its historical center can easily be explored on foot. It has some special historical structures such as the 16th-century cathedral and some other fine buildings with walls covered in tiles.

Morelia

Morelia, the capital of the state of Michoacán, was originally called Valladolid, but its name was changed in honor of independence hero José María Morelos y Pavón. The Museo del Dulce is a stop you shouldn’t miss in Morelia. Visits to nearby Patzcuaro or the reserves are also recommended on a trip to Morelia.

7 . The Giant Ferris Wheel is one of Vienna’s symbols. Almost 65 meters tall, it offers a breathtaking view of the city. It was the world’s tallest Ferris wheel from 1920 until 1985.

According to the unwritten rule for all visitors to Vienna, if you haven’t done a round on the Giant Ferris Wheel, you haven’t been in Vienna. The Giant Ferris Wheel was built in 1897 to mark the 50th year of Emperor Franz Joseph’s accession to the throne (王位). It has been enduring feature of the city’s skyline ever since. If you want to know everything about the Giant Ferris Wheel, head to the Panorama Museum in the entrance area of the Giant Ferris Wheel.

The entire iron structure weighs 430 metric tons. The wheel of the Giant Ferris Wheel turns at a speed of 2.7 km/h. The Giant Ferris Wheel is the oldest ferris wheel of its type still in existence anywhere in the world and famous throughout the world.

Prices

You can find more information about The Giant Ferris Wheel at office@zumriesenrad.at or +43 1 729 54 30. Our office times are Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 08:00 am to 04:30 pm.

With thousands of fishing lights blanketing its surface, Erhai Lake in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Yunnan Province,     1     (offer) a splendid night view since the annual ecological regulation of fish populations in Erhai Lake began on August 21.

As darkness falls each night, fishing boats travel across the lake and fishing lights     2     (gradual) cover the lake with fishing nets stretching across the water. In videos made with time-lapse (延时拍摄的) photography, stars in the night sky appear to fall into Erhai Lake,     3     (create) a fantastical and dreamlike shape of incredible beauty.

The 2023 ecological regulation of fish populations in Erhai Lake aims to completely     4     (strength) biodiversity protection, taking full advantage     5     the structure of fish populations and effectively guarding against and controlling dangerous alien species.

Based on various fish     6     (type) , this year’s regulation efforts are divided into three stages across the lake’s waters, the core protected areas of the Cangshan Erhai National Nature Reserve not     7     (include) .

The first stage     8     (schedule) to last from August 21 to September 20, with a focus on the sharpbelly and other species of small-sized fish.     9     number of families applying for and receiving ecological regulation permits reached as many as 590, with     10     they could enter the lake to conduct fishing activities during the permitted periods.