1 . The Best Caves in The World
Hang Son Doong, Vietnam
Natural caves don’t come much larger than Hang Son Doong, close to the border between Laos and Vietnam. This cave possesses the largest cross-section of any known cave on the planet, a vast area that is difficult to describe. Supposedly, a Boeing 747 could fly through without damaging its wings, but that doesn’t really do justice to the vastness of Hang Son Doong. The stalactites (钟乳石) here are pretty massive too, with some reaching up to 80 metres.
Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
Glowworms (萤火虫) are there, as far as the eye can see. Okay, not literally, but the Waitomo Cave system on New Zealand’s North Island is best-known for the fluorescent fauna that light up the walls, giving it the not-particularly-creative but completely acceptable “Glowworm Caves” nickname. They are more accessible than other caves on this list, with rafting and adventure tours available to those looking for something a little more thrilling.
Mammoth Cave, the USA
If you have certain expectations from somewhere called “Mammoth Cave”, that is entirely understandable. Mammoth Cave in Kentucky is the world’s longest known cave system, an incredible 420 miles of underground wonder. That’s twice as long as the next longest, by the way, although it isn’t unusual for the USA to go all out on such things.
Reed Flute (芦笛) Cave, China
Named after the reeds that grow outside, which are used to make flutes, obviously, the Reed Flute Cave’s walls are covered with inscriptions from centuries gone by—if evidence was needed that people have been paying attention to this place for a long old time. The inside part of the cave is also lit up by multicoloured lights, giving it a real otherworldly theme that adds weight to the nickname.
1. What is special about Hang Son Doong?| A．It was once a base of a factory. |
| B．It is the deepest cave in the world. |
| C．It has the highest stalactites in the world. |
| D．It owns the largest cross-section in the world. |
| A．Hang Son Doong. | B．Waitomo Caves. |
| C．Mammoth Cave. | D．Reed Flute Cave. |
| A．Vietnam. | B．New Zealand. | C．The USA. | D．China. |
2 . If you want to understand China but can’t afford an expensive international flight, these four books can give you a complete overview of the country.
River Town
River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze by Peter Hessler — This book is a journal of the author’s two years spent teaching English in a small town called Fuling, situated on the banks of the Yangtze River. Hessler writes about his experiences living in a foreign culture and observing the lives of the town’s residents. The book was published in 2001 and has won several awards, including the Kiriyama Prize.
Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China
It is a book that tells the story of China’s modernization. It was written by Ezra Vogel and published in 2011. The author describes how Deng Xiaoping’s policies led to significant changes in China’s economy and society. The book has received critical honors and won the Lionel Gelber Prize in 2012.
The Search for Modern China by Jonathan Spence
This book is a comprehensive history of China from the Ming dynasty to the present day. The author, a prominent scholar of Chinese history, provides a detailed analysis of the social, cultural, and political changes that have taken place in China over the past 500 years. The book was first put out in 1990 and has since been revised and updated several times. This book was the top bestseller for years.
Factory Girls: From Village to City in a Changing China
Written by Leslie T. Chang, this book, published in 2008, is a reportage on the lives of young women who leave their rural homes to work in factories in China’s cities. Chang, a former New York Times journalist, interviewed hundreds of factory girls to provide insight into the social and economic changes in China.
1. What type of literature is River Town?| A．A travel guide of Fuling. | B．A personal diary. |
| C．A science fiction. | D．A reference book. |
| A．It received positive reviews. |
| B．It was published 500 years ago. |
| C．It was written by a history teacher. |
| D．It has remained the same since its first publication. |
| A．River Town |
| B．The Search for Modern China |
| C．Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China |
| D．Factory Girls: From Village to City in a Changing China |
3 . National parks are an excellent way to explore all the beauty that the world has to offer: whether it’s endangered species, erupting volcanoes and snowy mountains, or rainforests and lakes. Of the thousands of national parks that exist in the world, these are the ones that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Yorkshire Dales, United KingdomContrary (相反) to the popular link of national parks with the wilderness, it is filled with winding valleys, hills and villages where over 24,000 people live and work. Visitors can walk through grassland, visit waterfalls or explore underground caves, but Yorkshire Dales is also home to several food shops, and the park hosts cheese festivals and farmers markets regularly, so it’s best to go hungry.
Kakadu National Park, AustraliaIt is a delight for those who like a bit of history mixed with the biodiversity of national parks. While it houses thousands of species of wildlife, there’s more to the national park than that.
Guilin and Lijiang River National Park, ChinaIt is surrounded by striking natural beauty and can be explored by land. But the river national park, as the name suggests, is best explored through leisurely boat rides that take visitors through many ancient towns that come along the way of the river.
Vatnajökull National Park, IcelandHere’s a surprising fact: The whole of Vatnajökull National Park makes up 14% of Iceland’s territory! The park is usually open for hikes around the glaciers; boat rides through glacier lakes, and tours that take visitors through the park’s many ice caves, waterfalls, and icebergs. Vatnajökull is also where two of Iceland’s most active volcanoes are located.
1. What is recommended for a trip to Yorkshire Dales?| A．Recording local customs. |
| B．Skiing in the snowy mountains. |
| C．Going with an empty stomach. |
| D．Watching the eruption of volcanoes. |
| A．Yorkshire Dales. |
| B．Kakadu National Park. |
| C．Vatnajökull National Park. |
| D．Guilin and Lijiang River National Park. |
| A．There are many ancient towns. |
| B．There are various ice caves inside. |
| C．They are aimed at protecting rivers. |
| D．They can be explored through boats. |
4 . The best spring destinations in Tibet
The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has long been an ideal and mysterious destination for visitors. Now with the arrival of spring, the climate is becoming more pleasant and Tibet has become an even better trowel destination. Here we recommend some of the best tourist destinations in Tibet which might suit your travel taste.
Peach blossom valley: Nyingchi
The peach blossoms in Nyingchi, Tibet Autonomous Region have been named as “the most beautiful peach flowers in the world”. A great time to visit Nyingchi for the peach blossoms would usually be from March 20 to Apil 15 each year.
The peach blossom valley in Bomi County, Nyingchi, stretches for 30 kilometers, making it one of the longest in China. Peach blossoms can be seen everywhere- around houses, across farmlands and along streams. Peach trees bloom depending on the altitude and climate, so visitors will have the chance to enjoy the blossoms throughout April.
The Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon
The Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon is the deepest canyon in the world. With a total length of about 500 kilometers, its altitude spans from 1,182 meters at Namchak Barwa, the highest peak of the eastern Himalayas, to 550 meters around the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley in Metog County.
One unique feature of the spring sight here is that visitors can enjoy both the peach blossoms and the snow-capped mountains at the same time.
Nanyi Valley
Nanyigou scenic spot is 20 kilometers away from Milin County and is an important birthplace of the mysterious Tibetan medicine culture. The scenic area rovers a total area of 820 hectares. The ecological conditions here are so good that the place is rich in various animal and plant species.
Surrounded by mountains and shrouded (遮蔽) in clouds, Nanyi Valley is an ideal spring destination for visitors, where you can find peach and azalea blossoms everywhere.
1. What do the three tourist destinations have in common?| A．They are all covered with snow. |
| B．They are rich in various animal and plant species. |
| C．They provide beautiful peach blossoms for visitors. |
| D．They are the birthplaces of the Tibetan medicine culture. |
| A．It’s the second deepest canyon In the world. |
| B．Visitors can have fun from March 20 to April 15 each year. |
| C．It is 550 meters away from the eastern Himalayas. |
| D．Visitors can admire the snow-capped mountains there. |
| A．Tourism. | B．Technology. | C．Agriculture. | D．Photography. |
5 . Four Fascinating National Parks in the World
Fiordland National Park
Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s Southern Island was established in 1952 and is part of the larger Te Wahipounamu wilderness, a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Covering 1.2 million hectares, Fiordland National Park is home to green rain forests, crystal clear lakes and snow-capped mountains. Even on the frequent rainy days, the scenery is spectacular, with entire valley walls turning into thundering waterfalls. Highlight is the amazing Milford Sound with Mitre Peak, rising 1692 metres above sea level and one of the most photographed peaks in the country.
Yosemite National Park
First protected in 1864 and one of the first parks in the National Park Service, California’s Yosemite is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park’s central feature is Yosemite Valley, which is surrounded by hills, trees and spectacular waterfalls. But the Park is so much more than just a great valley with waterfalls: within Yosemite’s vast wilderness area, you find deep valleys, grand grassland and more than 800 miles of spectacular hikes.
Serengeti National Park
Tanzania’s oldest and most popular National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was recently proclaimed a 7th worldwide wonder. The Serengeti is famous for its annual Great Migration, a 1, 200-mile odyssey of 1. 5 million wildebeest and 200, 000 zebras, all of them chasing the rains in a race for life. Your chances of watching a kill are pretty high when you visit the area in the right season.
Namib-Naukluft National Park
One of the most thinly populated countries in the world, Namibia is not the right place to get lost. But it is a top destination for those who enjoy unmatched natural scenery and wildlife viewing. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the largest game park in Africa, including part of the Namib Desert and the Naukluft mountain range.
1. What is Fiordland National Park well-known for?| A．Milford Sound with Mitre Peak. | B．Spectacular hikes. |
| C．Great Migration. | D．The longest history. |
| A．New Zealand. |
| B．USA. |
| C．Tanzania. |
| D．Namibia. |
| A．They were established in the 1950s. |
| B．They are famous for waterfalls. |
| C．They belong to the same country. |
| D．They are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. |
6 . The National Park System offers families a wonderfully affordable way to enjoy America’s most beautiful scenery.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
As the most visited national park in America, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers over 522, 000 acres (英亩) of land in North Carolina and Tennessee. It offers breathtaking scenery and wildlife viewing. Despite attracting large numbers of visitors, it presents plenty of opportunities for visitors to be alone, whether to go on a hike, take a scenic drive or relax at a park campsite.
Yellowstone National Park
Set up in 1872 as the first U. S. national park, Yellowstone is arguably the most unique. Its 2. 2 million acres fall mainly in Wyoming and sit at the highest point of one of the continent’s largest active supervolcanoes. It has a diverse ecosystem including lakes, rivers, and mountain ranges.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park’s 415 square miles include mountain lakes and rolling grasslands. There are more than 300 miles of hiking paths to explore along with wildlife like sheep and deer. Adventurous travelers can brave the 48-mile Trail Ridge Road, which takes travelers to an altitude (海拔) of near 11, 500 feet!
Acadia National Park
This park on the rough Maine coast is home to various plants and animals and the tallest mountain on the U. S. Atlantic coast. Today visitors come to Acadia to hike rock peaks, bike along historic carriage roads, or relax and enjoy the natural beauty near the coast.
1. What can visitors do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?| A．Feed wildlife. | B．Go camping. |
| C．Drive along the coast. | D．Climb rocky mountains. |
| A．It has diverse grasslands. | B．It has the most breathtaking scenery. |
| C．It lies on top of a supervolcano. | D．It is home to the States’ tallest mountain. |
| A．In Acadia National Park. |
| B．In Yellowstone National Park. |
| C．In Rocky Mountain National Park. |
| D．In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. |
7 . Five Most Beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the USA
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites are some of the most beautiful places in the world. They represent a unique collection of landmarks, and the five parks in USA really deserve to be treated as such.
Yellowstone National Park, USA
The world’s first national park sits on top of a volcanic hot spot and offers everything from great views to fun activities and wildlife sightings. Home to lush forests, hot springs, alpine rivers, geyers, and more, it’s not hard to see why it’s one of the greatest parks in the USA.
Grand Canyon National Park, USA
Thanks to the erosion from the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is among the best spectacles on the planet. Stretching almost 300 miles, this magnificent valley is almost a mile deep and the width varies between less than a half mile to almost 19 miles.
Yosemite National Park, USA
Yosemite’s glacial landform secures its spot among the best parks in the USA. This amazing park is also typically recognized because of its huge sequoias (红杉) and granite cliffs. In addition, you’ll find all sorts of picture-worthy meadows, waterfalls, streams, mountains, and a variety of plants and animals.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, USA
A karst landscape defines Carlsbad Caverns National Park which houses more than 119 caves. Its two main standouts are the namesake Carlsbad Cavern and Lechuguilla Cave. Both are known for their natural beauty, reef formations, and geologic features, but Carlsbad Cavern is famous for having one of the largest limestone cave chambers in the country at 4,000 feet long while Lechuguilla Cave owes its fame to its rare speleothems, or secondary mineral deposits, that provide a natural laboratory to study biological and geological processes.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, USA
Home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 in recognition of its outstanding natural values. The park is one of the biggest attractions in Hawaii as it offers visitors dramatic volcanic landscapes and glimpses of rare flora and fauna.
1. Which fame do Yellowstone National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park share?| A．Volcanoes. | B．Snow-covered landscapes. |
| C．Rare flora. | D．Home to lush forests. |
| A．Caves | B．erosion |
| C．Rare plants. | D．Hot springs. |
| A．Yellowstone National Park |
| B．Grand Canyon National Park |
| C．Yosemite National Park |
| D．Carlsbad Caverns National Park |
8 . In honor of National Park Week, here’s a list of some of the striking features that you can find throughout America.
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is not necessarily a dangerous place…as long as you don’t steal the stones. The fossils (化石) are beautiful and somewhat look like precious stones, which makes them an attractive souvenir. But as with all National Park lands, visitors aren’t allowed to take anything from the site, including rocks, plants and animals. And for good reason, removing any of these items can harm the local ecosystem or degrade the geological features. Legend has it that taking a rock can bring about misfortune. Due to this reason, the park receives letters with returned rocks from people wishing for forgiveness for fossil theft.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park was the first-ever national park, established in 1872. With scenic mountains and rivers and an abundance of wildlife, Yellowstone is home to more than 10,000 hydrothermal features. These include hot springs, mudpots, and over 500 geysers formed from the 2.1 million-year-old super volcano hiding below Yellowstone’s surface. Visitors from all over the world flock to Yellowstone National Park for its geysers.
Mammoth Cave National Park
With tunnels stretching over 420 miles, Mammoth Cave is the world’s largest cave system. Nearly 10 million years ago, water began to swirl its way through the limestone bed, eventually shaping the cave’s massive tunnels. Inside the cave are the classic stalactites and stalagmites, but you’ll also find other unique formations.
Devil’s Tower National Monument
The origins of this unique rock formation is that Devil’s Tower once constituted the inside of a volcano. Eventually, the softer outside rock of the eroded, leaving only the harder igneous rock behind. Among the local peoples, Devil’s Tower is highly sacred. Each community passes down legends of its creation, which typically include someone escaping a big bear and finding refuge atop the rock.
1. Why must the stones be kept in Petrified Forest National Park?| A．The park is a dangerous place. |
| B．They are valueless stones in the park. |
| C．They can cause ecological and geological effects. |
| D．They will definitely bring bad luck according to the legend. |
| A．Amazing wildlife. |
| B．Picturesque scenery. |
| C．Old history. |
| D．Hydrothermal wonders. |
| A．Petrified Forest National Park. |
| B．Yellowstone National Park. |
| C．Mammoth Cave National Park. |
| D．Devil’s Tower National Monument. |
9 . The Dead Sea might be the most famous saline body in the world, but it’s by no means the only one. Here, we uncover some other salt lakes around the world.
Dead Sea
The most famous of the lot, the Dead Sea—also known as the Salt Sea—is a natural place to start. It’s technically not a sea at all, but a land salt lake. Its waters are mainly drawn from the Jordan River, and the high salinity (盐度) means no life can survive here, so don’t expect any colorful fish. However, much amusement results from the sea’s buoyancy (浮力): Bring some reading material to the waters and lie back—nature will do the rest.
Lake Assal
Surrounded by black volcano rocks, Lake Assal takes the title of being the lowest point in Africa. Vast salt fields mark its edges; the lake has long been at the centre of the area’s salt trade, on which the region’s African locals still rely. Though the area might not be suitable to live in, the waters are rich in minerals and related to health benefits.
Great Salt Lake
The biggest salt lake in the western hemisphere, and the one that gave Salt Lake City its name, the Great Salt Lake finds its home in northern Utah. What makes the lake well-known is not only the lake’s blue and green waters and white-sand beaches, but also Great Salt Lake State Park and Antelope Island State Park, both offering super hiking and biking trails, and great long views.
Don Juan Pond
Don Juan Pond might not win any prizes for its beauty—at four inches deep, it’s little more than a pond, but it is worth visiting. Its salinity content of almost 40 percent makes it one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth, meaning it doesn’t freeze even when Antarctic temperatures drop to -50℃. And with suggestions that water in a similar form could exist on Mars, there’s more than one reason for scientists to study this fascinating dry, cold environment.
1. What can visitors probably do in Lake Assal?| A．Read books. | B．Have a hike. |
| C．Enjoy small fishes. | D．Take a bath in the lake. |
| A．Its great parks. | B．Its scientific value. |
| C．Its highest salinity. | D．Its specific location. |
| A．Dead Sea. | B．Lake Assal. |
| C．Don Juan Pond. | D．Great Salt Lake. |
10 . Warm Mineral Springs Park
Step into the past at the only natural warm spring in Florida! With a consistent average temperature of 85 °F year round, Warm Mineral Springs Park provides visitors with a number of recreation options. The spring is reported to have one of the highest mineral contents of any natural spring in the United States. With highly mineralized properties, internationally known for its healing qualities, the park attracts more than 130,000 visitors annually.
At Warm Mineral Springs Park, you will find a day full of relaxation. A variety of spa services are available to those who book in advance by calling (941) 426-1692. An on-site gift shop offers diverse items and souvenirs for purchase.
Pricing
Tickets are not refundable, cannot be exchanged, and cannot be reissued if lost or stolen. Same day re-entry is permitted. Residents include all of Sarasota County. Proof of residency includes driver’s license, water bill and tax bill. Entry pricing, including sales tax, is as follows:
| Pass | Resident | Non-Resident |
| Adults (ages 18 and above) | $15 | $20 |
| Students (ages 6-17) | $11.25 | $15 |
| Children (ages 5 and younger) | FREE | FREE |
| Annual Pass | $1,125 | $2,000 |
| 10 Visit Pass | $112.50 | $150 |
| 30 Visit Pass | $150 | $200 |
General Rules
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, please respect the following rules:
♦ Children 10 years and younger must stay in the children’s area.
♦Children ages 11-16 must remain in the outer border.
♦You must be 17 years or older to swim in the middle.
♦No toys are allowed in the water.
♦No food or drinks in the water.
♦No visitors may block the entrance or exit ramps (坡道).
♦Devices for the producing or reproducing of sound are prohibited.
For Daily Programming, Contact: (941) 426-1692
Hours of Operation: Monday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Open every day, with the exception of December 25.
1. What makes Warm Mineral Springs Park unique in Florida?| A．The natural spring. | B．The recreation options. |
| C．The average temperature. | D．The mineral contents. |
| A．$11.25 | B．$22.50 | C．$15 | D．$30 |
| A．Visitors can purchase souvenirs all year round. |
| B．The entrance or exit ramps aren’t available to visitors. |
| C．Activity zones are separated according to the age of visitors. |
| D．Each visitor to the park can relax himself through spa services. |
