2 . Imagine mountains enveloped in silver water, shining in the spring sun. Summer sees the mountains turn bright green with growing rice. During autumn, these mountains are gold, and in winter they are covered with white frost.     1    

These terraces (梯田) were built by the local Zhuang and Yao people. Starting in the Yuan Dynasty, work on the terraces took hundreds of years.     2     Reaching as far as the eye can see, these terraces cover tall mountains, often from the bottom to the very top.

    3     Firstly, there are few large flat areas of land in the region. Building the terraces could increase the areas to grow rice. Secondly, although the region has plenty of rain, the mountains are steep (陡峭) and the soil is shallow. The fat terraces help catch the rainwater and prevent the soil from being washed away.

But perhaps the most important is the way people have worked in peace with nature. The terraces are cleverly designed, with hundreds of waterways connecting with each other. During the rainy season, rainwater moves down the mountains and into the terraces along these waterways. The sun heats the water and turns it into vapour (水蒸气).     4     These terraces also provide a perfect environment for birds and fish, some of which feed on insects harmful to crops.

Although modern technology helps produce more crops, these terraces still mean a lot to the local people for whom traditions hold much value.     5     Thus, new generations continue to use ancient methods of agriculture to maintain the terraces. Today, the Longji Rice Terraces attract thousands of visitors to admire this great wonder created by people and nature working together.

A．Terraces were built to collect the rain.

B．These are the colors of the Longji Terraces.

C．This knowledge is passed down through families.

D．It wasn’t completed until the early Qing Dynasty.

E．So how did people change the entire mountains into terraces?

F．This forms clouds from which rain falls down onto the terraces again.

G．So why did these people take trouble turning the entire mountains into terraces?

3 . Island Getaways

Beautiful beaches, rich cultures and untouched pockets of wilderness are just a few attractive characteristics of the best island vacations. Each of the islands listed here has something extra that keeps travelers charmed.

Principe

West of Africa's mainland, small Principe offers blue seas, yellow beaches, jungle peaks, whale-watching with received plantations to visit and locals to meet. Pleasant eco-resorts help, too. Principe is amazingly safe and welcoming to visitors, particularly ecotourists, for whom the advancing jungle is a delight.

Bryher

The handsomest of the Isles of Scilly, 25 miles from Land's End, Bryher accompanies rose gardens with a windy wild coastal path. You can follow the coastal path visiting the charming beaches including Rushy Bay which is a must with fine white sand and clear waler. You can also take a hike up one of the hills to enjoy amazing views across Scilly and out to a Bishop Rock Lighthouse witnessing the past glory.

Astypalea

Butterfly-shaped Astypalea, an unspoilt Greek island, which banned cigarettes in 2019. Pretty yellow beaches as well as churches in the math town. Chora Chora, the island's capital, built on a hill with a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sen. On the top of the hill overlooking the village, sits Querini castle which used to protect the island during the Middle Ages, but now it is the main attraction of Astypalea.

Dominica

Commonly known as The Nature Island, Dominica sticks out up from the shiny waters of the Caribbean to serve as a fairy land for travelers seeking thrills in a place that lime has forgotten. The best-kept secrets of the Caribbean arc lush rainforests, towering mountains, rushing rivers and welcoming waterfalls with volcanic wonders adding unique beauty to Dominica.

1. Which is a perfect destination for those who are interested in ecotourism?

A．Bryher.

B．Principe.

C．Astypalea.

D．Dominica.

2. What do Bryher and Astypalea have in common?

A．They have historic buildings.	B．They're famous for rose gardens.
C．They look like a butterfly.	D．They're surrounded by white beaches.

3. What makes Dominica special?

A．Towering mountains.	B．Rushing rivers.
C．Welcoming waterfalls.	D．Volcanic wonders.