1 . Here are four of the most charming villages in Europe, along with our top picks for places to stay in each.
Eze in Cota D’Azur, France
Set on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Provencal township of Eze is easily one of the most picturesque spots in the region. It is largely a tourist destination, and many of its buildings dates back to the Middle Age. In fact, Eze is particularly popular with couples seeking romantic solitude.
Hotel pick: Chateau de la Chevre
Baden-Baden in Wurttemberg, Germany
Germany’s best-known spa town, Baden-Baden, in the Black Forest of Baden- Wuttemberg, has been a popular spot for soaking in mineral-rich waters off and on since the Roman era. And while spa treatments and hot springs are still among the most popular draws for tourists, there are also plenty of museums, gardens, performing arts venues and charming old buildings and churches.
Hotel pick: Hotel Belle Epoque
Montepulciano in Tuscany, Italy
Spread over a hilltop nearly 2,000 metres above sea level, the Tuscan village of Montepulciano offers gorgeous Renaissance architecture as well as opportunities to visit wine companies. Surrounded by strong walls dating back to the 14th century, the village features a handful of churches and public squares.
Hotel pick: Etruria Resort
Oia in Santorini, Greece
Oia is undoubtedly the most charming village on the beautiful Greek island of Santorini. This town is best known as a sunset-viewing spot, but it is fantastic any time of day thanks to its abundance of typical whitewashed structures topped with blue domes plus its fabulous views out onto the Aegean Sea.
Hotel pick: Hotel Aspaki
1. Which village will newly-married couples most possibly choose to spend their honeymoon?A.Oia. | B.Baden-Baden. |
C.Montepulciano. | D.Eze. |
A.you can have a spa treatment |
B.you can enjoy a beautiful sunset view |
C.you can appreciate Renaissance architecture |
D.you can overlook Mediterranean Sea |
A.Times | B.National Geographic |
C.American Home | D.The Economist |
2 . Visiting Alaska’s distant Adak Island
Halfway between the United States and Japan is Alaska’s Adak Island. It is a place known for its natural beauty. The coast is home to rich wildlife. People visit Adak to hunt, watch birds, or climb mountains.
At Horseshoe Bay, brave people can climb down a rope to the coast below and nearby hot springs. At Clam Lagoon you can watch sea otters, harbour seals and sea lions playing in the water and warming themselves on the rocks.
Locals
In town, fewer than 100 people live full-time in old military houses. These houses sit in mostly empty neighborhoods with other buildings in need of repair. So why do people stay? Some love the quiet. Others say they feel safe from the coronavirus (冠状病毒). Some get extra pay for remote work.
People who work there often do many different jobs. One man who serves drinks at a bar also works at the airport.
Supplies are limited
Adak locals learn to live with very limited supplies. The only food store is in the old day care centre. It is open just a few hours on some evenings. A drink store that was once a gas station sells a case of beer for $50. In most states, a case of beer is only $20.
Food choices are limited. Restaurants and stores are often closed. One restaurant in Adak does not open often, but when it does, it serves a large pizza for $28. It was surprisingly tasty considering how far the tomat o sauce and cheese had to travel.
Charge:
7 days $1,432/per person (accommodation and air tickets included)
For more information:
Call 01223 810080
Visit https://www.vacationsbyrail.com/united-states/alaska-adak-island
1. Which place can offer visitors the view of wild sea animals?A.Finger Bay. | B.Clam Lagoon. |
C.Horseshoe Bay. | D.Lake Bonnie Rose. |
A.Doing various jobs. | B.Avoiding city noises. |
C.Earning more money. | D.Feeling safe from the coronavirus. |
A.$20. | B.$28. | C.$50. | D.$60. |
3 . 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. |
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 . Temples have long served an important role since the early years of civilization. Whether you are seeking a sense of spiritual enlightenment or looking to learn more about a certain religion, these beautiful temples are worth a stop on your vacation.
Paro Taktsang in the Paro Valley, BhutanSituated on a steep cliff in Bhutan’s Paro Valley, the “Tiger’s Nest” earned its nickname from an 18th-century tale detailing Buddhist master Padmasambhava arriving to the site on a flying tiger. The journey to the cliffside is quite the challenge, requiring guests to climb two hours on a steep trail.
Seiganto-ji in Nachikatsuura, JapanNeighboring the tallest waterfall and set against the lush trees of Nachi, Seiganto-ji dates back to the 4th century. Seiganto-ji is now the first stop on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, where individuals travel to 33 Buddhist temples throughout the Kansai region of Japan.
Man Mo Temple in Hong KongThis Buddhist and Taoist temple was built to honor the god of literature and the god of war, and the inscriptions found in the temple hall imply its construction may have taken place around 1847. It is still highly active and visited by local worshippers, so it’s asked that any visitor coming to the temple is prohibited from taking photos out of respect.
Kek Lok Si Temple, MalaysiaPenang is often touted(吹捧) for its sandy beaches and emerald blue waters, but it’s also home to the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. A melting pot of cultures, the temple’s architecture showcases Chinese, Thai, and Burmese styles throughout its stunning seven stories. It’s estimated there are 10,000 statues of Buddha depicted throughout its main pagodas(宝塔).
1. If you hope to enjoy a sea view, which temple is the best choice?A.Paro Taktsang in the Paro Valley, Bhutan. | B.Seiganto-ji in Nachikatsuura, Japan. |
C.Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong. | D.Kek Lok Si Temple, Malaysia. |
A.Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest temple in Malaysia. |
B.Paro Taktsang earned its nickname due to its unique location. |
C.Seiganto-ji is a time-honored temple with magnificent surroundings. |
D.Visitors tend to take photos to show their respect for Man Mo Temple. |
A.A travel journal. | B.A tourist brochure. |
C.A geography textbook. | D.An academic article. |
6 . You might have heard a lot about ancient towns and ancient cities in China. Here, we list several of the most beautiful ancient villages in China.
Baoshan Stone City, Yunnan Province
Baoshao Stone City was built on a huge mushroom-shaped rock, and only has about one hundred houses. The houses are laid out in an orderly way, built on the rock, and linked by stone steps. The Naxi people there still lead an original life and grow crops in terraces; you can experience the colorful culture of the Naxi ethnic group there.
Tuvas Village in Kanas, Xinjiang
Kanas Tuvas Village is near the mysterious Lake Kanas. The small village is located in a valley, and only has about 80 houses. These Swiss-style wooden houses are all surrounded by wooden fences. Tuvas is an ancient minority group. They traditionally lived as hunter-gathers. You can visit a local family, go herding with the locals and experience the peaceful ancient village life.
Jiajiu Tibetan Village, Danba, Sichuan Province
Jiaju Tibetan Village is known as the “Tibetan fairyland”. It stands on a mountain slope, and consists of about 140 houses. These unique houses are all built with crown-shaped roofs, red caves, and white walls, which make the houses look like little castles among the forest.
Xijiang Miao Village, Guizhou Province
If you’re interested in the Miao Minority, Xijiang Miao Village can be a great destination for deepening your understanding of Miao history and culture. It’s the largest Miao village in China, and now has 1432 households with a population of over 5000, of which 99.5% are Miao ethnic group. It’s also famous for the houses built on stilts of different heights.
1. What can you do in Kanas Tuvas Village?A.Hike in terraces. | B.Go hunting with the locals. |
C.See houses of a foreign style. | D.Learn about houses built on stilts. |
A.In Baoshan Stone City | B.In Jiaju Tibetan Village |
C.In Kanas Tuvas Village | D.In Xijiang Miao Village |
A.They were secret to the outside world in the past. |
B.They were originally built to defend their homeland. |
C.They are the ethnic villages with unique architecture. |
D.They are still cut off and difficult to access nowadays. |
7 . Despite being one of the most famous and frequented attractions in the United States,
We don’t really know how old it is
It has long been believed that the Colorado River began carving the Grand Canyon about 6 million years ago,
Of all Grand Canyon facts, this one is pretty cool—no word-play intended. Sudden changes in altitude have an enormous impact on temperature and rainfall, so the weather you are experiencing could differ dramatically, depending on where you are in the Grand Canyon. The coldest, wettest weather station in the region is the Bright Angel Ranger Station on the North Rim, while the hottest (and one of the driest) is just 8 miles away at Phantom Ranch.
There are lots of fossils in the area
While the dinosaur might have missed out on seeing the Grand Canyon, lots of other fossils have been found.
Fish are relatively uncommon in the area
Prior to modern flood control measures, the Colorado River provided a uniquely difficult habitat for fish, with heavy mud with small rocks, frequent floods, and temperatures ranging from extreme heat in summer to sub-freezing in winter. Consequently, only eight fish species are native to the Grand Canyon,
A.but a 2012 study contained a real shocker |
B.and many other species are found outside this area. |
C.and six of them are found nowhere outside of the Colorado River. |
D.The weather in the Grand Canyon is really cool. |
E.This indicates that other creatures frequented the location. |
F.The Grand Canyon creates its own weather. |
G.Grand Canyon National Park still holds some surprises. |
8 . Making my way slowly along the cliff (悬崖) face, I gazed (注视) at the great appearance of each temple I passed. As I entered the first cave and looked up at the feitian—an imagined flying god in Buddhist art, I wondered how many hundreds of thousands of others, from near and far, have looked at the same great paintings and statues.
Sometime between the 4th and 14th century, Mogao was an important Buddhist center connecting East Asia and South Asia. Hundreds of caves were carved into a cliff face running along the Daquan River. Located on the ancient Silk Road, one of the great trade routes in ancient times, it created an environment of artistic and cultural exchange between the different cultures.
My personal adventure to Dunhuang had taken me, by way of train and bus, from Xining in Qinghai Province to Lanzhou in Gansu Province, and through the Jiayu Pass. From there, I continued on through Yumen Pass, also known as the Jade Gate, and crossed the Gobi Desert to find this small and sleepy desert town, and to see these caves for myself.
As I explored the temples,I was amazed by the vividness (生动性) of the paintings and statues. It was almost as though they were painted or carved the day before. I had discovered the reason why people travel.
There are more than 2,000 coloured statues that were carved 1,500 years ago. More than 1,400statues are well-protected so they can still be appreciated. During the thousand years of artistic activity,the style of the wall paintings and statues changed. The early caves show greater Indian and Western influences,while during the Tang Dynasty the influences of Chinese painting styles became noticeable.
Today, the Mogao Caves stand out from the desert like a shinning pearl on the Silk Road.
1. What do we know about Mogao?A.It was a Buddhist center in West Asia. | B.It can be easily reached by train and bus. |
C.It has carved caves on Daquan Mountains. | D.It was the meeting point for different cultures. |
A. | B. |
C. | D. |
A.The well-protected temples. | B.The large number of tourists. |
C.The preserved coloured statues. | D.Some paintings made not long ago. |
A.Highly developed. | B.Plain. | C.Culturally mixed. | D.Noticeable. |
A.Style Changes Over Years | B.The Pearl of the Silk Road |
C.Influential Western Culture | D.My Views on Dunhuang |
9 . The Most Breathtaking Theaters in the World
Shakespeare's Globe Theater(London, UK)
The original Globe Theater was built by Shakespeare's company in 1599, but was destroyed by fire in 1613. A replica was built in 1997 just meters from the original site. The new 857-seat structure has several modern features. It has the first and only straw roof permitted in London since the great fire of 1666.
Shakespeare's Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London; +44 20 7902 1400
Margravial Opera House(Bayreuth, Germany)
Built in 1745, the UNESCO-listed Mareravial Opera House is regarded as the finest baroque theater in Europe. The stage has a depth of 27 meters and was the largest in Europe until 1871. Much of the original materials remain, along with original structures, such as the twin staircases.
Margravial Opera House, Opernstrasse 14. Bayreuth, Germany; +49 9 21 7 59 69 22
Teatro Amazonas(Manaus, Brazil)
There can't be many theaters located in the middle of the Amazon rainforest, and the Teatro Amazonas is certainly the most breathtaking. The theater was built in 1895 and was designed by Italian architect Celestial Sacardim. Work took 15 years. largely thanks to the decision to source supplies from all over the world
Amazon Theater, Centro, Manaus, Brazil; +55 92 3622 1880
National Centre for the Performing Arts(Beijing, China)
The National Centre for the Performing Arts(NCPA), built in 2007, is an arts centre in Beijing. Designed by French architect Paul Andreu, the NCPA is the largest theatre complex(建筑群)in Asia. The NCPA includes value in both ancient traditional Chinese architecture and modern architecture. It was specially designed to improve the red walls of ancient buildings and the Great Hall of the People in order to fit in with the surroundings.
NCPA, No. 2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing; +86 010 6655 0989
1. Where does the theatre with its longest survival time lie?A.In London. | B.In Bayreuth | C.In Manaus. | D.In Beijing |
A.Shakespeare's Globe. | B.Margravial Opera House. |
C.Teatro Amazonas. | D.National Centre for the Performing Arts. |
A.It features modern architecture. | B.It receives worldwide supplies. |
C.It is a multifunctional theatre | D.It matches its surroundings. |
10 . Located in the southeast of Canada and with a population of approximately 6 million, Toronto is a big and beautiful city, which has developed from a relatively unknown place over the past half century to the center of culture, trade and communication in Canada.
With its colorful ethnic mix, rich history and breathtaking buildings. Toronto offers non-stop adventures to the tourists. To get a sense of how big, various and magical Toronto is, the best place to start is the CN Tower. From this point, visitors can get a bird's-eye view of the city's amazing scenery and unique geography.
In addition to being an important center of culture, trade and communication in Canada, Toronto is also a major muti-ethnic city. It is the most populous city in Canada and its citizens come from countries around the world and from different kinds of ethnic backgrounds. Every day, in most places of the city, a hundred different languages can be heard on the streets, from Hindi to Greek to French. This, perhaps, explains why former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau once said that Canada is a mosaic(嵌合体)of cultures and languages rather than a melting pot.
Street signs in Toronto are mostly in English. Weekly and daily newspapers are published in various languages, and the city hosts the successful international film festival each September. It is also home to a popular baseball team the Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto has something for everyone.
Moreover, Toronto has been rated one of the most livable cities in the world by United Nations Human Settlements Programme for many years. At the same time, Toronto is one of the safest, richest cities in the world with the highest standard of living.
1. What's the purpose of the text?A.To draw more tourists to Toronto. |
B.To introduce something about Canada. |
C.To introduce some famous sights of Toronto. |
D.To tell us how Toronto develops from the past. |
A.Toronto is in the center of Canada. |
B.Toronto is a city with a history of half a century. |
C.The street signs in Toronto are all written in English. |
D.From the top of the CN Tower we can see the whole Toronto. |
A.It's worth visiting. |
B.It's just a common city in Canada. |
C.There are too many foreigners in the city. |
D.There aren't many places of interest to visit. |
A.A personal diary. | B.A news report. |
C.A tourist handbook. | D.A student's notebook. |