3 . 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.

In ancient times, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province, in Eastern China was called Jing kou.    1     (locate) at the golden cross of the Yangtze River and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, it is a place of     2     (strategy) importance.

The upper reaches of the Yangtze River deposit a lot of silt (淤泥) here,     3    has gradually built up into a small island in the river.

There are three beautiful mountains here—Jinshan Mountain, Beigu Mountain and Jiaoshan Mountain, which are     4     (close) connected with the Yangtze River and are called the Three Mountains of Jingkou.

Jinshan mountain is only 42 meters above sealevel.    5    Jinshan mountain is said to be on the Yangtze River, because the rivers course has moved to the north, JinShan is now some distance away from the Yangtze.

Beigu Mountain, 10 meters     6     (high) than Jinshan Mountain, is just beside the Yangtze River. From here, Jinshan Mountain can     7     (see) in the west and Jiaoshan Mountain in the east. Around the foot of the mountain     8     (flow) the mighty river.

Jiaoshan, the highest of the three,     9    an altitude of 70.7 meters and an area of 38 hectares, is located in the Yangtze River, surrounded by water. Encircled by the green waves, the green mountain looks like a piece of jade     10     (float) on the river.

6 . As one of the city’s most popular free outdoor events, the Cape Town Carnival is a multicultural celebration which focuses on social inclusion and bridging the divide between the diverse communities of the Western Cape and specifically Cape Town. It’s a celebration of the many diverse cultures which makes Cape Town stand out from the most world-famous cities. The carnival is considered a community participation event by the Western Cape Government and draws bigger crowds each year.

The event serves a platform for local performance groups, designers, musicians and artists to showcase their talents to the world. Every year, it may create over 1, 000 part-time jobs. The long-term vision, however, is to create more programmes focusing on skills development, thus permanently employing people. Since 2010 when the carnival was held on Long Street, it has become the festival of the year, and has grown from 17, 000 spectators to as many as 55, 000. This year, the carnival will be held on the Fan Walk in Green Point.

And its theme is Mother City, Mother Nature, exploring two of Cape Town’s greatest assets, its natural beauty and its people. The festival will showcase what makes the Mother City one of the most unique cities in the world. Over 2, 000 shining costumed performers and musicians will take to Cape Town’s Fan Walk, entertaining viewers with floats (花车) and dynamic dance routines. The parade (游行) will be followed by a grand street party, showcasing some of South Africa’s hottest musical talent.

Fans and tourists are encouraged to join in the street festivities anytime from 16: 00, when it will turn into a pedestrian walkway with 2km of food stands and festive hospitality (好客) areas. Later in the evening Cape Town will up the pace with the most appealing and festive open air party, the Cape Town Carnival Street Party! This Culture Comer: A Glimpse of Cape Town, was contributed by Marilyn Steward. I’m Rich Claymount. Stay tuned and see you next time.

The British love their gardens. British men and women spend hours and hours every week trying to make their garden look as     1    (beauty) as possible, competing     2    (produce) the flattest, greenest lawns in the neighbourhood.

So     3     can you find in a typical British garden? The average garden has a lawn and a flower bed. Others may have vegetable patches (小块土地). Another typical     4    (add) is the pond. The ponds are small areas of water that     5    (design) to look like real rock pools, with running water, fish, and vegetation.

One of the most unusual objects to be found in a garden is the shed. This is a sacred place,     6    (particular) for British men. Sheds are little wooden or plastic constructions    7    (pack) with gardening tools, and the junk     8     finds its way there. The shed is a place where British men are truly at home. It’s a place far away from the hard reality of the outside world, and a place where     9    (hobby) can be pursued in peace.

So what do the British do in their gardens? Most time is devoted     10     hard gardening work. But the garden is also a place for entertainment. The British love to organise barbecue parties in their gardens.

10 . As one of the world’s most ancient civilizations, China offers wonderful opportunities to explore wonderful relics from its rich past. Here is our pick of the best places to visit in China.

One of China’s most famous hiking places, this 22km trail winds through a World Heritage-listed gorge in Yunnan that is one of Asia’s most striking landscapes. Framed by spectacular snow-capped mountains and the scenic Jinshajiang River, it is in depths of 3900m, making it one of the deepest gorges in the world.

Rising dramatically from the subtropical forests of northwest Hunan, the peak rock formations of Zhangjiajie inspired the scenery in the film Avatar (2009). Take it all in as you walk over a glass-bottom suspension bridge floating 300m above ground. And if that’s not daring enough, you can bungee jump off it too!

Elegant, historic and cosmopolitan — everything you’ve heard about Shanghai is true. Just take a walk through the French Concession or along the Bund and you’ll see for yourself. From the grand display of 1920s architecture and the city’s sophisticated restaurants, Shanghai is past and future China brought to life.

Sitting along the ancient Silk Road, Dunhuang is home to one of the world’s most important collections of Buddhist art. Among more than 490 Buddhist caves in the area, the mural (壁画) and statue-filled Mogao Grottoes represent perhaps the top of Buddhist artistry in China.