1 . The following properties which the World Heritage Committee has decided to include on the World Heritage List are under threat.
Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley(Afghanistan)
The cultural landscape and archaeological remains of the Bamiyan Valley stand for the artistic and religious developments which from the 1st to the 13th centuries characterized ancient Bakhtria. The area contains a number of Buddhist monastic ensembles, as well as strong buildings from the Islamic period.
Historic Centre of Vienna(Austria)
Vienna developed from early Celtic and Roman settlements into a Medieval and Baroque city, the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It played an important role as a leading European music center, from the great age of Viennese Classicism through the early part of the 20th century. The historic center of Vienna is rich in architectural buildings, including Baroque castles and gardens, as well as the late-19th-century Ringstrasse lined with grand buildings, monuments and parks.
Okapi Wildlife Reserve(Democratic Republic of the Congo)
The Okapi Wildlife Reserve occupies about one-fifth of the Ituri forest in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Congo river basin, of which the reserve and forest are a part, is one of the largest drainage systems in Africa. The reserve contains threatened species of primates and birds surviving in the wild. It also has some amazing scenery, including waterfalls on the Ituri and Epulu rivers. The reserve is inhabited by traditional nomadic pygmy Mbuti and Efe hunters.
1. Which of the following heritage sites is located in Asia?| A．Okapi Wildlife Reserve. |
| B．Historic Centre of Vienna. |
| C．The Austro-Hungarian Empire. |
| D．Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley. |
| A．Bird researchers. | B．Classical concert conductors. |
| C．Modern building lovers. | D．Natural scenery photographers. |
| A．They are all in danger. | B．They are closed to the public. |
| C．They feature lots of ancient buildings. | D．They are to be removed from the World Heritage List. |
2 . Traditions are customs and beliefs that form a part of our culture. They are practiced to remind us of our history and are passed down from generation to generation. Some traditions are interesting and widespread, while others are quite strange and practiced only by a small group of people. Continue reading to dig more into some interesting traditions from around the world.
Smigus Dyngus in PolandAlso known as “Wet Monday”, Smigus Dyngus is a unique tradition practiced in Poland, where people throw water at each other. It is celebrated annually on Easter Monday. The traditional way to do it is for boys to throw water at girls, and it is believed that the girl who receives the most water has the greatest chance of getting married.
Hanging coffins (棺椁) in Sagada, the PhilippinesThere is an old tradition in Sagada where people hang their coffins in stone caves. It was carried out by the Igorot tribe (部落) of Mountain Province. The people there believe this custom prevents large animals from taking the dead bodies, and also purifies or blesses the departed soul.
The Polterabend custom in GermanyFamily members and friends of future married couples meet at dinner, and break a lot of porcelain (瓷器). The couple is then asked to clean up the entire mess. This is supposedly to teach them the importance of unity and hard work, and bring good luck. Germans think this tradition is essential in making marriages last a lifetime.
Boryeong Mud Festival in the ROKThe Boryeong Mud Festival in the ROK is a fascinating and unique celebration that draws crowds from around the world. It is a major cultural event, attracting over a million visitors annually. People participate in various mud-related activities, including mud baths, mud wrestling and even a mud marathon. The festival features live music, food stalls, and wonderful street performances.
1. Why are the coffins hung in caves in Sagada?| A．To pray for good luck. |
| B．To protect the dead bodies. |
| C．To ensure a future reunion. |
| D．To conserve more land resources. |
| A．Smigus Dyngus. |
| B．Hanging coffins in Sagada. |
| C．The Polterabend custom. |
| D．Boryeong Mud Festival. |
| A．Throw water at girls. |
| B．Learn about Igorot culture. |
| C．Meet famous people. |
| D．Enjoy mud baths. |
3 . Longji Rice Terrace is a popular attraction for oversea travelers. Located in Longsheng Autonomous County, Guangxi province, the Longji Mountain is 80 kilometers away from Guilin City. Since Longji is the habitation for Yao and Zhuang ethnic group, it gains the official name of Longji Yao and Zhuang Ethnic Terrace.
Longji Rice Terrace was first built in Yuan Dynasty and was completed in the early Qing Dynasty. With a history of more than 700 years, the terrace now is still using for growing rice. It is hard to imagine that more than 800 years ago how the first group of Zhuang and Yao people moved here and cultivated (开垦) the first piece of field. From Yuan to the early Qing, about 650 years, the ancestors could not imagine that the fields they cleared with sweat and life became the terrace that so amazing with charming curves (曲线).
The scenes here are different in each season. In spring, mountains are wrapped in silver water, shinning in the sun; in summer, mountains turn bright green with growing rice waving under the sky; in autumn, the dropping ears of rice promise good harvest; in winter, sheets of snows cover the terraces, making the hills like pagodas (宝塔).
In Longji Mountain, the highest terrace is 1,180 meters above sea level, while the lowest is 380 meters. With a wonderful view, it owns the reputation (名誉) of The Top of The Terraced Fields in the world. As a main body of the terrace farming culture, Longji Terraced Field is a scenic spot that includes the natural scenery and the cultural landscape of ethnic minorities. The harmonious atmosphere and living environment attract more and more tourists at home and abroad, which makes it the top destination for holiday paradise and photography. So photography tips for the Longji Yao and Zhuang Ethnic Terrace will be helpful for your trip. Follow our step, and let’s uncover them one by one.
1. Which of the following statement is TRUE about Longji Rice Terrace according to the passage?| A．It was first built in Qing dynasty. |
| B．It is located in Guangdong province. |
| C．It gains popularity both from home and abroad. |
| D．It gains the official name of Longji Zhuang Ethnic Terrace. |
| A．It is hot in the summer of Longji. |
| B．Mountains are shinning in the spring sun. |
| C．Snow can hardly be seen in the winter of Longji. |
| D．The farmers of Longji Rice terrace wear happy faces in autumn. |
| A．The beauty of Longji Rice Terrace. |
| B．The history of Longji Rice Terrace. |
| C．The reputation of Longji Rice Terrace. |
| D．The photography tips for Longji Rice Terrace. |
| A．Longji Rice Terrace has a long history of more than 700 years. |
| B．The scenes in Longji Rice Terrace are different in each season. |
| C．The author makes a brief introduction about Longji Rice Terrace. |
| D．Longji Rice Terrace is a popular attraction for oversea travelers. |
4 . Chinese Festivals
As an ancient country, China has various festivals.
The Spring FestivalIn the evening before the Spring Festival, families get together and have a big meal. Children also get lucky money from parents.
The Lantern FestivalDuring this festival, there is special food called “tang yuan”, which is said to symbolize both the first full moon and family unity and completeness. Part of the Lantern Festival tradition involves a game to guess riddles (谜语) attached to the lanterns.
Stilt walking, drumming and the dragon and lion dance are the main entertainment forms of the Lantern Festival.
The Dragon Boat FestivalIt is to celebrate the patriotic poet Qu Yuan, a loyal and highly respected minister, who brought peace and prosperity (繁荣) to the state but ended up drowning himself in a river as a result of being vilified (诽谤).
The Double Seventh FestivalOn the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, there is a traditional festival full of romance. Recently the youth have celebrated it as Valentine’s Day in China.
The Mid-Autumn FestivalIt is a traditional festival for both the Han and minority nationalities in China.The custom of worshipping (礼拜) the moon can be dated back to the ancient Xia and Shang dynasties. The Mid-Autumn Festival is also a holiday for members of a family to get together.
The Double Ninth FestivalOn the ninth day of the ninth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, people celebrate the Double Ninth Festival. People usually climb mountains and eat double-ninth cakes, which means our life will become better and better.
1. Which is NOT included in the entertainments of the Lantern Festival?| A．Guessing riddles. | B．Lucky money. |
| C．Drumming. | D．Dragon dance. |
| A．The Dragon Boat Festival. | B．The Spring Festival. |
| C．The Double Seventh Festival. | D．The Mid-Autumn Festival. |
| A．Families’ reunion. |
| B．Festival full of romance. |
| C．Worshipping the moon. |
| D．Symbolizing the first full moon. |
5 . Books That Celebrate Diverse Holidays and Traditions
It’s important to remember there are a diverse set of holidays available to explore. Below are a few books that help introduce children to different holiday cultures and traditions.
Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto, illustrated by Ed Martinez
While helping her mother with Christmas celebration, Maria is tempted to try on her mother’s diamond ring. After getting caught up in the joy of the holiday and playing with her cousins, Maria realizes the ring is missing! That’s when she and her cousins come up with a plan to eat all of the tamales, in hopes of finding the ring.
Together for Kwanzaa by Juwanda G. Ford, illustrated by Shelly Hehenberger
This is a story about a little girl named Kayla who wants to see her older brother Khari come home so they can celebrate Kwanzaa together as a family. Khari is stuck at college when a snowstorm hits and his car breaks down. Will he make it home in time for Kwanzaa?
A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
This book is a funny, nostalgic tale of Christmas Eve afternoon through Christmas night in Wales, and is full of unique imagery and poetic prose. It will arouse a sense of familiarity for some young readers while introducing them to different aspects of Christmas traditions.
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frane Lessac
The word otsaliheliga is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. This is an amazing story that describes a journey through the seasons with a modern-day Cherokee family. Cherokee history and traditions are also woven into the story in a very kid-friendly way.
1. What makes it difficult for Khari to return home in time for Kwanzaa?| A．A car crash. | B．Delayed flights. | C．Extreme weather. | D．Academic pressure. |
| A．Traci Sorell. | B．Ed Martinez. | C．Dylan Thomas. | D．Trina Schart Hyman. |
| A．how to find hidden treasures at home | B．how to strengthen bonds with friends |
| C．the lifestyles of different ethnic groups | D．different holiday celebrations and customs |
6 . There is an old saying in China that goes, “The days of the Sanjiu period are the coldest days.” “Sanjiu period”, which is in Minor (较小的) Cold, refers to the third nine-day period (the 19th to the 27th day) after the day of the Winter Solstice (冬至). There are many different customs related to Minor Cold in China.
Eating hotpot
During Minor Cold people should eat some hot food to benefit the body and defend against the cold weather. Winter is the best time to have hotpot and braised mutton with soy sauce. But it is important to notice that too much spicy food may cause health problems.
Eating huangyacai
In Tianjin, there is a custom to have huangyacai, a kind of Chinese cabbage, during Minor Cold. There are large amounts of vitamins A and B in huangyacai. As huangyacai is fresh and tender, it is fit for frying, roasting and braising.
Eating glutinous rice (糯米饭)
According to tradition, the Cantonese eat glutinous rice in the morning during Minor Cold. Cantonese people add some fried preserved (腌制的) pork, sausage and peanuts and mix them into the rice.
Eating vegetable rice
In ancient times, people in Nanjing took Minor Cold quite seriously, but as time went by, the celebration of Minor Cold gradually disappeared. However, the custom of eating vegetable rice is still followed today. The rice is steamed and is unspeakably delicious. Among the ingredients (原料), aijiaohuang (a kind of green vegetable), sausage and salted duck are the specialties in Nanjing.
1. What do we know about Minor Cold?| A．The Sanjiu period is in this period. | B．It refers to the Winter Solstice. |
| C．It lasts twenty-seven days. | D．It marks the first day of winter. |
| A．Eating hotpot. | B．Having vitamin A and B pills. |
| C．Having huangyacai. | D．Buying cabbage. |
| A．travel | B．fashion | C．culture | D．science |
7 . It’s a race against time, as generations of cultural heritage conservators at the Dunhuang Academy make a great effort to protect the artistic charm of the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, despite erosion (侵蚀) by sand and wind.
The team is dedicated to protecting the 45, 000 square meters of murals (壁画) and more than 2, 400 painted sculptures of the 735 caves of the site, the construction of which spans about a thousand years, from the 4th century to the 14th century. The cultural relics are the product of the cultural exchanges that took place over centuries on the ancient Silk Road. “Our work, repairing murals and painted sculptures, is to better preserve the caves, which promotes the great Dunhuang spirit of inclusiveness (包容) to the world and inspires modern people,” says Su Bomin, director of the Dunhuang Academy.
Commonly seen “diseases” affecting the murals include cracking and flaking (剥落), as well as erosion that is caused by changes in temperature and humidity of the caves, and the deposition of salts. To restore (修复) a mural requires an all-rounder. Restorers should know painting, master the skills of a mason (石匠) and have some knowledge of chemistry and physics, to be able to recognize the problems and their corresponding (相应的) causes and deliver a solution. They must also select proper materials and tools, and conduct experiments, before formally carrying out the restoration and evaluating the effect afterward.
The restoration (修复) should respect the original work and aim to maintain the status quo (现状) of the murals rather than repainting them. When the restorers find some parts of murals missing or fading away, they never repaint them to create a “perfect” appearance in restoration. “Cultural relics are witnesses of history,” explains Su. “When you pursue the so-called intact (完好无损的) look for artistic reasons, you will lose their key meaning.”
Cave conservation is about continuously solving problems. “It needs a long-term research to better preserve the caves, over a much wider time span that goes beyond our lifetimes,” Su says. But at least, they can keep the existing look of the murals for as long as possible.
1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 2?| A．To show the popularity of Dunhuang murals. |
| B．To explain the history of the ancient Silk Road. |
| C．To stress the significance of the restoration work. |
| D．To present the ways of protecting cultural heritage. |
| A．Creative. | B．Well-paid. | C．Interesting. | D．Demanding. |
| A．Spotting the faded murals in time. |
| B．Fixing the missing parts of murals. |
| C．Making preservation(保护) of the murals as they are. |
| D．Repainting to perfect the appearance of murals. |
| A．The Artistic Charm of Mural Paintings. |
| B．The Mural Restoration in the Mogao Caves. |
| C．The Successful Experiment on Cave Conservation. |
| D．The Role of the Dunhuang Spirit in Chinese Culture. |
8 . The tea that has delighted and fascinated the world for thousands of years has finally received top-level global recognition as a shared cultural treasure of mankind. China’s traditional tea-making was added on Tuesday to the intangible cultural heritage list of UNESCO.
The traditional tea processing techniques and associated social practices in China consist of knowledge, skills and practices concerning the management of tea plantations, picking of tea leaves, manual(手工的)processing, drinking and sharing of tea. Since ancient times, Chinese people have been planting, picking, making and drinking tea. Tea producers have developed six categories of tea: green, yellow, dark, white, oolong and black teas. Together with reprocessed teas, such as flower-scented teas, there are over 2, 000 tea products in China.
Tea-related customs are not only found across the country, but also influence the rest of the world through the ancient Silk Road and trade routes. Tea is ubiquitous in Chinese people’s daily life, as steeped(浸泡)or boiled tea is served in families, workplaces, tea houses, restaurants and temples, etc. It is also an important part of socialization and ceremonies such as weddings and sacrifices. The practice of greeting guests and building relationships within families and among neighbors through tea- related activities is common to multiple ethnic groups, providing a sense of shared identity and continuity for the communities.
In China, 44 registered national-level intangible cultural heritage entries are related to tea. There are over 40 vocational colleges and 80 universities that have set up majors in tea science or tea culture, resulting in over 3,000 graduates specializing in tea production and art every year, according to the ministry.
China now has 43 items on the intangible cultural heritage list, continuing to be the most enlisted country in the world.
1. What can be learnt from the passage?| A．Chinese producers developed 44 categories of tea. |
| B．Tea is quite popular with people all over the country. |
| C．More than 2,000 tea products could be found in China. |
| D．There’ re about 300 graduates specializing in tea production every year. |
| A．rare | B．common | C．temporary | D．available |
| A．By listing figures. | B．By making definitions. |
| C．By giving examples. | D．By making comparisons. |
| A．A textbook. | B．A travel journal. |
| C．A story book. | D．A cultural magazine. |
9 . Editor’s note: An increasing number of Chinese people, especially the young, are more willing to celebrate Western festivals. Should we celebrate foreign festivals? Forum readers share their opinions. You’re welcome to add yours.
Dinah (China)
I enjoy the happy atmosphere of both Chinese and Western festivals. As long as it is meaningful for me, I will celebrate it with my boyfriend, and my parents! I like Western festivals and often celebrate them without even knowing the origins of them. Why? Because what I really appreciate is just the happy atmosphere.
SharkMinnow (Canada)
Western Festivals are more like parties or games for some Chinese. Also, spending money = good for economy. Most Chinese don’t take Western festivals as seriously as their own. It’s like a game or party in my eyes. A way to blow off steam and have fun (and spend money).
Travis (UK)
As an Englishman teaching here in China for two years, my friends have got used to and enjoy celebrating my festivals. My school also likes it as well, although this year they asked me not to scare the teachers so much on Halloween. My Chinese friends enjoy taking part in my festivals, as they also learn more about my culture, and the history that goes with it…
Leesinchina (US)
Cherish your own festivals. It would be a pity if the Chinese accepted these Western days — first, because they have absolutely nothing to do with traditional Chinese culture. Second, they are a big trick by the big stores to get more money out of you. Stick to your own festivals — they actually mean something to you — rather than following western customs for no good reason.
1. What matters most according to Dinah?| A．The atmosphere when celebrating festivals. |
| B．The people with whom to celebrate festivals. |
| C．Celebrating Chinese festivals with her family. |
| D．Celebrating Western festivals in a good atmosphere. |
| A．Optimistic. | B．Indifferent. | C．Neutral. | D．Negative. |
| A．Entertainment. | B．Science. | C．Culture. | D．Education. |
10 . Cute lion heads, loud gongs (锣) and drums, an excited crowd- these are all parts of the lion dances you often see during Chinese holidays or at the openings of new shops and restaurants. Ancient Chinese people thought the lion stood for (代表) braveness. It can drive away bad things and bring good luck. As one of the most well- known folk dances in China, the lion dance has been performed for more than 2,000 years. It was very popular during the Tang Dynasty(618﹣907).
Wang Rentao, 41, has been performing the lion dance for 28 years. Born in Zhongkeng village in Dongguan, Guangdong, Wang watched villagers perform it when he was young. “It’s a historical tradition here and the love for lion dance is in everyone’s blood,” Wang said.
Now the head of the village’s lion dance performers, Wang is proud of the group’s achievements. “We’ve won many prizes and taken part in many important events, including the celebration of the 70th birthday of New China at Tian’anmen Square, ” Wang said.
Wang’s group is famous for dancing on quincuncial pile (梅花桩), one of the most difficult lion dance skills. Performers jump from one pile to another at a height of about 2.5 meters. The distance between the piles can be as far as 1.8 meters.
“The training is really difficult. Performers need to have lots of good practice of kung fu skills first. Even with that, they can fall from the pile and get hurt,” Wang said. “But that’s also the amazing part of lion dance, the part that makes it valuable heritage.”
The lion dance is popular not just in China, but in overseas Chinese communities. Many overseas (海外的) Chinese see the lion as a symbol of China. The lion dance reminds them of the culture of their homeland.
1. What did the lion stand for in ancient China?| A．Bad things | B．Good luck | C．Kindness | D．Braveness |
| A．For more than 200 years. | B．For no more than 200 years. |
| C．For over 2,000 years. | D．For less than 2,000 years. |
| A．遗产 | B．资源 | C．友谊 | D．经历 |
| A．You can’t see lion dance at Tian’anmen Square |
| B．Not everyone in Zhongkeng village loves lion dance |
| C．The lion dance was very popular during the Han Dynasty. |
| D．In the eyes of many overseas Chinese, the lion is a symbol of China. |
