1 . Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an ancient system of health and wellness that’s been used in China for thousands of years. It has saved millions of lives around China’s vast territory by providing vital information on diagnosis (诊断), treating common medical problems and diseases, and emphasizing prevention. If you do not have previous experience with Chinese culture or medicine, be prepared for a cultural experience.
Several thousand years ago, The Medical Classic of the Yellow Emperor put forward the principle that one should develop yang energy in spring and summer,
According to TCM theory, yang energy is the power for inner organs.
“Sprouting in spring, growing in summer, harvesting in autumn and storing in winter” is the law of development in the nature.
| A．while protecting yin energy in autumn and winter. |
| B．It’s necessary to the function of various body parts. |
| C．The same is true for the way of health preservation. |
| D．when the body engages in active digestive processes. |
| E．It will relieve your medical condition and enrich your life. |
| F．Winter is the season for storage of everything, including energy. |
| G．Summer is a good season to build up your bodies through exercise. |
2 . India’s touring (流动的) cinemas are dying, and being reborn. And India is perhaps the most film-mad country in the world while it also has the lowest ratios of screens to human beings.
| A．they failed to change over time. |
| B．Fewer people can afford to go to cinemas. |
| C．The floor was carpeted and there were plastic chairs. |
| D．The following are the reasons leading to this phenomenon. |
| E．It was in this world that the touring cinemas played a crucial role. |
| F．The collapse of the touring cinemas was for two interlinked reasons. |
| G．It is one more paradox (悖论) among the millions of contradictions there. |
3 . Weddings are one of life’s biggest celebrations, and they are observed in just about every country and culture on the planet. Here are some wedding traditions from around the world.
Scotland
Scottish weddings usually feature the handfasting ceremony. During the ceremony, the bride (新娘) and bridegroom each hold a piece of cloth. These are carefully wound around the couple’s joined hands. When they pull their hands apart, the pieces become tied into a knot (结) — a symbol of the new union.
Germany
Guests at a German wedding get to see an interesting sight: the newly married couple — still dressed in their suit and wedding dress — cutting a length of a tree in half with a two-person saw (锯). In this way, they show their ability to work as a team to face any challenge they will meet in life.
Norway
A Norwegian wedding cake is made up of progressively smaller layers of iced cake rings, which give the cake the shape of Christmas tree. The inside is empty and has gifts or even a bottle of wine. The bride and g room lift the top ring of the cake, and the number of layers that stick to it is said to represent the number of children they will have!
England
Brides in England typically wear “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue” for their big day. The modern practice comes from a traditional English song, and the things themselves represent protection, cheerfulness, good luck, and purity, respectively.
Though the customs might vary, the feeling remains the same. Across the world, weddings are times to celebrate love, happiness, and family.
1. Why is a two-person saw used in the German wedding?| A．To entertain the wedding guests. | B．To mark the couple’s united efforts. |
| C．To represent the upcoming challenges. | D．To keep the couple from hurting each other. |
| A．The Scottish wedding. | B．The German wedding. |
| C．The Norwegian wedding. | D．The English wedding. |
| A．Rules to follow. | B．Special customs. |
| C．Ways to treat guests. | D．Cultural backgrounds. |
4 . China’s famous museums include ancient buildings and world class modern museums with big collections. They are excellent places for sightseeing and learning about China.
Sanxingdui Museum
The museum is on the path less beaten by tourists, but it makes one of the top museums for the 3,400-year-old artworks. If you’re an ancient history fan, this place will attract you. If you love art, its style will surprise you a lot.
The Palace Museum
The museum is one of the largest old buildings kept in the country with a history of 600 years old. Built at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty between 1406 and 1420, it was the home of 24 rulers and their courts. It is one of the finest buildings in China and a good place to study Chinese history.
The Shanghai Museum
The big modern museum is popular with foreign tourists. It is probably the most modern museum with the focus on creative art displays about the history of the whole area. Located in People’s Square, the museum is most famous for its huge collection of china.
The Shaanxi History Museum
Since 14 historical dynasties founded their capitals and developed in Shaanxi Province, the museum may have the oldest treasure of all the museums in China. The artworks show the greatness of the museum, and the displays are modern and well laid out.
1. What do we know about the Palace Museum?| A．The museum is one of the oldest buildings in China. |
| B．The museum was built at the end of the Ming Dynasty. |
| C．The museum was the home of 26 rulers and their courts. |
| D．The museum is a good place to learn Chinese history. |
| A．Sanxingdui Museum. | B．The Palace Museum. |
| C．The Shanghai Museum. | D．The Shaanxi History Museum. |
| A．A person who is fond of music. | B．A person who is into Chinese culture. |
| C．A person who has passion for movies. | D．A person who is interested in sports. |
5 . In September, when UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay visited Zhoukoudian in suburban Beijing, which is famous for the discovery of Peking Man living between 700,000 to 200,000 years ago, she was full of praise for the structure that successfully protected Yuanrendong Cave from an unusual rainstorm in July.
The cave in the central area of the site has so far revealed the remains of 40 individuals. The structure protects the site from the weather, including heavy wind, snow and hail, and its design fits in with the surrounding environment, Qin Changwei, secretary-general of the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO, said at the 2nd World Cultural and Natural Heritage Forum in Beijing on Nov. 17 and 18. “It provides a reference for the protection of precious cultural relics, and suggests measures for helping heritage sites respond to the influence of climate change.”
Organized by the World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region under the Auspices of UNESCO(Beijing), and the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation among others, the forum brought together some 50 professionals to discuss the protection and sustainable (可持续发展的) development of heritage sites. Scholars stressed the influence of climate change on heritage sites, and offered suggestions for how to solve the problem.
“Entering the 21st century, climate change has been the subject of in-depth discussion by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. Questions like how to balance between humans and nature, how to respond to natural disasters caused by climate change, and what new challenges this brings to World Heritage Sites, are worth consideration,” says Qin. “Solving the problem requires us to unify, making full use of advanced technology, such as space and digital technologies, and jointly developing risk prevention and response plans,” he adds.
1. Why was China praised for the structure in Zhoukoudian?| A．It attracts an increasing number of visitors. |
| B．It matches the surrounding buildings in design. |
| C．It is well preserved from destructive human activities. |
| D．It sets a good example to cultural heritage protection. |
| A．The effects of climate change on heritage sites. | B．The preservation of the original structure. |
| C．The unsuitable response to disasters. | D．The unacceptable human behaviours. |
| A．Strengthening international cooperation. | B．Hosting more in-depth discussion forums. |
| C．Making plans for risk prevention individually. | D．Turning attention to developing space technology. |
| A．The loss of balance between humans and nature. |
| B．The lack of measures taken to preserve heritage. |
| C．The growing weather threat that Heritage sites face. |
| D．The worsening relation between climate change and humans. |
6 . 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 (论坛) 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 when I celebrate 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．How should we celebrate festivals? |
| B．Should we celebrate foreign festivals? |
| C．Why are more young people celebrating foreign festivals? |
| D．Are more Chinese people willing to celebrate foreign festivals? |
| A．A newspaper. | B．A debate. | C．A website. | D．A text book. |
7 . Yunnan offers exciting experiences of unique customs. If you are already planning to visit Yunnan, see our festival tours.
The Torch (火把) Festival
Date: July /August (days 24 to 26 of the sixth lunar month)
Location: Lijiang
It is a traditional festival among the Yi, Naxi, and Bai minority (少数民族) groups. According to the ancient rule of the Naxi people, the Torch Festival should last three days, and every family should light a big torch in front of their doors for the three days.
Recommended Tour: 3-Day Ancient Lijiang Tour
The Water Splashing (泼酒) Festival
Date: April 13 to 15
Location: Xishuangbanna
It is the most important festival observed by the Dai people of Xishuangbanna in southen Yunnan. It involves splashing water, lantern floating and other joyful activities.
Recommended tour: 6-Day Xishaungbanna Tour
The Horse Race Festival
Date: May/June (5th of the fifth lunar month)
Location: Shangri-la
Falling on the same date as the Dragon Boat Festival, it is the biggest gathering of Tibetans in Yunnan and usually lasts about 3 days. During the celebrations, traditional performances and competitions like horse racing and wrestling (摔跤) will beheld.
Recommended tour: 8-Day Yunnan Tour of the Nu River and Tengchong
The Third Month Fair of the Bai Group
Date: April /May(days 15 to 21 of the third lunar month)
Location: Dali
It is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Bai people in Dali in western Yunnan. During the March Fair, the streets of Dali Ancient Town are packed with people selling amazing minority items.
Recommended tour: 6-Day Yunnan Minorities Tour
1. What do the Torch Festival and the Water Splashing Festival have in common?| A．The date. | B．The location. |
| C．The lasting time | D．The celebratory events. |
| A．The Torch Festival. | B．The Water Splashing Festival. |
| C．The Horse Race Festival. | D．The Third Month Fair of the Bai Group. |
| A．A business research. | B．A newspaper report. |
| C．An educational magazine. | D．An advertising leaflet. |
8 . Called the “Daughter of Dunhuang”, Chinese archaeologist Fan Jinshi, 85, was awarded by UNESCO for her outstanding contribution to the protection of the Dunhuang Mogao Caves.
Fan Jinshi’s story with the caves started 60 years ago. In 1963, Fan, then a 25-year-old Peking University graduate, was assigned to work at the Mogao Caves, a place she had been longing to explore. Though her father was concerned about her health and tried to get her reassigned to a different place, Fan boarded a train and headed to the remote west.
“Seeing Dunhuang for the first time was absolutely breathtaking. But only when truly staying here did I realize inside the caves is a world of exceptional beauty while outside is a land of blowing sand and endless yellow earth,” Fan said. Back in those days, the Mogao Caves were almost cut off from the world. Fan and her coworkers had to live in mud houses and drink salty water. They stayed inside the caves to do research, trying whatever they could to protect and restore them. In 2011, after 40 years of hard work, a report on 10 Mogao Caves compiled (汇编) by Fan’s team was finally published, which was China’s first academic report on cave archaeology.
As time passed, Fan found a serious problem. The increasing number of tourists visiting Dunhuang might harm the caves, causing murals (壁画) to blur (变模糊) and colors to fade. In 1980s, Fan got to know computer technology by accident. She realized this might be the chance to preserve the Mogao Caves forever. After over 30 years of exploration, the Dunhuang Academy built a digital database, allowing Dunhuang’s art to live forever and to step out of the caves to meet the world.
“In my entire life, I’ve only done one thing: safeguard and promote the world cultural heritage — the Mogao Caves,” she told People’s Daily. “My heart belongs to Dunhuang.”
1. What can we learn about Fan from the article?| A．She is a woman with determination. |
| B．Her health was affected by her stressful work. |
| C．She began her work at the Mogao Caves at 23. |
| D．Her father supported her job from the very beginning. |
| A．It was an amazing place. |
| B．The environment was terrible. |
| C．She was almost cut off from the world. |
| D．The work conditions were better than expected. |
| A．Her interest in computer technology. |
| B．Her desire to promote Chinese culture. |
| C．The need to document the restoration work. |
| D．The increasing threat to the physical caves. |
| A．It has earned her recognition. | B．It has been her lifelong calling. |
| C．It has promoted cultural exchange. | D．It has inspired many young people. |
9 . Any visitor to the Chinese Culture Week being held at the University of Tehran (德黑兰) would be amazed by the Chinese tea, food, and various artworks, like Chinese knotting and traditional paper cutting-all displayed by Iranian students learning Chinese.
“Chinese knots are believed to bring good luck and act as charms that can keep evil spirits away,” Zeinab Ghafourian, a 19-year-old senior studying Chinese at the Confucius Institute (孔子学院) of the University of Tehran, told Xinhua on Tuesday.
The Chinese Culture Week, which started at the university last Saturday and will last till Wednesday, aims to introduce Chinese culture to more Iranians. The event displayed a range of artworks that contain different elements of Chinese culture, produced by Iranian professors and students at the university.
On the reasons why she chose to study the Chinese language, Ghafourian said that she has been interested in East Asian cultures even since childhood. “In addition, the Chinese films have become more and more popular,” she said.
Most importantly, because of Iran’s good ties with China, mastering the Chinese language offers better jobs in the Iranian job market compared to other languages, she explained.
The Iranian and Chinese people have a lot in common in culture, as they have been connected through cultural and economic exchanges via the ancient Silk Road in the long past.
“Due to China’s increasing global influence, as well as its friendly and expanded relations with Iran, learning about the country and its language are becoming very important,” said Hamed Vafaei, the Iranian director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Tehran.
1. What do we know about the Chinese Culture Week?| A．Visitors could make Chinese artworks by themselves. |
| B．Chinese knots are common among Iranian students. |
| C．It aims to introduce Chinese cultureto more Iranians. |
| D．All atworks displayed were produced by Chinese students. |
| A．Mastering the Chinese offers better job chances. |
| B．She has been interested in East Asian cultures. |
| C．She would like to study in China in the future. |
| D．Chinese films gain great popularity in Iran. |
| A．Excited. | B．Indifferent. | C．Doubted. | D．Positive. |
| A．The Ancient Silk Road Connects Iran and China |
| B．The Chinese Language has Become a Necessity |
| C．Chinese Culture Week Promotes Chinese Culture |
| D．More Iranian Students Love Learning Chinese |
10 . The Silk Road is the name of different roads that long ago connected Europe, Africa and Asia. People reached these different places along these roads. Scientists believe people began to travel the Silk Road about 3000 years ago. By the time the Chinese silk trade became important in the world, the Silk Road covered almost 6500 kilometers. It spread from Rome to China, which is from the West to the Far East.
Traders travelling along the Silk Road carried silk, of course. They also carried and traded spices (香料), cloth, valuable stones and gold.
There is a famous old story along the old road. It is said that Roman soldiers travelled through central Asia. They started to live somewhere near the ancient Chinese village of Liqian. Sortie of these Romans married local Chinese women and the story of blue-eyed villages of China was started.
During its busiest period, the Silk Road allowed people from many different cultures and countries to meet each other and mix. The Silk Road allowed the sharing of valuable goods and new ideas. These included people and trading goods from the Mediterranean, Persian, Magyar, Armenian, Bactrian, Indian and Chinese areas. All these peoples travelled the Silk Road, and they shared goods, stories, languages, and cultures.
In modern times, the old Silk Road routes (路线) are still used, but now they are crossed by trains instead of camels and horses. There is even a Silk Route Museum in Jiuquan in China. It has over 35,000, objects from all along the Silk Road. In this way, China protects the history of many countries and peoples.
1. How many kilometers did the Silk Road cover?| A．About 3000. | B．Nearly 6500. | C．Almost 2000. | D．Over 35,000. |
| A．Silk. | B．Cloth. | C．Gold. | D．Tea. |
| A．Valuable things could not be sold along the Silk Road. |
| B．The Silk Road allowed people from different countries to mix. |
| C．Ancient Chinese along the Silk Road maybe able to speak different languages. |
| D．The objects in the museum in Jiuquan in China are from all along the Silk Road. |
| A．History and Geography. | B．Sports World. |
| C．Man and Animals. | D．Popular Science. |
