A concert     1    (mark) the 50th anniversary (周年纪念日) of China-Brazil diplomatic relations took place at the Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on March 21.

    2     outdoor event attracted over 300 audience members and featured Chinese musicians, including the music band of traditional Chinese music of the Central Conservatory of Music, bringing Chinese music pieces that     3    (particular) showcase (展现) the variety of traditional Chinese musical instruments.

Ancient Chinese musical instruments     4     guzheng, xiao and banhu were also played during the concert. The Chinese musicians also used their instruments to play folk songs of Brazil,     5     received warm feedback from the local audience. The concert also featured musicians from Brazil playing Chinese songs and Brazilian folk songs.

The concert, co-initiated by China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and co-organized by Chinese Musicians’ Association and Brazil China Friendship Association, invited     6    (experience) conductors as well as the winners and judges of the Chinese Golden Bell Award for Music—a top Chinese music award—     7     (join) in the performances.

This event was part of 2024 “China Today” Arts Week that was first launched in 2004 by China Federation of Literary and Art Circles. During the past two decades, the art festival     8    (tour) around the world by visiting 23 countries and regions. This has been the first time that it came to Brazil. This year, the 2024 “Today China” Arts Week will also make     9    (it) debut (首次亮相) in Colombia. Cultural exchange     10    (program) such as film festivals, concerts and photo exhibitions will be held.

A pair of scissors, a piece of paper, and a pair of dexterous (灵巧的) hands. That’s     1     is needed to create delicate works of paper-cuttings.

    2    (originate) in the Southern and Northern Dynasties, this ancient form of art has not only survived through generations but has also become     3     important part of Chinese culture. It is often associated with the     4     (celebrate) of the Spring Festival, where complex patterns of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals     5     (create) to bring good luck and fortune for the new year.

The art of paper-cuttings goes beyond mere craftsmanship. It is a form of expression deeply     6    (root) in Chinese history and tradition. Artists, without the need for any drawn draft, use their imagination to create     7    (variety) patterns and images with scissors and burins. Animals, flowers, mythological and historical figures are meticulously (细致地) cut and carved, each carrying its own symbolism and meanings.

Today, paper-cuttings continue to decorate Chinese homes,     8    (especial) during the Spring Festival. The windows and walls come alive with vibrant patterns and scenes of family reunions and temple fairs. It serves     9     a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that the Chinese people cherish     10     pass down from one generation to another.

It is believed that Chinese knotting, also known as zhongguojie, originated for recording information and exchanging messages     1     writing was invented. Over the past thousands of years, knots     2     (play) an important part in the life of Chinese.    3     (initial), Chinese knots acted as good -luck charms to drive away evil spirits. Today, Chinese knots are widely used to decorate homes during festivities.

A major characteristic of Chinese knots is that they are often tied from a single continuous length of string. The knots are commonly named     4     the shape it takes. Chinese knots are created in a     5     (various) of colors such as gold, green, blue, or black, though the most commonly used color is red,    6     symbolizes good luck and prosperity.

Crafting the Chinese knot is a three-step process     7     (involve) tying knots, tightening them and adding the finishing touches. The knots     8     (pull) tightly together and are strong enough to be used for binding or wrapping, making them very practical.

Today, most of such knots are often mass manufactured in factories. Skilled knot artists weave complex knots that you might see     9     (sell) as souvenirs that you can take back with you. If you have time, why not try your hand at it? Perhaps these age-old charms can add     10     touch of good luck to your daily life?

According to legend, the Yellow River flooded during the period of Emperor Yao, and the people     1     (force) to leave their villages, and went to live in trees or on mountain tops. The flood     2     (bring) great misfortune to the people. So Yao assigned (指派) Gun to regulate it. Gun wanted to cut off the flood with stones     3     failed. Then, Shun assigned Yu, Gun’s son, to continue the work. Having learned     4     (he) father’s lesson, Yu dredged (疏浚) new river     5     (channel) as outlets, guiding water into river and river into sea. Day by day, year by year, Yu spent thirteen years     6     (govern) the flood without a break. It was said that during the thirteen years, he passed his home three times, but did not enter     7     his task was completed. His efforts not only solved the flood problem, but contributed to the     8     (develop) of agriculture.

In the face of difficulties, we should have the wisdom     9     (overcome) difficulties and the spirit of public selflessness. We also need powerful spirit and strong faith, only     10     that way can we work together to deal with a variety of difficulties.

What might your hometown look like in someone else’s eyes?     1     (fascinate) by the unique cultural atmosphere of Beijing, Russian illustrator Liuba Vladimirova draws romantic and peaceful images of the Chinese capital.

Since childhood, she     2     (develop) a love for drawing and painting.     3     attracts Vladimirova most is Beijing’s historic hutong. These narrow alleyways, rich in history and culture, serve     4     a source of inspiration for her art pieces. It allows her to observe the     5     (local) as they chat casually about the weather, savoring tea, and playing games.

Liuba’s fresh perspective allowed her to arrive in the city with fresh eyes and an eager heart, offering    6     unique blend of culture, history, and natural attractions. For instance, Vladimirova thinks    7     interesting that elderly parents will gather in parks     8     (find) potential marriage partners for their adult children. She also notes the absence of the 4th floors in some Chinese buildings due to the superstition (迷信) associated with the number four, the pronunciation of     9     is nearly identical to that of the word for “death” in Chinese.

“I wanted to share my personal experiences and observations of Beijing and Chinese culture in a fun and    10     (access) way, in the hope that readers would relate, reflect, and consider their own experiences,” Vladimirova said.