1 . With Heavenly Lake as the center, the Heavenly Lake and Tianshan Mountains Scenic Area consists of four mountain landscape belts, which covers a total area of 380.69 square kilometers. In the mountains by Heavenly Lake, there live many precious plants and animals, such as snow cocks and roe deer. The tops of the mountains are even home to contemporary glaciers and rich in resources such as copper, iron and mica.

Ideal Sightseeing Season: August and September

Opening Hours: 09:00 - 19:30 in peak season, 10:00-18:00 in off season

Ticket Price:

● Admission fee: 95 yuan from April to October, 45 yuan from November to March.

● Temple of Queen Mother of the West: 10 yuan.

● Eco- museum of Heavenly Lake: 10 yuan.

● Cableway: 20 yuan/one-way, 35 yuan/round-trip.

● Other fees: sightseeing bus (60 yuan/round-trip), accumulator car (5 yuan/person each time), painted pleasure boat (50 yuan/person each time), speed boat (35 yuan/person each time), yacht (205yuan/person each time).

Note:

● There is an obvious difference in temperature from day and in night in Xinjiang and temperature in some scenic spots is probably lower due to the high elevation or weather change. Therefore, it is still necessary to take along a coat or woolen sweater to keep warm during the summer.

● Located in the northwest, Xinjiang has a lower average temperature than that in most areas of China, but ultraviolet irradiation in it is commonly higher. The highest temperature in some cities such as Turpan can reach above 40 degree Centigrade, so it is suggested to take along effective sun block and some medicine in case of sunburn and sunstroke prevention.

● Xinjiang is a region of an ethnic minority with a common belief of Islam. Pork is one of the biggest taboos for Muslims, so please do NOT bring porky food into a Muslim restaurant or talk about pork in public areas.

● Although most areas of Xinjiang are located in UTC+6, Beijing Time (UTC+8, national standard time of China) is officially used in Xinjiang. Due to the time difference of two hours later, sightseeing in Xinjiang is usually arranged between Beijing Time 09:00 and 20:00.

2 . Exploring Wildlife Conservation in Kenya

Day 1: Nairobi, Kenya

Arrive at the airport in Nairobi, where our staff will be on hand to drive you to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel

Day 2: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

A charter flight (包机) brings us to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a 62,000-acre grassland on the north of Mount Kenya. Considered a model in the conservation field, this healthy wildlife habitat is home to a number of rare species, including the giraffe, the Grevy’s zebra, and African wild dogs. Lewa and the neighboring Borana Conservancy also harbor roughly 15 percent of Kenya’s entire rhino population.

Accommodation: Elewana Lewa Safari Camp

Day 3: Amboseli National Park

Fly by private charter to Amboseli National Park, where vast grasslands are irrigated by underground runoff streams from Mount Kilimanjaro. These landscapes provide a habitat for hundreds of elephants, making the park one of the best places in Africa to spot these large creatures. The travel begins on the drive to Tortilis Camp, set within view of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation: Tortilis Camp

Day 4: Masai Mara National Reserve

At first light, head out to track the animals that crossed the area during the night. This area has one of the highest concentrations of large predators (捕食性动物) in all of Africa. Then watch large groups of hippos in the Mara River and crocodiles sunbathing on the shore.

Accommodation: Kichwa Tembo Camp

4 . Explore China’s Ancient Water Towns

Nanxun

This water town typically draws smaller crowds. The architecture is a unique mix of traditional Chinese and Western styles. As you walk along the ancient canals, you’re likely to see locals playing cards or having tea outdoors. The town dates back to the Chunyou Period of the Song Dynasty, between the years of 1241 to 1252. Today, it’s considered to be the best destination for weddings.

Tongli

Tongli is considered a mini Venice, with nearly every building on or by a canal. The town itself is composed of seven small islands, separated by 15 canals and joined by more than 40 bridges—plus, five lakes surround the town itself. Tongli is more than 1,000 years old, and the oldest bridge in the town dates back to the Song Dynasty, which began in the year 960. Visitors here should check out the wedding museum, which has antique Chinese wedding clothes and items on display.

Zhouzhuang

This is the most famous and most commercialized ancient water town in China. The architecture here dates back more than 900 years, with about 60 original brick archways and 100 original courtyards. More recently, a tower called Quanfu Temple was built in 1987. Climb to the top to get the best view of the ancient town. Or for a more authentic experience, visit Chengxu Taoist Temple, which was built between 1086 and 1093. It’s one of the most famous Taoist temples in the area.

Xitang

Xitang separates itself from other water towns with sheltered waterside streets, allowing locals and guests to comfortably walk alongside the canals even during the rainy season. Thanks to a less commercial atmosphere, visitors will be rewarded with opportunities that aren’t likely to be found in other water towns-like fishing with locals on the canals and having dinner on a boat. Xitang is truly ancient, dating back to the Warring States Period of 476 BC to 221 BC.

The Zhagana village in Gannan Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Gansu province, was recently named Best Tourism Village of 2023 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

Zhagana, which means “stone box” in the Tibetan language, is located at an altitude of 3,000 to 3,300 meters and is surrounded by mountains, with the highest peak reaching 4,500 meters. The steep mountains and Tibetan-style houses constitute a “grand stone palace” or an ancient city constructed by natural rock walls.

Xiajiang village, located in East China’s Zhejiang province, has earned a prestigious spot on the UNWTO’s list of “Best Tourism Villages.” This idyllic village is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty and a profound cultural heritage that spans from traditional folk culture to historical “red culture”.

As a mountain dwelling village in Wuyuan county of East China’s Jiangxi province, Huangling has transformed from a poverty-stricken village into a rural tourism hot spot.

The village, rated as a national AAAA scenic spot (the second highest level for tourist attractions in China), draws worldwide visitors throughout the year to view its picturesque landscape.

Zhujiawan village, situated in Zhashui county, Shangluo city, covers a sprawling area of 126 square kilometers and boasts an abundance of over 1,200 species of diverse animals and plant resources. The village’s cultural tapestry is vibrant, showcasing 25 intangible cultural treasures, including the Zhashui Fish Drum and traditional brewing practices. Additionally, it is home to 17 tangible cultural assets, such as ancient Qinling aMountain houses, time-worn road remnants and the historic Xiaoyi Hall site.

7 . Moscow, the capital of Russia, is the place to explore Russian culture, history, foods and buildings. Unsure where to find all these things? Read on.

The St. Basil’s Cathedral (教堂) was built from 1555 to 1560. It is possibly the best known sight in Moscow thanks to is candy-colored, unique design. You can even go inside the Cathedral and attend one of the regular services.

The Kremlin is the oldest part of Moscow and the first written mention of the Kremlin dates back to 1147. It has served as the official home of the president of the Russia since 1991. The impressive red walls that surround the Kremlin protect some of the most amazing cathedrals in Moscow. You can see attractive clothing, treasures and weapons (武器) from ancient times.

Built in the late 1500s, the Red Square must be visited during the day and night to see it in all its shining beauty. Walk around the walls of the Kremlin, visit the beautiful Kazan Cathedral and Historical Museum and you can even see Lenin’s well-kept remains.

Opened in 1967, the Ostankino Tower, more commonly known as the TV Tower, is a television and radio tower in Moscow. It was once the tallest freestanding (独立式的) tower in Europe. It is currently the tallest freestanding building in Europe and seventh tallest in the world and offers the best views over the whole of Moscow.

The tulou buildings,     1    type of Chinese rural dwellings of the Hakka (客家人）and others in the     2    (mountain) areas in southeastern Fujian, China,     3     (build) mainly between the 12th and the 20th centuries.

In the 10th century, central China was     4     a state of war.     5    (survive) the war, large numbers of people migrated to southeast China. They built tulou with clay and rocks for living and     6    (defend). Circles of rooms are enclosed by another circle and rooms are connected by round corridors. The first and the second floors are used to raise livestock and store grains while the third and     7     (four) floors are used as bedrooms. There are more than 300 rooms in the largest tulou,     8     can accommodate more than 800 people. The center of tulou is the public area with wells and kitchens, with family meetings regularly     9    （hold) on the axis. People have lived in the tulou, cooking, washing clothes, and holding ceremonies for ancestor worship in harmony for hundreds of years.

Many of the tulou buildings are     10    (extreme) well documented and are open to the public now. You can experience the family love and customs when you pass by the lovely windows.