With its snow and ice attractions, Harbin has become a social media hit. Among the fascinating sights are a group of 11 lovely children from Nanning. They
Each day, their
A parent of one of the children expressed gratitude
Data show that Harbin, during the three-day New Year holiday, welcomed more than 3 million visitors, bringing in 5.9 billion yuan of tourism income.
2 . Take a journey for the week, laughing all the way.
Holiday Express 2023 –2024
At the New York Historical Society, Manhattan
Certain trains are especially good at transporting children to heights of joy. This year’s exhibition annual “Holiday Express”, drawn from the Jerni Collection, shows model electric trains and a self-guided treasure hunt. The show is included in museum admission starting at $6 and is free to children under 5.
Advent Carolandar
At Joe’s Pub, Manhattan
Joel Waggoner and Julia Mattison have come out with their holiday comedy performances every December. This year, Joel played the role of Tom — the pianist in the third season of Hulu’s “Advent Carolandar”, while Mattison wrote the music and lines for the coming theatre adaptation of the 1992 film “Sunshine Becomes Her”. Tickets to the shows at Joe’s Pub, which are at 7:30 pm and 9 pm, are at $45 and up at publictheater.org.
Rock & Pop
At City Winery, Manhattan
As a singer and songwriter in New York, Suzanne Vega frequents large stages around the world, but her hometown roots remain strong. This year she’s home for the holidays with “An Evening of New York Songs and Stories” at City Winery that begins at 8 pm. Tickets start at $70 on citywinery.com .
Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
At the Redstone Theatre, Queens
Small children can see an adaptation of O’Henry’s famous holiday story — “The Gift of the Magie”, in “Christmas Eve on Sesame Street”. It’s a 1978 television special that the Redstone Theatre is showing in honor of the 45th anniversary of the production’s original broadcast. “Christmas Eve” is starred by former “Sesame Street” actors like Bob McGrath. Screening tickets start at $9.
1. Where can one go for a comedy performance?| A．Joe’s Pub. | B．The Redstone Theatre. |
| C．City Winery. | D．The New York Historical Society. |
| A．Joel Waggoner. | B．Bob McGrath. |
| C．Suzanne Vega. | D．Julia Mattison. |
| A．It’s an original product for radio broadcast. | B．It’s about the anniversary of an acting career. |
| C．It’s a play about self-guided treasure hunt. | D．It’s an adaptation of a famous holiday story. |
1. Which place did the man visit first?
| A．A castle. | B．A museum. | C．A church. |
| A．Old paintings. | B．Old stamps. | C．Old clocks. |
| A．It wasn’t very warm. | B．It was boring. | C．It was dangerous. |
| A．A book. | B．Some postcards. | C．A model church. |
4 . Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world, with its lavish food and giant shopping malls. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the city without stretching your wallet. With good planning, you can enjoy many things in Hong Kong for free.
1. Go gallery hopping and marvel at beautiful artworks
Hong Kong is home to plenty of independent art galleries that exhibit works from various artists around the world. While galleries are spread across the city, we argue that the best place to go gallery hopping is around Central and Sheung Wan.
2. Get up-close with nature at one of the scenic hiking trails
It’s easy to visualize images of Hong Kong’s breathtaking skyline when thinking of the city. But Hong Kong is also filled with thick greenery, mountains, and amazing natural landscapes. So, go hiking at any of the scenic trails the city has. For hiking beginners, the Peak trail is among the easiest and in the end, you’ll be treated to epic views of Victoria Harbour. Also perfect for newbies but a little more into nature is Dragon’s Back.
3. Step back in time at the traditional villages
Due to urbanization, Hong Kong’s traditional villages have been in massive decline throughout the years. With those still standing today, it serves as a time machine to showcase Hong Kong’s past. Among the best-preserved villages is Tsang Tai Uk. The original brick, timber, and granite materials are still well-maintained within the walls.
1. Who may find the Peak trail most fascinating?| A．Science fans. | B．Outdoor enthusiasts. |
| C．Water sports lovers. | D．Gallery goers. |
| A．Central and Sheung Wan | B．The Peak trail |
| C．Tsang Tai Uk | D．Dragon’s Back |
| A．Travelers lacking experience | B．Travelers into lavish city life |
| C．Travelers seeking local cuisine | D．Travelers on a tight budget |
5 . Below is a list of the top and leading Theme Parks in London.
Chessington World of Adventures Resort
It is a theme park and resort that offers a fun and enjoyable experience for both adults and kids. It’s a perfect place to visit to relax over the weekend with the different rides, attractions, zoo and sea life exhibits, shows and entertainment that they have. They house over 1,000 animals in their zoo and around 40 rides that will make your visit highly enjoyable.
Thorpe Park Resort
It is the go-to place for all thrill seekers that are looking for an ultimate experience near London. Famous for their different rides, you will certainly enjoy the unique experience that only they can offer. Seek the best adventure and leisure at this park and spend your day with your family, friends, and loved ones.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
As one of the best Christmas destinations in London, located in the heart of London, it is opening their doors every November 19 to January 3 to all individuals of varying ages and gender, who want to experience the festivity that Christmas season brings.
ClownTown
It is the largest indoor activity centre created for all kids looking for some fun and adventure. Established in 1994, this centre offers a safe, secure and wonderful surroundings where your kids can play and have a pleasant and amusing time. It can also help host your kids’ birthday party based on their personal likes and interests and can accommodate (容纳) a maximum of 25 children with the package including one and a half hours of play time and 30 minutes meal time.
1. Which park may attract extreme sports lovers?| A．ClownTown. | B．Thorpe Park Resort. |
| C．Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. | D．Chessington World of Adventures Resort. |
| A．It holds various outdoors activities. | B．It is suitable for both adults and kids. |
| C．It provides tailored services for kids. | D．It’s the best place for Christmas celebrations. |
| A．A guidebook. | B．A business plan. | C．A fashion magazine. | D．An academic article. |
6 . Famous Modern Chinese Buildings
Beijing International Airport
The first place most visitors see when they arrive in China is Beijing International Airport. The airport was constructed in the 1950s. It has an indoor garden, a children’s playground, and over 70 food businesses in Terminal 3 alone.
Shanghai World Financial Centre
Completed in 2008, Shanghai World Financial Centre(SWFC) took over 10 years to complete due to financial shortages and construction delays. Since its completion, it has won countless architectural awards. Tourists are welcome at SWFC’s viewing platform, which is the world’s highest closed viewing platform.
The Water Cube
It was constructed for use during the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics. Now visitors can express surprise at the architecture of the building. They can enjoy the indoor atmosphere as well.
Among the offerings of the Water Cube are a restaurant and bar, a shopping area, and Water World, a family water park.
The Bird’s Nest, Beijing
It was designed mainly for the 2008 Summer Olympics. It can hold more than 80, 000 people and has been used for a winter theme park. Nowadays, it has become a popular tourist attraction and its main income is from tourism. It draws more than 20,000 tourists every day.
National Centre for the Performing Arts
It was completed in 2007. The building is surrounded by a man-made lake, requiring guests to enter via an underground hallway. It is home to three different venues (活动场所): the Opera House, the Concert Hall and the Theatre.
1. Which of the following buildings was first constructed?| A．Beijing International Airport. |
| B．Shanghai World Financial Centre. |
| C．The Water Cube. |
| D．The Bird’s Nest, Beijing. |
| A．By renting the winter theme park. |
| B．By increasing its opening time. |
| C．By charging tourists for admission fees. |
| D．By giving some live concerts. |
| A．Enjoy sports events. |
| B．Play musical instruments. |
| C．Attend science lectures. |
| D．Watch different performances. |
7 . Like clockwork, warm weather slips away and autumn begins its descent on the Northern Hemisphere, bringing with it rich colors that transform forests, woodlands and parks.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew houses one of the most diverse collections of living plants of any botanic garden on the planet, including around 14,000 trees. Every autumn, its 500 acres of woodland deliver an extraordinary spectacle of brilliant red and yellow as leaves of oak, chestnut, maple and hickory trees begin to change. Visit before 30 November to join a guide d trees tour and learn how different species are coping with the changing seasons and adapting to climate change.
Brechfa Forest, Abergorlech
Brechfa Forest covers some 16,000 acres in Carmarthenshire, Wales, making it easy for walkers to immerse themselves in woodlands transformed by autumn’s finest colours. It become a blend of red and purple in November. After your walk, drive to Carmarthen, one of the oldest towns in Wales, for lunch and a visit to the castle. Some say that the castle was named after King Arthur’s wizard, Merlin, as its Welsh name — Caerfyrddin —means ‘Merlin’s fort’
Batsford Arboretum, Cotswolds
More than 1,300 different trees, shrubs (灌木) and bamboos are showcased at Batsford Arboretum, near the picture-perfect town of Moreton-in-Marsh. This private botanical garden covers 60 acres, providing outstanding colours between late October and November. Highlights include trees ranging from red to purple. Prebooking tickets during autumn is recommended to avoid the crowds.
Catbells, Cumbria
The Lake District is dotted with many viewpoints, but the sights from the Catbells walking route are a particular standout come autumn. Once you’ve walked back down, take a leisurely ferry ride to the quaint market town of Keswick, seeing epic views of autumnal hills reflected in the water on the way.
1. What is special about the visit to Brechfa Forest, Abergorlech?| A．Visitors can enjoy beautiful mountain scenery. | B．Visitors can enjoy trees full of fine colors. |
| C．Visitors can go hiking among mountains. | D．Visitors can visit a mysterious castle. |
| A．Royal Botanic Gardens | B．Brechfa Forest |
| C．Batsford Arboretum, Cotswolds | D．Catbells, Cumbria |
| A．All are suitable places to visit all over the year. |
| B．All are brilliant sites with beautiful autumn scenery. |
| C．All sites are hard to reach for people with children. |
| D．All sites have access to delicious food children like. |
8 . 
Located in the northeast of Italy, Venice is well-known for its cultural treasures, romantic atmosphere and unusual living-on-water experience. The city spreads out over 118 islands, which are linked by more than 400 bridges, in the Venetian Lagoon.
Venice’s historical center consists of six regions. San Polo in the middle and San Marco in the south, the busiest main regions, are linked by the Rialto Bridge. The famous stone arch bridge crosses Venice’s main waterway — the Grand Canal. When night falls, many tourists enjoy dinner at the outside tables by the Grand Canal while watching colorfully lit boats going by.
Near the end of the S-shaped Grand Canal lies St. Mark’s Basilica, a must-see. Inside, beautiful mosaics tell stories of Bible figures. Nearby are the Doges Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. These were made famous by Lord Byron, “I stood in Venice on the Bridge of Sighs, a palace and prison on each hand.” Legend has it that if a couple passes under the bridge, their love will last forever.
In the square outside the Basilica, lovers of literature can sit at Caffe Florian, regarded as the oldest coffee house in Europe. Charles Dickens, Henry James as well as Lord Byron enjoyed the wonderful drink here.
Art lovers should buy a museum pass and visit some of the city’s unusual museums. They can view works by Venetian masters like Giovanni, Titian and Tintoretto.
On five small islands in the Venetian Lagoon, Murano has been home to glass-makers since 1291. Tourists can visit factories, studios and the Glass Museum. Glass artists produce everything from simple souvenir pieces to beautiful works of modern art. Only glassworks made using traditional methods on Murano can be called Murano Glass. The nearby island of Burano is famous for lace making and colorful houses. Looking at the colorful houses and kaleidoscopic streets makes people feel as if they were walking in the fairy tale.
The City of Water promises beauty of all kinds, and it definitely lives up to its promise.
1. Why does the author mention Lord Byron’s words?| A．To introduce the famous British poet. |
| B．To explain why the two places are famous. |
| C．To show why St. Mark’s Basilica is a must-see. |
| D．To compare the Doges Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. |
| A．Caffe Florian. | B．The city’s museum. |
| C．St. Mark’s Basilica. | D．The Bridge of Sighs. |
| A．Bridges. | B．Lace making. | C．Glassworks. | D．Colorful houses. |
| A．Venice’s modern art. | B．Venice’s local customs. |
| C．Venice’s natural scenery. | D．Venice’s attractions with its beauty. |
1. Who does the woman travel with?
| A．Her classmates. | B．Her parents. | C．A travel guide. |
| A．Beijing. | B．Dunhuang. | C．Xi’an. |
| A．Her parents are busy. | B．She isn’t interested in it. | C．Her parents don’t like it. |
| A．Taste Peking duck. | B．Visit the Great Wall. | C．Tour the Palace Museum. |
10 . When someone tells me that they’re going to spend just 3 days in Paris, I feel like they’re most likely not going to love it. I mean, it’s possible to have a great time if you do it right and put what you want to see at the first place. During such a short visit most tourists head to see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre and some other tourist attractions, and therefore experience crowds, long lines and not the real local Paris.
Take your pick and spend some time actually enjoying these things instead of rushing through everything. I’m not telling you not to see these famous landmarks, but in order to fully feel the Paris atmosphere, you need to stay in the city longer. A stay in Paris just for a weekend seems far from seeing all the great things.
Almost everyone is dreaming of getting to the top of the Eiffel Tower. But the moment you start approaching the tower you might realize that it’s not very romantic, as it’s surrounded by a ton of visitors and annoying vendors (小贩). The place is crowded, and lines take forever no matter when you visit it.
It’s hard to find a romantic spot unless you book a dinner on top of the Eiffel Tower. It’s something you will only do once, as it’s not the best fine dining you’ve ever had — you’re doing it just for the experience. However, if you climb the stairs behind the Croatian Embassy you may be able to find a quiet spot overlooking the tower. The view is wonderful and definitely worth it, especially at night when the tower starts blinking!
I recommend you to see the city from up high from the top of the Tour Montparnasse, Arc de Triomphe, or even a carousel (旋转木马) in Tuileries, and actually have the Eiffel Tower in your view.
1. What can be inferred from the first paragraph?| A．You can only see crowds at tourist attractions. |
| B．He who has a short visit doesn’t love Paris. |
| C．Visitor can have a good time traveling in Paris in three days. |
| D．It takes more time to experience the real Paris. |
| A．Fully feeling the atmosphere of the city. |
| B．Only visiting the famous landmarks of the city. |
| C．Seeing the whole city at the weekend. |
| D．Rushing through all attractions in the city. |
| A．Delighted. | B．Sad. | C．Exhausted. | D．Romantic. |
| A．The atmosphere of Paris. |
| B．The tips of visiting Paris better. |
| C．The view of the Eiffel Tower. |
| D．The tourist attractions in Paris. |
