2 . Architects often spend months or even years perfecting a design to express their ideas more clearly, convey additional information, or outline the right proportions for a building. However, the urgent issue of climate change is placing new demands on their work. For example, in July, Super Typhoon Doksuri battered China, affecting more than 2.66 million people in Fujian Province alone.

Green architecture that conserves energy and reduces carbon dioxide emissions offers a solution, and concerted efforts have been made in diverse research fields over the past three decades to minimize heat loss. In addition, new buildings have to be tailored to the needs of people’s lifestyles.

Ren Jun, a professor at Tianjin University’s School of Architecture, who designed the first near-zero energy house in China in December 2019, said, “You can construct low-energy, environmentally-friendly houses, but if the interior design and environmental quality don’t meet residents’ requirements, these properties won’t be suitable to live in.”

The near-zero energy house, located-in Banbidian village in Beijing’s southern district of Daxing, won the International Design Award in the United States in January last year. The 400-square-meter property, which stands at the entrance to the village, runs on solar power gathered from rooftop panels, with the addition of a small amount of power from the grid (电网).

Ren said the first obstacle to conserving energy in the property was heat retention, which he attempted to achieve by keeping the indoor temperature at a certain level. The property is divided into five areas: a solar garden in the front yard, a central lounge, a water courtyard, a sponge zone, and a back room. For the exterior walls, Ren used three types of insulation (隔热层), including plastic foam, each about 25 centimeters thick.

Ren also looked for ways to deal with emissions at the house. He decided to install a ventilator, which pipes air that is polluted and replaces it with fresh air from outside in every room at the property.

Ren said it would take three to five years before more ultralow or near-zero energy buildings appeared in Chinese cities.

3 . The ski season in Europe will get underway early this year after some locations experienced bumper snowfall, following a period of unseasonably warm weather in October.

The Alps mountain range has been blanketed with heavy snowfall in the first weeks of November, with some slopes already reported to have over a meter of fresh powder and more in the forecast. The exceptional conditions, leading several resorts in France, Austria, Italy and Switzerland to open their lifts and slopes earlier than usual, have increased bookings for the upcoming ski season, as Euronews reported.

The substantial snowfall has brought much-needed relief to Europe’s ski resorts, and counters the impacts of a warming climate that has previously forced some lower-altitude ski centers to close due to insufficient snow. United Kingdom-based tour operator Jet2 has reported an “explosion” in demand for ski packages following what it described as last year’s disappointing November and December.

Ski resorts that open their slopes earlier than originally scheduled include Tignes in France, Kitzbuhel in Austria and Madonna di Campiglio in Italy. Switzerland has already welcomed skiers to nine areas, including popular destinations such as Davos, Zermatt and Verbier, with the latter opening three weeks ahead of schedule.

The impact of the El Nino climate pattern on Europe’s temperatures and weather provides hope for ski resorts of a winter with increased snowfall, as it is often associated with colder winters and a greater chance of snow, as the Daily Mirror newspaper reported.

More skiers are choosing to travel to resorts by train this year, with a survey by the Ski Club. of Great Britain revealing a significant increase from 2 percent in 2022 to 12 percent of respondents planning to use the railways this winter, possibly influenced by Eurostar’s expanded ski service.

4 . My picks for this year’s best all-inclusive family resorts in Mexico put an emphasis on safe destinations, plentiful activities for everyone from toddlers to teens, and a variety of price points that should put a family vacation within reach of different budgets,

Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

At Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, you can have your cake and eat it with both adults-only and family-friendly resort experiences. You can visit the expansive outdoor pools or the private beach. For families, the resort’s Roxity Kids Club has daily activities for ages four to twelve, and the Rockaway Bay water park is one of the country’s best with nine slides for children and six high-speed slides for teens and grown-ups.

Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya

Playa del Carmen’s Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya is an all-inclusive beach resort designed for kids and families. It’s just 30 minutes’s drive from the Cancun International Airport, so getting there is a breeze with younger kids, and the centerpiece attraction is a massive six-acre outdoor water park called AquaNick.

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort

Thanks to its indoor-outdoor design and unspoiled surroundings, breathtaking sea views and refreshing breezes greet you from the moment you arrive at Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya. A section of the resort designed for those with youngsters affords a sense of exclusivity (专有), with an oceanfront pool and mini-water park, swimming pool, giant outdoor jungle gym, and dream-worthy kids club all just steps away from family-friendly rooms.

5 . Nashville bus tours are a fun way to explore the Music City and its great attractions and activities. Be sure to start The Redneck Comedy Bus Tour where you’ll feel like you’re part of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour right in Music venues.

Pass By Country Music Hall of Fame

If you love music, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is the place to be. This museum is dedicated(献给) to all of the great stars that brought country music to the forefront of Nashville. This museum is dedicated to these performers, and guests can find amazing artifacts(文物) and displays.

Pass By Music Row in Nashville, TN

Music Row is one of the most representative places in Nashville. Here, guests will be able to enjoy a variety of landmarks and fun places. Titled Music Row for its amazing influence on the music industry, this district in Nashville is home to the hottest recording studios and music venues.

Pass By The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN

As one of the most historical venues in all of Nashville, the Ryman has seen some of the greatest country music stars within its impressive halls. Of course, it has a vast history to explore as well. The Ryman was the first venue of the famous Grand Ole Opry show, so guests can learn all about Nashville’s history.

Get your ticket today and enjoy a fun-filled trip to Nashville.

8 . When I was in third grade, my family and I took on an unforgettable trip across the country. It turned out to be more than just a/an _______ journey; it was a journey of discovery into our _______. Every day, Dad _______ us with his trusty road map. Mom, the heart of our family, shared folk tales and painted pictures about the upcoming _______. We went through diverse _______from the thick forests to the vast deserts of the West.

One day, while hiking through the Grand Canyon, I _______   a particularly rough path. Frightened, I _______, not knowing how to proceed. That’s when my parents _______ .

As Dad showed me footholds, Mom coached me with calming _______and reminded me of the breathtaking views that lay ahead. Then, I________the confidence as my feet ________ solid ground again. When I finally overcame my fear, I felt we became ________ as a family.

From then on, every evening, we’d gather around a campfire for what we________called “Family Reflection Time”. During these sessions, we’d share laughs, ________, and insights from the day’s experiences.

The trip taught me that the true meaning of travel isn’t merely about reaching the destination but about the personal growth that happens on the route, and the family bonds formed when facing ________ together.