1 . Architects have long turned to the past for inspiration. In this age of concrete and steel, however, they’re more likely to look for aesthetic(美学的)influence than technical know-how. But an ancient Chinese construction technique called dougong is a remarkable exception.

Consisting of a series of wooden brackets(支架)with no nails or fasteners, it’s over 2,500 years old and commonly found in Chinese architecture, such as Beijing’s Forbidden City. Many structures built during the Tang and Song dynasties featured “curtain walls” which were non-load-bearing. As a result, the unsupported wood shouldering the weight might break. Designers needed a technique which would more evenly spread the burden across their structures. Their solution was dougong.

Engineering has come a long way since the ancient Chinese building technique was in fashion. But there’s a timeless quality to it. Modern-day designers in many areas are adopting it to produce amazing and stable work of architecture. Among them is Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, who used dougong-inspired methods for his recent buildings: Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum and Café Kureon, a 2,120-square-foot restaurant.

For architect Terrence Curry, the attraction of using ancient methods is about finding something that can “speak to Chinese identity”. His structure Dougong Cube, now part of the School of Architecture, Tsinghua University in Beijing, was constructed using classical-style brackets and over 2,000 boards. “It has fundamental structures of dougong, but we just aren’t using it in the way it was intended to be used. We’re really pulling it out-emphasizing its beauty and complexity, and the way it works,” said Curry. “The shape and function of dougong is directly related to properties of wood, and the ability of people who make these buildings. In this way, there’s little need for decoration because the structure and design give it its distinctive look.”

1. Why is dougong considered an exception?

A．It has existed for a very long time.

B．It meets both structural and decorative needs.

C．It was ignored by architects in the past.

D．It keeps stable with no concrete or steel.

2. What was the function of dougong in ancient times?

A．To distribute weight of buildings.

B．To avoid nails and fasteners.

C．To beautify the structures.

D．To replace unstable curtain walls.

3. What does the author want to show by mentioning Kengo Kuma’s buildings?

A．Dougong deserves wide recognition.

B．Dougong makes for great buildings.

C．Dougong holds lasting appeal.

D．Dougong plays a big role in engineering.

4. What can be learned about Dougong Cube?

A．It aims to explore Chinese identity.

B．It’s more complex than common structures.

C．It reproduces traditional use of dougong.

D．It’s a combination of tradition and innovation.

2 . To-do things during your trip to Amsterdam

Canal Boat Trip

The UNESCO protected canal belt is the perfect image of Amsterdam. The sight is pleasing to the eyes after sundown when the bridges get lit up using fairy lights. You can consider hop on and off boats that dock in different areas, which is a large business. There are even free passenger ferries in the northern area of the city.

Coffee shops

If you are a coffee lover, you will be pleased to visit many quiet coffee shops that combine elegance and romance. The environment is great and relaxing and you may sip on a warm coffee in the beautifully-designed coffee shop which is also perfect for taking pictures. Great memories can be created here.

Museums

Located at the Museumplein(博物馆广场)are three major museums—the Ryksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelyk Museum. Regarded as the cultural heart of Amsterdam, the famous district can be said to be a paradise for those who love art. It has been recently restored so that it is of a world-class standard.

Square

The grand open square is full of activities throughout the day. You can encounter fantastic open-air exhibitions, markets as well as a huge paddling pool that lets one dip their toes into it when the day is warm. When it is winter the square becomes a huge outdoor ice area.

1. What do we know about Canal Boat Trip?

A．It is protected by UNESCO.

B．It is an ideal choice for art lovers.

C．It offers a fancy bridge light show.

D．It provides free ferries on every dock.

2. Which place is suitable for relaxation and taking photos?

A．The Canal Belt.	B．A Coffee Shop.
C．Van Gogh Museum.	D．The Square.

3. What can travelers possibly do on the square?

A．Swimming in a pool.

B．Appreciating great arts.

C．Enjoying indoor exhibits.

D．Skating outdoors in winter.

3 . There are thousands of incredible trails (路线) that allow us to get up close to nature. Here are 4 of the best hiking trails in the world.

Lares and Royal Inca Trail, Peru

The Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu is unquestionably one of South America’s greatest one.

Lares and Royal Inca Trail, a guided three-day trip in the Lares region, follows an ancient Inca path through Andean forests, up the Huchayccasa pass and through the village of Huacahuasi, with the chance to catch sight of towering Mount Veronica.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity is best explored in the high cloud forests of Monteverde. The reserve has a series of well-marked paths ideal for those keen on an easy slow walk with the chance to see the area’s striking birds and plants up close without having to pack for a multi-day hike.

The Dingle Way, Ireland

Ireland’s Dingle Way trail can be completed in around eight days.

Starting in the town of Tralee, the clockwise path follows narrow roads, taking in the wide sweep of sand at Inch Strand, passing along the clifftops outside Dingle town and heading around the edge of Mount Brandon, the highest peak on the Dingle Peninsula.

Armenia and the Silk Road

Armenia’s beautiful natural landscapes are best explored on foot.

The 11-day Armenia and the Silk Road trip takes in some of its finest routes, connecting the UNESCO protected monasteries (修道院) of Sanahin and Haghpat, passing over limestone peaks and through green forests, with the opportunity to hike in the wild Geghama Mountains and climb to the top of Aragats, the country’s tallest mountain.

1. Where can people reach if he follows the route of the Inca Trail?

A．Macchu Picchu.

B．Dingle town.

C．Inch Strand.

D．Geghama Mountains.

2. What can people see in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve?

A．Different clouds.	B．Attractive wildlife.
C．A pine forest.	D．Well-designed paths.

3. Which trip takes the longest time to complete?

A．Lares and Royal Inca Trail.	B．Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
C．The Dingle Way.	D．Armenia and the Silk Road.

6 . American Unique Buildings

The country’s full of awe—inspiring natural wonders, but those made by man (and woman) are equally impressive. The architect behind a design or the creation’s history or purpose are all elements that may prove particularly attractive. These following buildings are all well worth visiting.

Bradbury Building

Los Angeles

Glancing at the Bradbury Building, built in 1893, the oldest commercial building in L.A., you may say: “OK, it’s a 19th-century relic.” Step inside and you will be surprised by the light-filled Victorian court, a wonder of open—cage elevators, marble stairs, and splendid iron barriers. Its architectural history is debatable — Sumner Hunt’s designs seem to have been completed by George H. Wyman, who monitored the construction.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Miami

Built in 1916, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, formerly Villa Vizcaya, is the one-time winter home of businessman James Deering. On Biscayne Bay in the Coconut Grove neighborhood, the early 20th-century property features Italian Renaissance (文艺复兴) gardens, native woodlands, and a complex of historic outbuildings. The property designed by Paul Chalfin is today operated by Miami-Dade County.

Rogers Building

Orlando

The 132-year-old, Queen Anne-style structure, now housing an art gallery but a one-time home to cocktail-and-gaming clubs, was donated to the City of Orlando in 2018 earlier by Ford Kiene. The restriction that it must remain an arts and culture center for at least 20 years ensures public access for the near future.

Griffith Observatory

Los Angeles

It’s possible to see the stars at this destination that includes sweeping views of the city and the Hollywood sign, and has a planetarium (天文馆) to boot. It’s been a draw for its construction style sign its 1935 opening, with a $93 million expansion completed in 2006.

1. Which of the following places has the shortest history?

A．Bradbury Building.	B．Griffith Observatory.
C．Rogers Building.	D．Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

2. What can we learn about Rogers Building?

A．It used to be an art gallery.	B．It was expanded in 1892.
C．It was once privately owned.	D．It has been a culture center for 20 years.

3. In which column can this text probably be read?

A．Business.

B．Travel.

C．Science.

D．Education.

8 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

In 1883, a creative bridge engineer named John Roebling     1     (inspire) by an idea to build a great bridge to connect New York with Long Island. However, bridge     2     (expert) throughout the world thought it was impossible and told Roebling to forget it. After much discussion and persuasion he managed     3     (convince) his son Washington, also a bridge engineer, that the bridge could in fact be built. The project started well, but an accident on the site took away     4     life of John Roebling and Washington was so severely brain-damaged that he could only be able to move a finger. However, Washington was never discouraged and still had a     5     (burn) desire to complete the bridge and his mind was still as sharp as ever. One day as he lay in his hospital bed,     6     (sudden) an idea hit him. By moving his finger, he slowly developed a code of     7     (communicate) with his wife. For 13 years Washington tapped out his instructions with his finger on his wife’s arm, until the bridge was finally completed. Today the Grand Brooklyn Bridge     8     (stand) in all its glory, showing us that we can make     9     is impossible possible with determination and persistence. It is also regarded     10     an honor to Washington’s determination not to be defeated by conditions.