1 . The Season for Festive Eyes

The holiday season is upon us and the folks at Strip & Browhaus can’t wait! With all the parties coming up, they finally have a chance to get dressed up and celebrate again, to make a big New Year make-up statement: sparkles and vibrant colors to ring in the festivities! For SmartShanghai users, they are giving 50% OFF for first-timers only, starting from 150rmb. Your choice of treatment may be redeemed any time before March 31, 2023.

Date: Jan 24, 2022 to Feb 28, 2023

Venue: Strip & Browhaus

Click “Full Listing” to see 4 locations

Meet Van Gogh — Immersive Light Art Exhibition

The 600 m² immersive art exhibition about one of the greatest geniuses in the history of human art is finally in China for the first time, with Shanghai being the first stop. Immerse in the picture of color, music and light and shadow. Explore Van Gogh’s passionate, romantic and poetic inner world.

Date: Apr 2, 2023 to Jul 9, 2023

Venue: Meet You Museum

210 Wenshui Lu, near Wanrong Lu

TAO Dance Theater: 13 & 14

The TAO Dance Theater, awarded the 2023 Silver Lion Award at Venice Biennale, will present two new shows: 13 & 14-choreographic works which carry on the sequence of the Numerical Series which launched them on the international scene. A unique and evolutionary dance genre has enraptured people with its mesmeric and minimalist force. It will premiere at Shanghai Culture Square on July 4th.

Date: Jul 4, 2023 to Jul 5, 2023

Venue: Shanghai Culture Square

225 Shanxi Nan Lu, near Fuxing Zhong Lu Taxi Printout

Jinmao Tower Sky Walk

You can walk around the outside of the Jinmao Tower 340m above the streets below. Located on the 88th floor of one of Lujiazui’s most iconic buildings, the Jinmao skywalk is a platform 1. 2 meters wide, which you can strap in and walk along with the help of trained professionals. It’s also the highest sky walk in the world. And not only does Jinmao provide a panoramic view of Shanghai featuring both sides of the Huangpu River, floors 56-88 also hold the world’s highest atrium at 152m. You must weigh between 30kg-100kg, and be at least 1. 4m-2m tall to do the sky walk.

Date: Jul 1, 2021 to Dec 31, 2023

Venue: Jinmao Tower Observation Deck and Sky Walk

88/F, 88 Shiji Dadao, near Dongtai Lu

1. What can we know from Meet Van Gogh?

A．The exhibition lasted five months.

B．The exhibition was held in China before.

C．People could immerse themselves in a light art.

D．People might meet Van Gogh in the exhibition.

2. Which of the following events is available on Sept. 9, 2023?

A．The Season for Festive Eyes.	B．Meet Van Gogh.
C．TAO Dance Theater: 13 & 14.	D．Jinmao Tower Sky Walk.

3. What can we enjoy in Jinmao Tower Sky Walk?

A．Beautiful dances.	B．Van Gogh’s paintings.
C．Two new shows.	D．A broad view of Shanghai.

2 . The European Towns and Cities That Are Magical at Christmas

Hallstatt, Austria

The town of Hallstatt and its beautiful landscape enjoy UNESCO protection. The old townhouses, tiny lanes and snow make this the ultimate destination forgetting into the festive mood. Hallstatt’s Christmas market is the stuff of legend. Picture a brightly lit tree and stalls selling decorations and handicrafts and you’re halfway to imagining just how special this spot is.

Valkenburg, Netherlands

Valkenburg has much of the usual European Christmas charms to attract visitors. However, what makes it special is the fact that they can all be found underground. The town’s Christmas Caves have become internationally renowned, with a wide range of stalls selling festive gifts and decorations. The larger Municipality Cave is home to one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe.

Wroclaw, Poland

Wroclaw is regarded as one of Poland’s most beautiful cities, but it takes things to another level at Christmas. The city’s Christmas market is home to over 250 stalls and a superb fair. The architecture here captures the Christmas feeling too, with Gothic structures meaning everyone can tap into the special feeling that only comes round at this time of year.

Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg is full of festive surprises for those willing to risk traveling north and brave the Scandinavian chill. And chief among them is the Liseberg Christmas Market. Set in an amusement park celebrating its100th anniversary in 2023, visitors can enjoy rides here and taste delicacies (佳肴) from across the country, including pickled herring, reindeer and spiced wine.

1. Which of the following places has underground Christmas charms?

A．Hallstatt.

B．Valkenburg.

C．Wroclaw.

D．Gothenburg.

2. What do the listed places have in common?

A．They have amusement parks.	B．They feature Gothic buildings.
C．They provide Christmas markets.	D．They enjoy UNESCO protection.

3. Which section of a newspaper is this text most likely from?

A．News.

B．Business.

C．Nature.

D．Travel.

5 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容（1个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。

The Baili Azalea (杜鹃）Nature Reserve in Bijie city, Southwest China’s Guizhou Province,    1    (name) after its 125.8 square kilometers of old-growth azaleas and is     2     national 5A-level scenic spot. The scenic spot not only boasts a sea of azaleas, but     3    (be) also home to towering old trees, mountains, rivers, and rare animals and plants. The azaleas are in full bloom from late March     4     early May.

Due to its long history and unique     5    (locate), the Baili Azalea Nature Reserve also preserves the culture of the Yi and Miao ethnic groups. Visitors can enjoy a view of azaleas all over the mountains and participate in     6    (tradition) local festivals.

The ticket price is 130 yuan per person during peak season after March 20. Visitors can book tickets online and scan their ID cards to enter. Visitors can travel to the Baili Azalea Nature Reserve by train, plane, bus or car. The scenic spot also provides tour bus services     7     run between 7:30 am and 8:30 pm. Each passenger     8    (buy) bus tickets must show their ID, which they can do an unlimited number of     9    (time) on the day they purchased their ticket.

Visitors from overseas and outside the province should follow Guizhou’s COVID-19 prevention and control requirements (要求) before     10    (enter) the scenic spot.

6 . Four of London’s Best Theatres

London is considered the best place in the world for its theatre. There’s nothing we like better than dressing up for a great evening out at the West End.

National Theatre

Officially opened in 1963,he National Theatre is the largest public theatre in London. It shows 25 big productions a year, with many smaller performances(演出)and festivals.The Olivier

Theatre -its main stage-is a beautiful hall modelled on the ancient Greek theatre of Epidaurus.

Box office: 020 3989 5455

Adelphi Theatre

The Adelphi Theatre opened its doors in December 1930 and is one of London’s famous West End theatres. Located in the centre of the Strand, it’s a specialist( 专家)in musical theatre showing performances such as Kinky Boots,Chicago, Sweeney Todd and Evita.

Box office: 020 7087 7966

The Old Vic

This theatre in Waterloo is one of London’s most successful. For over 200 years, it has been known as a centrepiece of the London theatre for local people, receiving many personnel(职员) that went on to form the National Theatre. The theatre went through a complete refurbishment(翻新)in 2003.

Box office: 0844 871 7628

Savoy Theatre

The Savoy dates back to 1881 as a theatre for the production of a number of Gilbert and Sullivan shows. Recent productions include classics such as The Joy of Text and Pretty Woman.

Box office: 0844 871 7687

1. What do we know about the National Theatre?

A．It set an example for the Old Vic.

B．Its main stage was rebuilt in 2003.

C．It is the largest outdoor theatre in London.

D．Its main stage is in the style of ancient Greece.

2. Which number should you call if you are interested in musicals?

A．020 3989 5455.

B．020 7087 7966.

C．0844 871 7628.

D．0844 871 7687.

3. Of the following theatres, which is the oldest?

A．National Theatre.

B．Adelphi Theatre

C．The Old Vic.

D．Savoy Theatre.

7 . Traveling along the old Silk Road can be a quite interesting and rewarding experience. Here is some information that the visitor should consider when planning a possible travel on the road.

Language. While traveling along the road, the visitor can meet with about 20 different nationalities.     1    . However, Some ethnic groups began learning Mandarin（普通话）and adopted the lifestyle of the Han people. Chinese became the official language in the autonomous regions.     2    .

Accommodations. The Silk Road spans most of China, from modern cities in the central China to villages and towns in the remote west. Accordingly, accommodations along the route range from high standard hotels to simple guesthouses.

In big cities like Dunhuang, Urumqi, Lanzhou, the visitor can enjoy high standard hotels. They all provide excellent conditions, good services and they are quite safe.     3     . Visitors without money may consider the cheaper guesthouses because these guesthouses with simpler equipment and basic service are fit enough to live in for most Chinese travelers. In the remote villages, only simple accommodations are available.     4    

Travel by Road. Buses are the most inexpensive method of transport along the Silk Road but, unfortunately, they are very slow.     5     . A travel by car can be the only way to visit sites far from cities or towns that would otherwise be hard to reach. Rental prices are based on the number of days and kilometers traveled, and sometimes they can be negotiated（协商）.

A．It offers good views of the mountains

B．Some of them speak their own languages

C．Learn some of their languages before going

D．But this kind of hotels is also the most expensive

E．Cars are offered by some travel agencies and hotels

F．These locations offer nothing but a quite simple room

G．Today, Chinese can be easily used among these nationalities

8 . Some best places to go in Shanghai

The Bund

1.3 miles to city center

Type: Free, Neighborhood/Area，Sightseeing

Time to spend: 1 to 2 hours

Shanghai’s picturesque waterfront, known as “the Bund,” is where you’ll find those classic skyline photo opportunities. With the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center and other skyscrapers standing across the Huangpu River, the view stuns. And behind you, attractive European-style buildings housing restaurants and shops line the waterfront boulevard, affording plenty of activities.

Shanghai Museum

0.2 miles to city center

Type: Museums, Free, Sightseeing

Time to spend: 2 hours to half day

Located on the People’s Square near Nanjing Road, the Shanghai Museum is hard to miss thanks to its distinct architecture and remarkable size. And you really shouldn’t skip this historical gem. Frequently called one of the best museums in China, this expansive museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts that chart the nation’s history. Highlights include ornate calligraphy, beautiful jade carvings, thousand-year-old bronze works and traditional Chinese garb.

Zhujiajiao

26.3 miles to city center

Type: Free, Neighborhood/Area

Time to spend: half day to full day

This ancient water town, the Venice of Shanghai, saw its heyday during the Ming Dynasty, when its success as a commercial hub resulted in the construction of its picturesque waterways. The area remains composed of numerous canals with bridges connecting visitors to scores of charming narrow streets. Expect to find tiny cafes down back alleys, friendly boatmen offering rides and hole-in-the-wall shops selling souvenirs.

Nanjing Road

0.9 miles to city center

Type: Free, Neighborhood/Area, Shopping

Time to spend: 2 hours to half day

Whether or not you have money to bum, consider visiting Nanjing Road to witness the hustle and bustle of Chinese commerce. The Shanghai equivalent of New York’s Fifth Avenue, Nanjing Road stretches six miles total and boasts retailers from all over the world in addition to local shops and department stores. In the daylight, you’ll admire the graceful architecture of the surrounding buildings. At night, you’ll be surprised at the beautiful logos and brand names that line the avenue.

1. Which places is the farthest from city center?

A．The Bund.

B．Shanghai Museum.

C．Zhujiajiao.

D．Nanjing Road.

2. What can we do in the Bund?

A．See the Venice in Shanghai.	B．Enjoy skyscrapers.
C．Collect diverse collection of artifacts.	D．Spend money in shopping.

3. What do Zhujiajiao and Nanjing Road have in common?

A．Waterways.

B．Two hours’ trip.

C．Bridges.

D．Commerce.

9 . As a long-time resident(居民) of Beijing, I had always wanted to travel around and see more of China. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, I never found the right opportunity to go traveling. But, in May 2021, I finally found my big chance.

During the week-long Labor Day holiday, there happened to be few restrictions(限制) on travel, so I took this as my chance to go to Shanghai. What made this trip special was that not only was it my first time traveling by train, but also high-speed train. Many Americans are unused to taking public transportation, instead mainly using cars to get around.

For me, riding to Shanghai by train was especially nice since I could get a good look through the windows at the different kinds of beautiful scenery and towns as they rushed past me. In particular, I have always been a fan of the uniquely-shaped mountains of China, enjoying their beautiful curves(曲线) and slopes as they match the peaceful horizon. Another benefit of riding on trains was the spacious legroom which allowed me to relax more easily during my trip.

After arriving in Shanghai, I could not help but wonder why the US could not build a similarly useful and convenient railway system. Considering how cities are so spread out in the US, it is easy to see how the US would benefit from this kind of public investment(投资). This could lead to less reliance(依赖) on car ownership and have a positive impact on both the economy and environment.

1. What limited the author’s travel?

A．The long-distance trip.	B．The Covid-19 pandemic.
C．The May Day holiday.	D．The author’s heavy work.

2. How does Americans mainly travel?

A．By bike.

B．By train.

C．By air.

D．By car.

3. What is the main idea of Paragraph 3?

A．The introduction to Shanghai.

B．The train’s spacious legroom.

C．The advantages of high-speed train.

D．The appearance of high-speed train.

4. What would be the best title for this passage?

A．A Travel by High-speed Train.	B．A Labor Day Holiday.
C．A Travel in Shanghai.	D．A Foreigner’s Investment.

10 . A fascinating history and outgoing music scene have made Denton North Texas cultural hotspot, but that’s not all this town has to offer.

Bayless-Selby House Museum

Experience life as a well-to-do Texan in the 19th century at the Bayless-Selby House Museum. The home features all the ornate (华丽的) styling of the Queen Anne style of architecture, and its rooms are furnished with rare antiques from the time period. Bayless-Selby House Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday between April and October, and Wednesday through Saturday from November to March.

317 West Mulberry Street

Denton, TX 76201

(940) 349-2850

Campus Theatre

Denton’s Campus Theatre is a true part of the town’s history. It began as a magnificent movie house in 1949, shut down in 1985, but returned 10 years later as a performing arts venue. Today, the Campus Theatre, located in downtown Denton, hosts film festivals, plays, and musicals. Tickets for these performances can be purchased on the theater’s website or booked.

214 West Hickory Street

Denton, TX 76201

(940) 382-1915

Ray Roberts Lake State Park

Kayak（划独木舟）down a scenic creek (小溪), swim on a beautiful beach, try your luck at catching a fish, or pitch a tent and sleep under the stars. You name it, you can do it at Ray Roberts Lake State Park. Twenty miles of multiuse trails, a marina (小船坞) that sells and rents boats, and a resort can be found within the park, located just north of Denton.

100 P W 4137

Pilot Point, TX 76258

(940) 686-2148

Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center

Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center offers lovers of the great outdoors the chance to experience some of the best birding and hiking in the Denton area. Travel the nearly eight miles of nature trails that cover Clear Creek and the Elm Fork of the Trinity River through grasslands, wetlands and bottomland hardwood forests.

3310 Collins Road

Denton, TX 76208

(940) 349-2883

1. Where can you appreciate Queen Anne style of architecture?

A．At the Bayless-Selby House Museum.

B．At Campus Theatre.

C．At Ray Roberts Lake State Park.

D．At Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center.

2. Which number should you dial if you want to get more information about a musical?

A．(940) 349-2883.	B．(940) 686-2148.
C．(940) 382-1915.	D．(940) 349-2850.

3. What can visitors do at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center?

A．Go boating.	B．Go fishing.
C．Go birding.	D．Go camping.