2 . Have you heard of these four monuments?

Carhenge. Floralis Genérica. Traffic Light Tree. Hand of the Desert — these are four unusual monuments from around the world you might like to visit.

• Carhenge

Carhenge is in Alliance, Nebraska (USA). As the name suggests, it has a lot in common with Stonehenge, the famous stone circle on Salisbury Plain. But while Stonehenge was built with stones, Carhenge was created with cars. The monument was made in 1987 by a local artist Jim Reinders and his family. He used old cars and even an ambulance. At first, the people of Alliance didn’t like it, but they soon changed their minds after it became popular with tourists, who brought lots of money to the town.

• Floralis Genérica

Floralis Genérica is a massive statue of a flower. It stands in a pool of water in front of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Eduardo Catalano, a native of Argentina, gave the statue as a gift to the city in 2002. Every morning, the flower opens. Ask anyone who has seen it and they’ll tell you that watching it open is an unforgettable sight. In fact, many people believe it is one of the most beautiful statues in the world.

• Traffic Light Tree

The Traffic Light Tree is situated at Heron Quay, in one of London’s financial districts. The tree has 75 sets of traffic lights. It was created by French artist, Pierre Vivant, and was installed in 1998. A computer controls the lights, which are turned on and off randomly. The roundabout where the tree is was voted the most popular roundabout in the UK in a recent survey.

• Mano del Desierto (Hand of the Desert)

The Hand of the Desert is in the Atacama Desert in Chile. The sculpture was designed by the Chilean sculptor Mario Irarrazabal. From a distance, it looks as if there’s a giant in the sand who has stuck his hand out of the ground.

If you’re looking for something new to see, you know where to go!

1. Why did the people of Alliance change their attitude toward Carhenge?

A．It reminded them of Stonehenge.	B．It brought them financial benefits.
C．It added beauty to their community.	D．It displayed the creativity of the designer.

2. Which of the four monuments was designed by a foreign artist?

A．Carhenge.	B．Floralis Genérica.
C．Traffic Light Tree.	D．Mano del Desierto.

3. Where is the text probably from?

A．A guide book.	B．A news report.
C．A science magazine.	D．An architecture advertisement.

3 . No matter what your holiday wish is, you’ll find a home here in the Charleston area.

The Spectator Hotel — Holiday Cheers with Spectator Spirit

Toast to the good life at The Spectator Hotel, a favorite place during the holidays. All things are festive and bright this season. Enjoy a holiday cocktail carefully made by our award-winning mixologist (调酒师), a nightly $10 credit (积分) to The Bar, and a his & hers set from Brackish — one Gatsby bow tie and one pair of Delores Stud Earrings.

The Restoration Hotel — Spread Cheer Christmas Tree Package

The Spread Holiday Cheer Package includes a decorated tree in room along with a souvenir, Charleston book and holiday cookies. Dreidels, menorahs, and other items are available upon request.

Wild Dunes Resort — Sleigh (滑雪橇) the Holidays

Sleigh the holiday season with a getaway to Wild Dunes Resort! Make your Charleston holiday memorable with our exclusive offer (独家优惠), a fantastic getaway to Charleston’s island resort and receive the following inclusions: accommodations for two nights, two seasonal welcome cocktails at Coastal Provisions, Oyster Catcher, or Sippin’ Santa (only available in December), and $50 resort credit.

The Tides at Folly Beach — Light Up the Holidays

Unwrap the gift of pure holiday magic with our Light Up the Holidays package. Embrace the spirit of the season as you experience the charming Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, a beloved annual tradition. Sip and enjoy the delights of the holidays with two insulated tumblers (水杯) perfect for enjoying steaming hot chocolate on cold nights. Our thoughtful package also includes a souvenir and a sweet treat, filling your getaway with memories to cherish.

1. What is served in both The Spectator Hotel and Wild Dunes Resort?

A．Earrings.

B．Cookies.

C．Cocktails.

D．Chocolate.

2. Where will you taste steaming hot chocolate?

A．The Spectator Hotel.	B．The Restoration Hotel.
C．Wild Dunes Resort.	D．The Tides at Folly Beach.

3. How often is the Holiday Festival of Lights held?

A．Yearly.

B．Weekly.

C．Monthly

D．Daily.

4. Where is the passage probably taken from?

A．A storybook.	B．A travel guide.
C．A health magazine.	D．A sports website.

4 . There are many amazing trails (路线) around the world that allow us to get close to nature. We will introduce four of the best hiking trails in the world here.

The Inca Trail, Peru

The Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu is considered one of the greatest hikes in South America. The Inca Trail is a guided three-day trip in Peru. The views of snowy mountain tops, great rivers, and cloud forests there are unforgettable. It also offers a chance to learn the rich history of the Inca empire in Peru.

The Dingle Way, Ireland

If you want to experience the beauty of Ireland, the Dingle Way trail is a great choice.

This trail can be completed in about eight days. Starting in the town of Tralee, the path follows narrow roads and offers great views of Inch Strand, a beautiful sandy beach.

Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

It is known for its wide variety of creatures, which will make you have the chance to see the unique birds, bats and bears up close with a six-day hike. The high cloud forest with amazing plants is the perfect place to explore the trail. It has a series of well-marked paths that are great for an easy walk.

Armenia & the Silk Road

Armenia is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, and the best way to explore them is on foot. The Armenia & the Silk Road trip is an eleven-day adventure that takes you through some of the country's most beautiful routes.

1. What can people experience along the Inca Trail?

A．Great views and rich history.

B．Narrow roads and a sandy beach.

C．Well-marked paths and an easy walk.

D．Various creatures and the high cloud forest.

2. What is special about Monteverde Cloud Forest?

A．Different clouds.	B．A pine forest.
C．Well-designed paths.	D．Attractive animals and plants.

3. Which trip takes the longest time to complete?

A．The Inca Trail.	B．Armenia & the Silk Road.
C．The Dingle Way.	D．Monteverde Cloud Forest.

5 . 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.

6 . JOIN TODAY

Enjoy unlimited access to hundreds of English Heritage sites with an annual membership.

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP	JOINT MEMBERSHIP	INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP
FAMILY 1 ADULT Family of one adult and up to 6 children £69 for a year	JOINT ADULT Two adults aged 18 years+ £120 for a year	INDIVIDUAL ADULT One adult aged 26 years+ £69 for a year
FAMILY 2 ADULTS Family of two adults and up to 12 children £120 for a year	JOINT SENIOR Two adults aged 65 years+ £96 for a year	SENIOR One adult aged 65 years+ £63 for a year

**   Up to 6 kids go free with each adult.

MEMBERSHIP PACK Become a Member to receive: UNLIMITED ACCESS to over 400 historic places Free MEMBERS’HANDBOOK to plan days out Reduced price entry to our EVENTS FREE ENTRY for up to six children MEMBERS-ONLY MAGAZINE FREE PARKING at English Heritage sites MEMBERS’REWARDS offers on great brands

NEED HELP? SPEAK TO US Our Membership Team are on hand if you have any questions about a new, or existing membership. Monday-Sat, 9am-5pm. TELEPHONE:0370 333 1181 FAQS Got a question? See if we have answered it already in our Frequently Asked Questions.

1. How much should two seniors with three kids pay at least to own annual memberships?

A．£69.

B．£96.

C．£108.

D．£120.

2. What is one of the member benefits of English Heritage sites?

A．Free access to its historic sites.

B．Guided outing activities.

C．Zero admission to its events.

D．Discounted car-parking fee.

3. What is the main purpose of the text?

A．To educate.

B．To entertain.

C．To analyze.

D．To inform.

7 . Xi’an, as the longest-running capital in ancient China, has shaped the country’s culture and history. With a history of over 3, 000 years, it has given birth to many dynasties. If planning a short tour, be sure to visit the recommended attractions that truly capture the spirit of this ancient city.

The Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army is a remarkable archaeological find and a popular tourist destinationin China. Constructed by Emperor Qinshihuang in the 3rd century BC, it features life-size terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots arranged in battle formation. The museum houses three vaults (墓穴) and an exhibition hall, with Vault One being the largest, displaying over 6, 000 figures. These sculptures offer insights of high value into ancient China’s history, military, and culture.

Ancient City Wall

Xi’an City Wall was built in the 14th century by Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Emperor of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) as a military defense system. Now it is one of the oldest and best-preserved Chinese city walls. The wall is now a landmark, dividing the city into inner and outer areas. When you take a stroll or cycle on the massive wall, you can enjoy a good view of the city, the moat (护城河) and the watchtowers.

Giant WildGoose Pagoda

The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in China was built during the Tang Dynasty as a study place for Buddhist texts. It stored sutras (佛经) and sculptures brought from India by monk Xuan Zang, who translated scriptures here for 19 years. Situated in Da Ci’en Temple, the pagoda’s impressive brick structure reflects traditional Chinese architecture, creating a solemn and magnificent atmosphere.

Shaanxi History Museum

The Shaanxi History Museum displays 370, 000 relics found in Shaanxi, China, including bronze wares (青铜器), pottery figures, gold and silverwares, and Tang Dynasty murals. 18 pieces are national treasures. Xi’an, the former capital, has many historical sites. The museum is divided into three sections, exhibiting artifacts from primitive eras to the late Qing Dynasty.

1. Which of the following attractions was built as a military defence system?

A．The Terracotta Army.	B．Ancient City Wall.
C．Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.	D．Shannxi History Museum.

2. What do Terracotta Army and Ancient City Wall have in common?

A．They were built at the same period.	B．They both divide the city into two areas.
C．They were built by their own Emperors.	D．They both offer a good view of the city.

3. What can we know about Giant Wild Goose Pagoda?

A．It was built during the Tang Dynasty.	B．It was brought from India by Xuan Zang.
C．It was written in the Buddhist texts.	D．It was used as a study place for goose.

9 . 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。

During the peak summer travel season this year, many popular tourist destinations in China have experienced large crowds, making it challenging for tourists     1     (get) tickets. Given these circumstances, cultural venues in many places have     2     (recent) announced extended opening hours, allowing people to explore during the evening hours. For instance, the Shaanxi History Museum has extended the opening hours to 8:00 pm every Sunday since mid-July.

In ancient China, a tradition of night tours, entertainment and dinners thrived (繁荣). When night fell, people would participate in     3     (activity) like reciting poems, appreciating the moon’s beauty and joining in tea-fueled conversations, said Wang Bin, curator (馆长) of the Xi’an-based West Market Museum. “Children can fully involve     4     (they) in the nighttime experiences of ancient civilizations right at the original West Market site. This is     5     we integrate these cultural elements. And this approach     6     (welcome) by both parches and children ever since,” Wang said.

To meet people’s     7     (grow) demand for night travel, China has developed a night culture     8     night tourism economy in recent years, with some places winning fame for night fairs and performances. Even at 10:30 pm, subways in many cities remain busy with people. Nighttime cultural tours have changed the     9     (convention) tourism model of traveling during the day and sleeping     10     night.

10 . Waynesville, North Carolina Travel Guide

About 25 miles southwest of Asheville, Waynesville is the perfect western Carolina mountain town with real charm. So why not visit it?

Best Things to Do in Waynesville

●Make the short drive to Waterrock Knob, where you’ll find one of the best trails and views in Western North Carolina.At 5,820 feet, it's the highest visitor center along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

●Go to Cataloochee Valley to see the elk(麋鹿).The valley is filled with wildlife and wildflowers.

●Visit Haywood's Farmers Market, filled with local products from produce to cheese to crafts. Fill up your bag with fresh fruit and sweet treats for a picnic around Lake Junaluska.

●Explore the Frog Level District located on Richland Creck,which features one- and two-story brick and frame buildings from the early 1900s.

Best Time to Visit

Fall is the most popular time for Waynesville tourism. The bright oranges, yellows, and reds of the fall leaves draw crowds from near and far-so you can expect the cost to mirror the demand. Spring, however, is the best time to visit Waynesville if you want to enjoy pleasant weather, and various fairs and festivals.

Where to Stay in Waynesville

You’ll feel at home instantly you pull up to The Yellow House on Plott Creek Road. Built in the Late 1800s, the hotel sits on five rolling acres of land, surrounded by walking paths, two ponds and a stream. There’re ten rooms and suites and each has its own private bath, fireplace and sitting area.

How to Get There

Ashevile Regional Airport is the closest airport. If you’re flying into the area, you’ll need your own transportation to travel around Waynesville. Downtown Waynesville is walkable but exploring further out into the Blue Ridge Mountains requires a car.

1. Where will you most probably have a chance to admire ancient buildings?

A．Waterrock Knob.	B．Cataloochee Valley.
C．Frog Level District.	D．Haywood’s Farmers Market.

2. What makes fall the most popular time to visit Waynesville?

A．The competitive cost.	B．The local cultures,
C．The agreeable weather.	D．The natural beauty.

3. What had you better do in order to have a nice time around Waynesville?

A．Rent a car.	B．Feed some wildlife.
C．Hike on foot.	D．Grow fresh fruits.