1 . Four Best Theme Parks in Europe to Visit
Whether you are traveling alone, with your special one, in a group, or as a family, theme parks are always a great opportunity to experience a pleasant adventure in the most fun and harmless way. So don’t miss out on this list of the best theme parks in Europe, where you’ll definitely enjoy yourself and of course, discover new experiences!
Gardaland—Lake Garda, Italy
Gardaland is Italy’s biggest amusement park and is located on the shores of Lake Garda. The park offers an impressive 32 rides? including seven roller coasters and three water rides. It is conveniently divided into three groups: Fantasy, Adventure, and Thrill.
Parc Asterix—Plailly, France
Parc Asterix is a popular amusement park located in Plailly, France. It is based on the comic series Asterix and Obelix. The park has seventeen attractions themed around the comics and is a perfect playground for fans of Asterix and Obelix. It also includes roller coaster rides and many other shows such as dolphin shows or performances from Roman soldiers.
Legoland Windsor Resort-Windsor, United Kingdom
The Legoland Windsor is a theme park in Windsor, United Kingdom, designed for families with children aged 3 to 12. The park features a variety of attractions based on Lego building blocks. There is also a themed amusement park area called Miniland? which is made up of smaller—scale replicas(复制品) of famous European landmark.
Movie Park Germany-Bottrop, Germany
Movie Park Germany is a great place to go if you love films, consisting of 7 areas based on movies and TV series. There are various shows and attractions centered around the big movie business, which will keep you entertained for hours on end!
1. What is special about Parc Asterix?A.It offers roller coaster rides. | B.It features comic themed attractions. |
C.It owns replicas of famous landmarks. | D.It entertains tourists through films and shows. |
A.Gardaland. | B.Parc Asterix. |
C.Legoland Windsor Resort. | D.Movie Park Germany. |
A.Go water riding. | B.Enjoy dolphin performances. |
C.Take in impressive lake views. | D.Experience the scenes in films. |
2 . One of the best things about London is that so many of its world-famous museums are free to the public. Visitors can enjoy some beautiful paintings, portraits (肖像) and art pieces by famous artists from around the world there.
Royal Air Force Museum
Located in Hendon, Royal Air Force Museum has over one hundred and sixty aircraft on display and is a must-see for aviation (航空) lovers. Documenting the history of aviation and aircraft in the United Kingdom, the museum has one of the biggest and best collections of military aircraft in the world.
Tate Britain
Founded by sugar businessman Sir Henry Tate, Tate Britain is a wonderful museum to visit, with lots of fantastic British artworks on show. Tate Britain’s masterpieces include works by William Blake and Francis Bacon. Wandering around the exhibitions and galleries is a lovely way to spend the day. With the museum lying on the banks of the Thames, you can take a boat to get there.
National Portrait Gallery
Home to over 11,000 portraits, this delightful art gallery focuses on famous British people through the ages. Portraits, photos, sculptures and drawings of some of the country’s most influential and well-known figures gaze upon you as you make your way through the gallery. While its most famous portrait is undoubtedly the one of William Shakespeare, more contemporary pieces do not look out of place alongside artworks that date back hundreds of years.
Imperial War Museum
Located in what was once a hospital, Imperial War Museum offers a fascinating look at war and its impact. With lots of films, photos, videos and audio recordings included in the displays, visitors will come away with a greater insight into the tragedy (悲剧) of wars, as well as the impact they have on society.
1. Which museum will you probably go to, if you are a fan of aircraft?A.Royal Air Force Museum. | B.Tate Britain. |
C.National Portrait Gallery. | D.Imperial War Museum. |
A.You can see some of the country’s most influential figures. |
B.It was founded by sugar businessman Sir Henry Tate. |
C.The picture of William Blake is the most famous. |
D.It has both ancient and modern artworks. |
A.It has the most visitors. |
B.It is accessible by boat. |
C.It shows tragedies in a hospital. |
D.It has films and videos on display. |
3 . Northern Ireland’s capital and largest city--Belfast--has become a top tourist destination. Here are a few of the attractions that bring in guests from around the globe.
Botanic Gardens
Belfast Botanic Gardens started out as a private park in 1828 but opened to the public in 1895. Construction on the garden’s famous Palm House, a building of glass and iron, started in the 1830s. A wide variety of plants can be found there, including one that is over 400 years old!
Open: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm. (Closed from Nov. 15th to Feb. 15th next year.)
Admission: Individual: $9 (adult), $5 (kid under 14)
Family: $21 (Parents & up to 3 kids)
Belfast City Hall
Belfast’s City Hall, located in the center of the city, is a good place to begin touring. The grand building, which opened in 1906, houses exhibits that are related to Belfast’s politics and government. Outside, the gardens are full of impressive statues and memorials.
Open: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm. (Closed on Dec. 23rd - 25th & Jan. 1st - 3rd.)
Admission: Individual: $10 (adult), $6 (kid under 14)
Family: $24 (Parents & up to 3 kids)
Ulster Museum
The largest museum in Northern Ireland is Belfast’s splendid Ulster Museum. It has been called Northern Ireland’s treasure house of the past and present. From mummies to moon rocks, the museum possesses impressive art, natural science and history collections.
Open: Weekdays: 8:00 am -5:30 pm. Weekends: 10:00 am -3:30 pm.
Admission: Individual: $8 (adult), $4 (kid under14)
Family: $19 (Parents & up to 3 kids)
St. George’s Market
Award-winning St. George’s Market was built in the 1890s and is Belfast’s last remaining market housed in a Victorian building. Visitors will find approximately 200 stands selling food, clothes, antiques, crafts and more. Go early for the market’s famous breakfast, and try a specialty coffee or tea while listening to live music.
Open: Weekends: 5:30 am-3:30 pm.
Admission: FREE
1. At what time can Botanic Gardens be visited?A.8:30 am, Mar. 24th. | B.9:30 am, May 7th. | C.12:15 pm, Nov. 30th. | D.5:00 pm, July 17th. |
A.$16. | B.$22. | C.$24. | D.$32. |
A.Ulster Museum. | B.Botanic Gardens. | C.Belfast City Hall. | D.St. George’s Market. |
4 . Whatever your interest is — Titanic, history, food, music or even Game of Thrones’ filming sites — one of the different tours on offer here in Belfast can satisfy you.
.GAME OF THRONES TOUR
A guided coach tour takes you to explore some of the exciting filming sites in the hit show. You can step into “Winterfell” and experience archery in a recreated film set in “Stark Family” costumes, or even meet some “Stark Family” members!
.TITANIC TOUR
Take the world’s only guided Titanic Boat tour to see the ever changing story of Belfast’s rich sea heritage and how the area has developed into a major tourist attraction. Exploring the Titanic story, the boat tour allows you to view the Titanic Quarter from the water. You also have a chance of seeing many seals living in Belfast.
.MUSIC TOUR
Take a bus journey through the heart of this rock and roll city. Sit back, relax, and enjoy music by way of amazing guitar players, from folk songs to rock and Hollywood soundtracks. Finish up at the wonderful Belfast Music show at the Oh Yeah Music Centre in the Cathedral Quarter.
.CITY TOUR
If you’re short on time but still want to get a general overview of the city, book a private guided taxi tour or a guided open top bus tour. It’s the best and quickest way to find out all about the city’s history and other places of interest.
1. Which tour is suitable for visitors with limited time in Belfast?A.GAME OF THRONES TOUR. | B.TITANIC TOUR. |
C.MUSIC TOUR. | D.CITY TOUR. |
A.Learn how to sail a boat. | B.See a large number of seals. |
C.Appreciate the movie Titanic. | D.View the Titanic Quarter on land. |
A.A science magazine. | B.A history textbook. |
C.A research paper. | D.A travel brochure. |
5 . Driving on up to Yosemite with my family was exciting yet nerve racking. I had never been to such an amazing national park before yet I wasn’t the most athletic person so I knew that I couldn’t stick through all the hiking up and down. It actually ended up being a fun and adventurous (冒险的) experience.
The ride there was definitely long but worth it. As I woke up from my nap, I saw the beautiful scenery of the tall mountains and beautiful streams. The trails were made nicely for visitors. The waterfalls were breathtaking with capturing views. Climbing up rocks was one of my favorite parts. Even though I fell a couple of times, I still had a lot of fun. The fact that my family and I spent so much time together all trying to find out which route to take and what views to watch really brought us closer together.
The great thing about nature is that, it’s just you, the views, and the people around you. There’s nothing there to bother you and it’s the best way to relax and enjoy yourself. Yosemite has 5 of the world’s highest waterfalls, and about 300 lakes. The structure of each mountain is incredible, it’s formed in ways that literally take your breath away. It’s definitely something you wouldn’t want to miss. The park also has 67 mammalian species with a variety of different types of animals that roar around you.
Yosemite isn’t the only great National Park but based on my experience I highly recommend going out and enjoying nature with family and friends. It’s a great time to bond, laugh, and take in what Mother Nature has to offer.
1. The author writes the first paragraph mainly to________.A.offer an example to us |
B.introduce the topic of this passage |
C.describe a national park |
D.tell us his/her future plan for hiking |
A.worried | B.injured | C.puzzled | D.pleased |
a. The incredible mountains.
b. The color of the waterfalls.
c. The different species.
d. The animals around you.
e. The hunters here and there.
A.a, b, c | B.a, c, d | C.b, c, e | D.a, d, e |
A.is worth travelling to |
B.is made up of some hills |
C.is not the most beautiful park |
D.is crowded with visitors every day |
6 . It’s known to all that farms are a significant part in the world. However, the number of farmers is decreasing day by day. One of the best ways to help solve the problem is to visit a farm.
You can learn how your food is raised.
When you visit a farm, you get firsthand experience on how your food is raised.
You can reconnect with nature.
Nowadays, all we have are big buildings, highways, and countless cars. We spend too much time in front of screens. However, when you visit a farm, you will be away from all of that and will actually be able to breathe in some fresh air. You will be able to get away from noisy cities and purify your body and your mind.
We all read success stories about farmers in magazines and even TV shows, but the people in these stories are real people with real families. And quite often, these farmers will appreciate you if you buy their farm products, and they will try to make their visitors feel like home
A.It’s possible for you to waste more food |
B.So we should be grateful to these people |
C.You can connect with farmers and their families |
D.This is a unique experience for people from all age groups |
E.And here are some great reasons why you should visit a farm |
F.Visiting farms can help give you a desire for learning more about nature |
G.This will likely improve your mental health, and decrease feelings of stress and anxiety |
7 . Four Great Waterfront Resorts (度假胜地)
Waking up near the water at these wonderful waterfront resorts must be quite an impressive experience for you.
West Oaks Resort
West Oaks Resort is just steps away from some of the best attractions in Okoboji-Arnolds Park Amusement Park, Queen’s Court shopping center, and downtown bars and restaurants. If that isn’t enough, it has a to-die-for view of sunsets, a unique experience for vacationers. The lakeside condos (公寓) in it are equipped with a kitchen, a living room, a master bedroom and an outdoor pool.
Arrowwood Resort & Conference Centre
Located between the beautiful Brooks National Golf Club and the scenic Iowa Great Lakes, Arrowwood Resort & Conference Centre in Okoboji promises a memorable getaway. Spend a day swimming outside, boating on the lake, or staying indoors to explore Water Play-land. Moreover, no trip here is complete without dining at the Minerva’s Restaurant & Bar. With several award-winning dishes, it’s the best place for steak and seafood.
Fillenwarth Beach Resort
A stay at Fillenwarth Beach Resort includes a wonderful cruise (乘船游览) aboard one of the two 49-foot, custom- made cruisers on popular West Lake Okoboji. Or set sail on your own with free access to the resort’s sailboats, rowboats, and paddleboats. The resort also provides guests with accommodations ranging from lakefront houses, studios and penthouses to a collection of cottages and apartments.
Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark
It is the first themed indoor water park in Iowa with 25, 000 square feet of water attractions. Guests will enjoy water slides, indoor and outdoor tube rides and a water playground. When it comes to the accommodation, Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark has plenty of rooms where you can overlook the historic town.
1. What highlights West Oaks Resort?A.The award-wimming food. |
B.The amazing sunset views. |
C.The wonderful indoor activities |
D.The convenient public transportation. |
A.Enjoy the tasty homemade food. |
B.Experience the unusual customs. |
C.Go boating on West Lake Okoboji. |
D.Have fun at the indoor water park. |
A.West Oaks Resort. |
B.Arrowwood Resort & Conference Centre. |
C.Fillenwarth Beach Resort. |
D.Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark. |
Visits to Red tourism attractions are expected to rise this year as the Communist Party of China (CPC) celebrates the 100th anniversary of
“I’m quite lucky that I was born after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, but I never forget what my father told me about their hard life in the war,” Zhao Yanping, a 67-year-old visitor from Zhejiang province, said. “He told me to be grateful to the CPC, without it we could not live such
Yang Guangyuan, director of Yan’an’s publicity department, mentioned the
9 . The official operation of Universal Beijing Resort (UBR) made Beijing the hottest tourist destination recently. After about 20 years’ preparation, China’s first Universal Studios theme park, and also the biggest Universal Studios theme park in the world, has attracted great attention. It marks the entry of another international chain into China’s thriving theme park industry.
China has become the largest market for theme parks across the world. Today there are nearly 3,000 theme parks in China and over 400 among them are large-scale.
The popularity of theme parks partly comes from the intellectual property they have acquired over the years, which can include characters and stories. Take the Shanghai Disney Resort as an example. From Mickey Mouse to Snow White, Disney had a lot of elements to draw from in designing the theme park. A fan of Disney’s animations Mr. Wu said that he had visited the resort so many times because of his love of the characters and themes throughout the park.
Theme parks have played a leading role in promoting tourism and other relative kinds of consumption (消费). For the past five years, the Shanghai Disney Resort has welcomed 83 million visitors, earning over 40 billion yuan in total. Disney’s impressive performance was carefully viewed by other international firms eager to take part in China’s theme park economy, Steinbock pointed out. According to Steinbock, capital investment in China’s theme park projects in the first half of the 2020s could reach $20 billion. “These huge investments show foreign investors’ rising confidence in China’s business environment.”
“Although the COVID-19 pandemic has created a huge impact on the global tourism market, we are still very positive on the business environment of the Chinese market,” said Tom Mehrmann, president and general manager of UBR.
1. What can we learn about the UBR according to the passage?A.It has been prepared for a decade. |
B.It is the biggest them park in China. |
C.It contributes to the popularity of Beijing. |
D.It marks the theme park industry entered China. |
A.increasing | B.rewarding | C.entertaining | D.decreasing. |
A.The pandemic has no impact on Chinese tourism market. |
B.More international investment will enter Chinese theme park industry. |
C.Theme park is the one and only way to promote Chinese consumption. |
D.Shanghai Disney Resort has received more than $20 billion investment so far. |
A.To advertise the UBR to attract more tourists. |
B.To praise China’s ability to control the pandemic. |
C.To explain why theme park is so popular in China. |
D.To introduce the development of China’s theme park industry. |
10 . Here are some hostels (旅社) that will help you save money when you’re traveling in Toronto, Canada.
HI Hostel Toronto
HI Hostel Toronto really gets what travelers need. The hostel is in a central location close to everything you need (shopping, restaurants, subway and more). It’s very easy to meet people here because there is a bar that hosts live music. The beds are super comfortable so you can have a good sleep. Free breakfast is included.
Beds from $45 every night.
Two Peas Pod Hostel
Two Peas Pod Hostel runs a store and a café. They have a super rooftop (屋顶) (you can see the CN Tower from it) and a mini movie theater. Their beds are super cool and comfortable. They have lockers underneath them so you can keep all your things safe. It’s almost like staying in a modern hotel but with the fun of a hostel. Enjoy a great stay with free breakfast.
Beds from $59 every night.
The Only Backpacker’s Inn
This is your standard backpacker hostel. They have a bar and a café. There’s no free breakfast but the money you save makes up for that. It’s located near the subway so you can easily get around the city. It’s a good choice for travelers to meet people.
Beds from $37 every night.
The Parkdale Hostellerie
This is the most affordable hostel with free breakfast in the city. It’s not as central as the other hostels but that also makes one of its advantages: it is far from noise. The hostel is not the most modern but it has a welcoming, homey feel.
Beds from $26 every night.
1. What can travelers do at HI Hostel Toronto?A.Drink coffee at a café. | B.Watch a live music show. |
C.See the CN Tower on the rooftop. | D.Watch a film at a mini movie theater. |
A.It runs a store and a café. | B.It offers comfortable beds. |
C.It doesn’t offer free breakfast. | D.It’s close to public transportation. |
A.HI Hostel Toronto. | B.Two Peas Pod Hostel. |
C.The Only Backpacker’s Inn. | D.The Parkdale Hostellerie. |