1 . From Milan to Riyadh, these culture-packed cities offer creative experiences, whether through interesting street arts, innovative exhibitions or award-winning architectures.
Milan
Milan’s fashion heritage dates back to its days as an important trading center, when rich businessmen would bring luxurious clothes to the city and improve their bartering (以物易物) skills in its streets. The area’s fashion-forward reputation was later strengthened by design masters such as Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Versace, all of whom grew their brands here.
Shanghai
Shanghai has a long history in the fields of art and architecture, and has long attracted creative professionals both domestically and internationally. But today, the integration of traditional temples into the surrounding modern metropolis (大都市) continues to attract tourists. Begin with a wander through the streets of the original Old City, taking in the 600-year-old City God Temple and the nine-bend Jiu Qu Qiao. Then, make for the Shanghai Museum, where more than a million artifacts — including ancient sculptures, china and calligraphy — are on display.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s architecture has been awarded many honors over the years, including UNESCO World Capital of Architecture 2023. Today, many of the city’s most popular tour routes centre on these eye-catching aspects. The harbour-front Copenhagen Opera House presents a neo-futuristic style while the Black Diamond Royal Library and the Bicycle Bridge dot the skyline with their distinctive designs.
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia’s largest city Riyadh has actively positioned itself as a global destination for creative travellers and to this end, it has established the Riyadh Art initiative. The first public art project of its kind in the country, Riyadh Art aims to transform the city into a “gallery without walls” through public art installations, festivals and workshops.
1. What is Milan famous for?A.Its festivals. | B.Its fashion products. | C.Its architecture. | D.Its modern art. |
A.Copenhagen. | B.Shanghai. | C.Milan. | D.Riyadh. |
A.It is Saudi Arabia’s second largest city. | B.It has a lot of galleries without walls. |
C.It aims to attract creative visitors. | D.It plans to set up the Riyadh Art initiative. |
A.Paris. | B.Rome. | C.Vienna. |
1. Where did the tour start?
A.From Germany. | B.From Amsterdam. | C.From Switzerland. |
A.The Montparnasse Tower. | B.The Eiffel Tower. | C.The art museums. |
A.It offers good views. |
B.It covers more territory. |
C.It’s the cheapest travel means. |
A.It is excellent. | B.It offers free coffee. | C.It is easy to get lost. |
A.Worthless. | B.Terrible. | C.Great. |
1. Who visited Lake Tahoe?
A.The woman. | B.The woman’s grandparents. | C.The man. |
A.Friends. | B.Husband and wife. | C.Father and daughter. |
6 . Stone Mountain
Basic Information
Stone Mountain, Georgia, is the world’s largest exposed piece of granite (花岗岩). It is a rock of 7.5 billion cubic feet and it’s just a half-hour drive from Atlanta. But it’s not just the size of the mountain that attracts people to visit. Stone Mountain’s impressive feature is the Confederate Memorial Carving. Three heroes from the Civil War have been carved into the rock: Confederate President Jefferson Davis, General Robert E.Lee, and General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. The huge sculptures are surrounded by a carved surface that covers three acres.
How to Visit
Stone Mountain can be visited by taking a cable car ride up the north face. Brave tourists can hike along various paths to get closer to the amazing mountain. A visit to the top uncovers rock pools and views of downtown Atlanta that seems close enough to touch.
What to Visit
Located just outside the park’s west gate is Historic Stone Mountain Village. The village was established in 1839 and offers more than 50 specialty shops and restaurants. Tourists can visit antique (古董) stores as well as shop for art and jewelry created by local artisans.
Detailed Visiting Information
Address: U.S.Highway 78 E., Exit 8, Stone Mountain, GA
Telephone: 770/498-5690 or 800/401-2407
Hours of Operation: Wednesday to Friday from 10:00 am-2:00 pm (due to COVID-19)
Admission: $8 per car
1. What is Stone Mountain most famous for?A.Its large memorial carving. |
B.Its unique natural landscape. |
C.Its having a large piece of granite. |
D.Its being the hometown of famous heroes. |
A.Hike along downtown Atlanta. |
B.Go shopping outside its west gate. |
C.Swim in beautiful swimming pools. |
D.Learn to make jewels from the locals. |
A.$8. | B.$16. | C.$32. | D.$64. |
7 . Seasonal city breaks: 4 of the best pre-Christmas European getaways to start your festive spirit
Zagreb, Croatia
The Croatian capital takes the Christmas seriously, with sweet decorations, outdoor concerts and a traditional Christmas market. Most of the action is centred on Ban Josip Jelacic Square, which has a history of more than 3 centuries, and European Square. The two squares have market stalls (货摊) and live music performances given by popular musicians.
The recommended hotel: President Pantovcak — Doubles: ₤200, (a parent and a kid with a 10% discount)
Malaga, Spain
Start your day at the Casa Aranda before diving into the Atarazanas Market. In the afternoon, take your pick of the city’s cultural spots — the Picasso Museum, or the Centre Pompidou Malaga. Then head to Calle Marques de Larios, the main shopping drag, at dusk when the Christams lights are switched on: the sight attracts visitors from all over Spain.
The recommended hotel: Room Mate Larios — Doubles: ₤250 (a parent and a kid with a 20% discount)
Le Touquet, France
From 30 November, the trees lining the avenues of this city are decorated with fairy lights, and there are facilities (设施), like a skating spot and horse-drawn carriage rides. The pedestrianized street Rue St. Jean is lined with stores selling everything from chocolates to jewellery. Join the locals in gathering cheese at the Marche Couvert and wines at the excellent Le Touquet- Vins.
The recommended hotel: Hotel Brisol — Doubles: ₤180, (a parent and a kid with a 10% discount)
Aarhus, Denmark
Head to the Latin Quarter for independent stores, cafes and a great Christmas market. Shop for Scandi homeware (家居用品) and fashion on Stroget, the city's important shopping street, before heading to the rooftop of the historic Salling Department store, for a glass of wine with views of the city, lit up for Christmas.
The recommended hotel: The Mayor Hotel — Doubles: ₤200, (a parent and a kid with a 20% discount)
1. What can we know about Ban Josip Jelacic Square and European Square?A.They have a very long history. |
B.They offer concerts and stalls. |
C.They are attractive to those fond of quietness. |
D.They are the most attractive places in Zagreb. |
A.The Casa Aranda | B.the Picasso Museum |
C.Calle Marques de Larios | D.the Atarazanas Market |
A.President Pantovcak. | B.Room Mate Larios. |
C.Hotel Bristol. | D.The Mayor Hotel. |
A.Their friend Jane. | B.A weekend trip. | C.A radio programme. |