1 . Chile is famous for its many attractions. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to add “Mano del Desierto” or “Hand of the Desert” to your must-see list.
Standing 11 meters tall and made of iron and cement (水泥), this sculpture of a hand emerges from the sand in the Atacama Desert, which is known as the driest desert in the world outside of polar regions. The sculpture was created by Mario Irarrazabal in the early 1980s and was financed by a local nonprofit organization. The sculpture is not only impressive in terms of its design but also in the message it expresses. Many people believe that the hand represents the weakness and helplessness of human beings, as well as their strength and determination to overcome hardships. It is a reflection on the human condition and our relationship with nature.
If you’re interested in visiting the Hand of the Desert, take Route 26 or 28 from Antofagasta, a port city in northern Chile. The sculpture is located between mile markers 1309 and 1310 and can be reached from either direction. The desert’s flatness makes it easy to spot the sculpture from far away.
Visitors should take precautions (预防措施) before leaving, such as filling their gas tanks, packing plenty of water, and wearing sunscreen. They should also avoid driving too quickly, as many car accidents occur in the desert each year.
For those who are nervous about driving alone, working with an agency like Plan South America is a good choice. The founder of the agency, Harry Hastings, said that he always tries to join a visit to the sculpture with guests traveling to the desert, calling it an “important landmark” that is both culturally and visually significant.
1. What makes the Hand of the Desert a famous attraction?| A．Its height and material. | B．Its location and. designer. |
| C．Its building time and local support. | D．Its design and meaning. |
| A．The sculpture can be reached very easily. |
| B．The sculpture can be seen from far away. |
| C．The sculpture is protected by the government. |
| D．The sculpture attracts millions of visitors every year. |
| A．He built the sculpture “Hand of the Desert”. |
| B．He gave the financial support to the sculpture. |
| C．He speaks highly of the sculpture. |
| D．He likes driving alone to visit the sculpture. |
| A．A science fiction. | B．A magazine. | C．A fairy tale. | D．A book review. |
2 . China’s famous museums include ancient buildings and world class modern museums with big collections. They are excellent places for sightseeing and learning about China.
Sanxingdui Museum
The museum is on the path less beaten by tourists, but it makes one of the top museums for the 3,400-year-old artworks. If you’re an ancient history fan, this place will attract you. If you love art, its style will surprise you a lot.
The Palace Museum
The museum is one of the largest old buildings kept in the country with a history of 600 years old. Built at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty between 1406 and 1420, it was the home of 24 rulers and their courts. It is one of the finest buildings in China and a good place to study Chinese history.
The Shanghai Museum
The big modern museum is popular with foreign tourists. It is probably the most modern museum with the focus on creative art displays about the history of the whole area. Located in People’s Square, the museum is most famous for its huge collection of china.
The Shaanxi History Museum
Since 14 historical dynasties founded their capitals and developed in Shaanxi Province, the museum may have the oldest treasure of all the museums in China. The artworks show the greatness of the museum, and the displays are modern and well laid out.
1. What do we know about the Palace Museum?| A．The museum is one of the oldest buildings in China. |
| B．The museum was built at the end of the Ming Dynasty. |
| C．The museum was the home of 26 rulers and their courts. |
| D．The museum is a good place to learn Chinese history. |
| A．Sanxingdui Museum. | B．The Palace Museum. |
| C．The Shanghai Museum. | D．The Shaanxi History Museum. |
| A．A person who is fond of music. | B．A person who is into Chinese culture. |
| C．A person who has passion for movies. | D．A person who is interested in sports. |
| A．Paris. | B．Rome. | C．Vienna. |
4 . Here are some fantastic parks in San Antonio.
Brackenridge Park
The park was first established in 1899 and has been popular with both locals and visitors ever since. Towering trees and peaceful riverbanks will greet guests along the park’s paths, and the facilities include playgrounds, museums, a miniature train, a Japanese tea garden, and one of the oldest golf courses in the city.
Friedrich Wilderness Park
In the park, you’ll find about 10 miles of paved(铺过的)and unpaved trails(路线), with a little something for everyone. From rocky climbs to deep canyons, and enchanting forests to open views, there’s no shortage of natural beauty. The area is nationally famous for birdwatching.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
The park is the state’s only one on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers quite a large area, so it’s best to make it a full-day or at least a half-day trip so you can be sure to cover everything. While the Alamo is a separate attraction, you will get to enjoy the architectural wonders of Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. They’re all connected by a hike and bike trail, with plenty of stops along the way to picnic, climb trees, and refill water. Admission is free!
Eisenhower Park
Just a 20-to 30-minute drive from the city center, the park puts the best landscapes in the Texas Hill Country on full display, holding 6 miles of hiking trails, both paved and unpaved. Explore dried creek beds, look out over plunging canyons, and enjoy full views of San Antonio down below. You can also find playgrounds for the little ones, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities.
1. What is Friedrich Wilderness Park well-known for?| A．Birdwatching. | B．Ancient buildings. |
| C．A Japanese tea garden. | D．Unpaved hiking paths. |
| A．Brackenridge Park. |
| B．Friedrich Wilderness Park. |
| C．San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. |
| D．Eisenhower Park. |
| A．Golf courses and bicycle trails. |
| B．Museums and no entrance fee. |
| C．Birdwatching and playgrounds. |
| D．Hiking trails and barbecue facilities. |
5 . Scotland is packed with beautiful places to visit and you could honestly spend months and months exploring everything this wonderful country has to offer! Next I’m going to take you through some of the best place to visit in Scotland, based on where we have personally visited so far!
Glen Coe
If you asked me where my favourite place to visit in all of Scotland is... I would say, Glen Coe. The whole area of Glen Coe constantly had my face in shock due to the beauty that I was witnessing1 was witnessing (亲眼看见). It’s just a stream of dramatic mountains, lakes, rugged (崎岖的) beauty and more.
Fort William
Fort William is probably one of the most well-known places to visit in Scotland. It’s a popular tourist destination thanks to being home to the UK’s tallest mountain: Ben Nevis. Fort William is also the starting point for one of the world’s most famous train rides: The Jacobite. Harry Potter fans will recognize it as the Hogwarts Express, and this train ride will take you through the beautiful countryside, crossing some iconic Harry Potter filming locations such as the Dumbledore’s Grave and the Glenfinnan Viaduct!
Isle Of Skye
This island feels totally different from other parts of Scotland and is truly rugged and ready! There are many hot spots to explore including the Old Man of Storr, the Fairy Glen. I even stayed on a private island with its very own lighthouse, which was one of the coolest places I’ve ever visited and one of the most romantic places stay in Scotland.
Cairngorms National Park
This is the largest national park in the UK so it’s another popular place to visit in Scotland and it’s no surprise why. It’s absolutely beautiful and there’s so much happening at the Cairngorms National Park! From skiing or meeting local reindeers, you’ll not go bored and you’ll be surrounded by beauty the entire time.
1. Which place probably attracts Harry Potter fans most?| A．Glen Coe. | B．Isle Of Skye. |
| C．Cairngorms National Park. | D．Fort William. |
| A．The Jacobite. | B．Local reindeers. |
| C．The UK’s tallest mountain. | D．A cool lighthouse. |
| A．A geography textbook | B．A science journal. |
| C．A travel blog. | D．A diary. |
6 . Tokyo has a great range of cafes, but many don’t offer free wireless Internet access or power outlets (电源插座). So, for the benefit of those looking for free Wi-Fi, here are our top spots in the Japanese capital.
Coffee Valley
Coffee Valley is a small coffee shop. While the first floor has limited seating, there are outlets for each seat. If you don’t need to charge, the second floor is much more spacious with an area that can accommodate groups of up to four people. They also have a good selection of snacks to accompany your coffee.
Date: Open daily.
Time: 8 A.M.—8 P.M. (From 9 A.M. on weekends).
Location: A five-minute walk from the east exit of Ikebukuro Station.
10° Cafe
10° Cafe is the perfect place for early birds. For some peace and quiet, work on the second floor. At 10° Cafe, each seat has power outlets while their counter seats offer a great view of the surrounding neighborhood. Their menu prices before 11 A.M. offer discounted breakfast.
Date: Daily (Closed every third Sunday of the month).
Time: 7:30 A.M.—9 P.M.
Location: A five-minute walk from Takadanobaba Station.
Good Sound Coffee
Come for the coffee, and stay for their music selection. Good Sound Coffee is a friendly neighborhood cafe close to Nakameguro Station. There are indoor and outdoor seats and plenty of outlets. It might get crowded on the weekends, and the cafe offers discounts on food items.
Date: Daily
Time: 8 A.M.—11P.M.
Location: A three-minute walk from the east exit of Nakameguro Station.
Valley Park Stand
Valley Park Stand opens from early in the morning to late in the evening. There are public tables with power outlets. It’s spacious with lots of natural light a few steps away from the Miyashita Park. There is a decently sized menu with tea, coffee and various sandwiches and bites.
Date: Daily.
Time: 8 A.M.—10 P.M.
Location: A few minutes’ walk from Miyashita Park.
1. What is the special part of 10° Cafe?| A．It opens to the late night. | B．It has one day off each month. |
| C．It offers different delicious snacks. | D．It’s not far from the Ikebukuro Station. |
| A．10°Cafe. | B．Coffee Valley. |
| C．Good Sound Coffee. | D．Valley Park Stand. |
| A．Customers can enjoy various snacks. |
| B．Customers can still drink coffee at 10 P.M. in the cafes. |
| C．Customers can get easy access to Nakameguro Station. |
| D．Customers can get food at a cheaper price during a certain period. |
| A．The weather. | B．The traffic. | C．The museum. |
8 . Best Places to Visit in England
As the largest part of the United Kingdom, England is home to many great places to visit. The following destinations are some of the best.
London
Of course, most visitors to England will arrive in London. It’s home to a long list of famous sights as well as beautiful green spaces. It also houses some of the best museums on the planet, many of which are free. See the city from above by riding the London Eye or run into famous people at Madame Tussauds (杜莎夫人蜡像馆).
Liverpool
Liverpool is well known as the place that started The Beatles, though you’ll find a lot more to do there than visit The Beatles Museum. Spend time in the pubs chatting with the locals, go shopping at Liverpool One and enjoy the beaches. Art lovers will enjoy Liverpool’s excellent art sight.
Bath
Some people say Bath is England’s most beautiful small city, named for its natural hot springs that served as ancient Roman baths (浴缸) 2,000 years ago. And, today, it’s the only place in the United Kingdom where you can bathe in naturally hot, mineral-rich waters just like the Romans did long ago. Enjoy rooftop baths with wonderful views over this Georgian city, dine in award-winning restaurants and stay in romantic hotels.
Dover
Dover, located in White Cliffs Country, offers a rich history as well as peaceful countryside and a breathtaking coastline. This area has a unique place in history. You could easily spend weeks experiencing this area’s castles, like Dover Castle as well as the Secret War Time Tunnels, once used as an underground hospital.
1. What can visitors do in London?| A．Have a bath in naturally hot water. |
| B．Visit The Beatles Museum for free. |
| C．Enjoy the city’s view from the London Eye. |
| D．Learn about its music at Madame Tussauds. |
| A．London. | B．Liverpool. | C．Bath. | D．Dover. |
| A．It is in Liverpool. |
| B．It is a 2,000-year-old art sight. |
| C．It looks like Dover Castle. |
| D．It was an underground hospital before. |
9 . Asia is the birthplace of the world’s three ancient civilizations: ancient China, ancient India and Babylon. Each gave the world different architectural styles and global landmarks, such as the Great Wall of China. Taj Mahal of India.With the conclusion of the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilization, let’s take a look at the architecture of Asian civilizations.
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is an ancient defense project with the longest construction time and the largest workload put into a landmark, stretching out to a total length of more than 5,000 kilometers. Only when you have been to the Great Wall and witnessed its majesty can you truly say you have visited China.
Angkor Wat,Cambodia
The Angkor Wat in Cambodia is one of the largest religious monuments in the world,built on a site measuring 162.6 hectares. It was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman Ⅱ in the early 12th century in Yasodharapura(present-day Angkor),the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum(陵墓).
Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the river Yamuna in the Indian city of Agra.It was commissioned in 1632 by Mughalemperor Shah to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being“the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage”
Al-Khazneh, Jordan
Al-Khazneh, also known as the Treasury, is one of the most delicate temples in the ancient Arab Nabataean Kingdom city of Petra,Jordan. The 45-meter-high and 30-meter-wide building is a magnificent building with a pronounced Greek style. It is said to have been a place where pirates hid their treasure.
1. What is special about the Great Wall compared with the others in the article?| A．It is the longest man-made project in the world. |
| B．It was listed in the UNESCO world Heritage Site. |
| C．It was used as a defense project in the ancient China. |
| D．It used to be used as a religious/purpose in China |
| A．The Angkor Wat. | B．The Taj Mahal. |
| C．AI-Khazneh. | D．The Treasury |
| A．The Great Wall. | B．The Angkor Wat. |
| C．The Taj Mahal. | D．AI-Khazneh. |
10 . Here are top 4 destinations to start your new trip.
Ireland
If you’re looking for the right mixture of history, culture and nature, you’ll find it in Ireland. You can enjoy surprising views here. If you’re in the mood for a boat trip, consider giving it a try in the evening in Cork—it’s truly magical.
Italy
Italy has so many fascinating cities and places to visit, but it would be impossible to see them all in one go. A road trip could work, and Rome is a great place to start. You’re steeped in history throughout the city with the Pantheon and the Colosseum, as well as the historic and architectural gems in the Vatican City. Throw a coin into the Trevi di Fontana before you leave the city, which means you’ll return here one day.
Thailand
Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world, even before Leonardo DiCaprio made Maya Bay, on Phi Phi Leh, lamous in The Beach. Admittedly, the film does a great job of describing this beautiful island, yet green waters and white sands are pretty standards in this country.
United Arab Emirates
If you’re one of those people who love all luxurious (奢侈的) things, then a trip to Dubai is for you. With year-long sun and grand hotels, this is the place for endless shopping, cocktail drinking by a plush pool and sunbathing on an artificial beach—the Palm Islands. Head to the Golden Souk for a spot of jewellery (珠宝) shopping. If you’re feeling hungry, you can eat at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
1. What may one mean by throwing a coin into the Trevi di Fontana?| A．Getting more coins. | B．Expressing good will. |
| C．Coming back some day. | D．Wishing for good luck. |
| A．A magazine. | B．A website. |
| C．A newspaper. | D．A movie. |
| A．Ireland. | B．United Arab Emirates. |
| C．Thailand. | D．Italy. |
