1 . With the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park to its east, Zhongnanhai to its south, Beihai Park, also known as Northern Sea Park, is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved ancient imperial gardenst (皇家花园) in China located in the center of Beijing.
Beihai Park is said to be built according to a traditional Chinese legend. The story is that once upon a time there were three magic mountains called “Penglai”, “Yingzhou” and “Fangzhang”. Gods in those mountains had a kind of medicine which would help humans gain immortality (永生). Consequently, many emperors constantly sought those mountains. I For example, Emperor Qin Shihuang had sent people to look for the magic mountains but they failed. Emperor Wudi, the fifth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty did similar things.
It was believed that different mountain-water combinations in ancient Chinese architecture led to totally different effects. So from then on, almost every emperor during the succeeding dynasties would build a royal garden with one-pool-with-three-hill layout near his palace. Beihai Park was surely built after this traditional style: the water of Beihai with Zhongnanhai is the Taiye Pool; the Jade Flowery Islet, the island of the Circular City and the Xishantai Island represent the three magic mountains.
Actually, Beihai Park was initially built in the Liao Dynasty (916-1125) and was repaired and rebuilt in the following dynasties including Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing. The large-scale rebuilding in the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) generally established the present scale and pattern. In 1925, it was first opened to the public, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.
It is enjoyable to walk around the various scenic areas in Beihai Park. There are many places to visit, including the Bai Ta, Five-Dragon Pavilions, Nine-Dragon Wall, Yong’an Temple and so on. There is also a classy restaurant called Fangshan Restaurant where the Empress Cixi once dined.
1. Where is Beihai Park?| A．Near the ocean. | B．In the south of Zhongnanhai. |
| C．To the west side of Jingshan Park. | D．In the uptown area of Beijing City. |
| A．They loved to listen to stories. | B．They both pursued immortality. |
| C．They were mountain-climbing lovers. | D．They were the first emperor of their dynasties. |
| A．Less than 100 years old. | B．About 500 years old. |
| C．About 1, 000 years old. | D．Nearly 2, 000 years old. |
| A．A famous park. | B．Historical palaces. |
| C．An unforgettable legend. | D．Ancient architectural styles. |
2 . Chinatown, lying in Downtown L.A. near the city’s cultural center, is one of L.A.’s most popular tourist destinations.
I had been heading to Chinatown for about 6 years to hang out until 2012, when I became a member of the neighborhood. After moving in, I started to explore every corner of this amazing place.
A MECCA FOR FOOD
In Chinatown, a mix of new and old restaurants meets everyone’s needs. You can find dim sum at Ocean Seafood and tasty banh mi at Golden Lake Eatery. The cuisine in Chinatown goes beyond Asian food. People are still lining up for fried chicken at Howlin’ Ray’s.
Early birds should stop by Philippe The Original, a local restaurant that’s beloved for French Dip sandwiches, but also serves a good classic American breakfast. Night owls will want to head to Full House Seafood on Hill Street, which is open late into the night.
CHINESE AMERICAN MUSEUM
Food is far from the only reason to visit Chinatown. People interested in history will want to start their trip at the Chinese American Museum (CAM), lying just outside of Chinatown at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. The museum is housed in the Garnier Building, the oldest surviving Chinese building in a major area of California.
CENTRAL PLAZA
A big statue of Bruce Lee has become a must-photograph site in Chinatown’s Central Plaza. The late martial arts star once had a studio in Chinatown at 628 W.College St.
Nearby is Dragon Chasing Pearl, which was originally painted on the wall in 1941 by Tyrus Wong. The artist, who passed away in December 2016 at age 106, was famous for his work in films, particularly as the lead artist on Disney’s Bambi.
1. Which of the following serves both French and American food early in the morning?| A．Ocean Seafood. | B．Golden Lake Eatery. |
| C．Full House Seafood. | D．Philippe The Original. |
| A．It has big attraction for history-lovers. |
| B．It stands near the famous Garnier Building. |
| C．It is situated in the center of Chinatown. |
| D．It is the oldest museum in California. |
| A．Watch Disney films like Bambi. |
| B．Take pictures with martial arts stars. |
| C．Admire Tyrus Wong’s artwork. |
| D．Visit Bruce Lee’s house at 628 W. College St. |
3 . Serbia is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. Here are some beautiful places in Serbia that you can pay a visit to.
Mountain Avala
Overlooking Belgrade and topped with the Avala Tower in the Balkans, Mountain Avala is a must-visit spot that makes for a pleasant break from the capital’s busy streets. The Avala Tower is a tall telecommunication tower in this area which was rebuilt in 2010, offering the picture-perfect whole view over Belgrade from viewing platforms and a cafe for visitors.
Museum of Srem
The regional museum in the town of Sremska Mitrovica has a valuable collection in prehistoric, Roman and medieval periods. Its highlights are the numerous archaeological findings from Sremska Mitrovica, including a unique Roman sundial (日晷) with the sculptures of some figures.
The Gallery of Matica Srpska
The Gallery of Matica Srpska is one of the most significant and lasting cultural institutions in Serbia. It’s not a mere gallery but rather a national treasure, with several floors covering priceless Serbian artworks from the late 17th to the 20th century in different styles with countless landscapes and graphic art and more.
Uvac Special Nature Reserve
The spectacular meanders of the Uvac River are the highlights of the Uvac Special Nature Reserve in southwestern Serbia. The incredibly green river snakes through rocks in a zigzag manner—a feat of nature that is best admired from high above. The reserve, which also comprises a 6-kilometer-long cave system, owes its protected status to several hundred plant species, many types of fishes and rare bird species.
1. What can visitors do in the Avala Tower?| A．Visit an art gallery. |
| B．See a unique sundial. |
| C．Have a good view of the landscapes. |
| D．Admire artworks at the viewing platform. |
| A．Cultural treasures. | B．Unique rocks. |
| C．Old floors. | D．Modern sculptures. |
| A．A protected statue. | B．A water system. |
| C．A green river. | D．A wildlife museum. |
4 . The best spring destinations in Tibet
The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has long been an ideal and mysterious destination for visitors. Now with the arrival of spring, the climate is becoming more pleasant and Tibet has become an even better trowel destination. Here we recommend some of the best tourist destinations in Tibet which might suit your travel taste.
Peach blossom valley: Nyingchi
The peach blossoms in Nyingchi, Tibet Autonomous Region have been named as “the most beautiful peach flowers in the world”. A great time to visit Nyingchi for the peach blossoms would usually be from March 20 to Apil 15 each year.
The peach blossom valley in Bomi County, Nyingchi, stretches for 30 kilometers, making it one of the longest in China. Peach blossoms can be seen everywhere- around houses, across farmlands and along streams. Peach trees bloom depending on the altitude and climate, so visitors will have the chance to enjoy the blossoms throughout April.
The Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon
The Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon is the deepest canyon in the world. With a total length of about 500 kilometers, its altitude spans from 1,182 meters at Namchak Barwa, the highest peak of the eastern Himalayas, to 550 meters around the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley in Metog County.
One unique feature of the spring sight here is that visitors can enjoy both the peach blossoms and the snow-capped mountains at the same time.
Nanyi Valley
Nanyigou scenic spot is 20 kilometers away from Milin County and is an important birthplace of the mysterious Tibetan medicine culture. The scenic area rovers a total area of 820 hectares. The ecological conditions here are so good that the place is rich in various animal and plant species.
Surrounded by mountains and shrouded (遮蔽) in clouds, Nanyi Valley is an ideal spring destination for visitors, where you can find peach and azalea blossoms everywhere.
1. What do the three tourist destinations have in common?| A．They are all covered with snow. |
| B．They are rich in various animal and plant species. |
| C．They provide beautiful peach blossoms for visitors. |
| D．They are the birthplaces of the Tibetan medicine culture. |
| A．It’s the second deepest canyon In the world. |
| B．Visitors can have fun from March 20 to April 15 each year. |
| C．It is 550 meters away from the eastern Himalayas. |
| D．Visitors can admire the snow-capped mountains there. |
| A．Tourism. | B．Technology. | C．Agriculture. | D．Photography. |
5 . How to Save Money to Visit Shanghai Disneyland?
The “happiest place on Earth” is a top destination on many families’ bucket lists.But taking a vacation to Disney World can be difficult to do on a budget.There are some considerations that you can make to reduce the cost of your Disney World vacation.
1.Buy Souvenirs in AdvanceDisney has influenced practically every industry,which makes it easy to find Disney items anywhere,from shopping centres and your local grocery stores to department stores.You can save a lot of money by purchasing items before your trip at these less-expensive places than at Disneyland.
2.Make an Autograph BookAn autograph book is seen as a must-have by many Disneyland enthusiasts and is a memory you can take home with you.These books can cost anywhere from $7.95 to $19.95 at the Disney Store and up to $30 for the latest-and-greatest autograph book at Disneyland,such as the park’s 60th anniversary edition.Other choices can get the job done for under $5.For example,you can buy a small photo album,cute pad or notebook.
3.Eat Breakfast Before You ArriveBreakfast is almost as pricey as lunch or dinner if you eat inside the Disneyland Park.If you have a hotel with a free breakfast,take advantage of it.If you want to eat out,eat at a local restaurant that is inexpensive or has a kids’ menu.
4.Take Advantage of Discounts Offered to Special GroupsDisney offers a wide variety of discounts,including for military service members,college students,teachers,and youth groups.If you think you might qualify for a special discount or group rate,call the Disneyland Resort to book tickets.
1. It may take you more money to buy souvenirs at .| A．Disneyland | B．department stores |
| C．shopping centres | D．local grocery stores |
| A．$7.95. | B．$19.95. | C．$5. | D．$30. |
| A．You had better eat at Disneyland. |
| B．You can eat at a local restaurant. |
| C．You should prepare it well at home. |
| D．You can ask the hotel to supply it for free. |
6 . As for long-distance travel, there are some wonderful destinations that actually offer you great value for your money, especially for those who do not hope to empty their pockets after a holiday.
Tokyo, Japan
Food lovers should go to this busy city which has the lowest cost of eating out — you can even buy two evening meals (three dishes for each), with a bottle of wine, for just under ￡34. For sightseeing there are plenty of free museums and attractions, while tour bus ticket prices start from as little as ￡11.56.
Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand’s capital is second to none as the best value long-distance city. Although there isn’t a big difference in all prices compared to the other cities, it is accommodation that really makes it stand out. If you’re only stopping for a long weekend, then be sure to pay a visit to the breathtaking temples.
Beijing, China
The Chinese capital stands out with the total price of ￡337.49. If you only have one cultural day out during your stay, make it a trip to the Forbidden City. There are some beautiful buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. At the same time they’re home to priceless artificial objects from ancient Chinese emperors’ families.
Dubai, UAE
Although Dubai does have a reputation for being quite the splurge (挥霍) when it comes to holidays and if you’re going to enjoy shopping or experience the roller-coasters, it is in fact quite worth the money. The city also offers some cheaper prices across its museums, galleries and attractions as well as airport transfers.
1. What can you enjoy in Tokyo, Japan?| A．Free bus rides. |
| B．Eating out cheap. |
| C．Visiting galleries free. |
| D．Priceless man-made objects. |
| A．Tokyo. | B．Bangkok. |
| C．Beijing. | D．Dubai. |
| A．Dubai is not a good place for shopping. |
| B．Historical buildings spread everywhere in Dubai. |
| C．Being on vacation in Dubai costs tons of money. |
| D．The roller-coasters there are the best in the world. |
7 . The New York See It All Tour is exactly what it sounds like: an all-inclusive guided tour of New York City.
Central Park
One of the most famous parks in the world, Central Park is a man-made wonder. Not only is it the first public park built in America, but it is also one of the most frequently visited parks, with over 25 million guests per year. Set in the middle of busy Manhattan, its grounds serve as a safe harbor, not only for athletes, and musicians but also for lots of migratory birds each year. One can spend an entire peaceful day wandering its grounds, gazing upon nearly 50 fountains, monuments, and sculptures or admiring its 36 bridges.
Hudson River Park
Hudson River Park is a waterside park on the Hudson River that extends from 59th Street south to Battery Park in the New York City district of Manhattan. Bicycle and pedestrian paths, including the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, span the park north to south, opening up the waterfront for the public to relax. The park includes tennis and soccer fields, children’s playground, dog run, and many other features.
Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park, located in the heart of Greenwich Village, is a very popular and often crowded square. People from all backgrounds gather to this large square dotted with trees.
Central Park Zoo
The Central Park Zoo is a small 6.5-acre zoo located on Central Park in New York City. The zoo began in the 1860s, making it the first official zoo to open in New York. The zoo was improved in 1934, with the addition of many new buildings ranged in a quadrangle around the sea lion pool. Finally, the zoo was repaired in the mid-1980s and reopened in 1988, replacing the old-fashioned cages with naturalistic environments.
1. What can we learn about Central Park?| A．It is the first public park built in the world. |
| B．It is a man-made park. |
| C．It especially attracts pedestrians and artists. |
| D．It was the most crowded park when first built. |
| A．Central Park. | B．Central Park Zoo. |
| C．Washington Square Park. | D．Hudson River Park. |
| A．In the 1860s. | B．In 1934. |
| C．In 1988. | D．In the mid-1980s. |
8 . Longing for the most amazing places on the planet? You can do no wrong with these lakes across the globe.
Five Flower Lake
Set in the striking karst landscape of the Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan province, China, Five Flower Lake is extraordinarily clear, with visibility to a depth of 40 metres. Five Flower is one of a series of blue-, green-and sky-colored lakes blocked by rock falls, but it differs from the others as its waters change color, looking sometimes yellow, sometimes green, but usually diamond blue. In winter, Five Flower never freezes; in summer, it never dries up. Local wildlife living in the surrounding mountain forests include the rare giant panda and the golden snub-nose monkey.
Crater Lake
The deep-blue waters of Crater Lake in Oregon, US, fill the outlet of an ancient volcano that collapsed 7,700 years ago. Its strangest occupant is the “Old Man of the Lake”, a nine-metre-tall tree stump(树桩), which has stood upright in the water for more than a century. No rivers or streams enter the lake. Water loss in summer is compensated by winter snow and rain, the entire body of water being replaced every 250 years.
Lake Ohrid
Ancient Lake Ohrid has been around for about five million years and crosses the mountainous border between Macedonia and Albania. It has unique plants and wildlife, including the Ohrid “plashica”, a fish native to the lake, whose scales(鳞片) are used to make Ohrid pearls.
Lake Maggiore
Surrounded on three sides by the Lipontine Alps and touching the plain of Lombardy to the south, Lake Maggiore is Italy’s longest lake. Considered part of the country’s lake district, it is shared with Switzerland. Characterized by a Mediterranean-style climate, temperatures here are mild all year. This has given rise to some of northern Italy’s most wonderful gardens, which appear to float like flower-decked boats on the water.
1. What makes Five Flower Lake different from other lakes?| A．Its agreeable climate. | B．The rare local wildlife. |
| C．Its color-changing waters. | D．The visibility of waters. |
| A．By artificial rain. | B．By snow and rain. |
| C．From nearby streams. | D．From an ancient tree. |
| A．Five Flower Lake. | B．Crater Lake. |
| C．Lake Ohrid. | D．Lake Maggiore. |
9 . Five Most Beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the USA
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites are some of the most beautiful places in the world. They represent a unique collection of landmarks, and the five parks in USA really deserve to be treated as such.
Yellowstone National Park, USA
The world’s first national park sits on top of a volcanic hot spot and offers everything from great views to fun activities and wildlife sightings. Home to lush forests, hot springs, alpine rivers, geyers, and more, it’s not hard to see why it’s one of the greatest parks in the USA.
Grand Canyon National Park, USA
Thanks to the erosion from the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is among the best spectacles on the planet. Stretching almost 300 miles, this magnificent valley is almost a mile deep and the width varies between less than a half mile to almost 19 miles.
Yosemite National Park, USA
Yosemite’s glacial landform secures its spot among the best parks in the USA. This amazing park is also typically recognized because of its huge sequoias (红杉) and granite cliffs. In addition, you’ll find all sorts of picture-worthy meadows, waterfalls, streams, mountains, and a variety of plants and animals.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, USA
A karst landscape defines Carlsbad Caverns National Park which houses more than 119 caves. Its two main standouts are the namesake Carlsbad Cavern and Lechuguilla Cave. Both are known for their natural beauty, reef formations, and geologic features, but Carlsbad Cavern is famous for having one of the largest limestone cave chambers in the country at 4,000 feet long while Lechuguilla Cave owes its fame to its rare speleothems, or secondary mineral deposits, that provide a natural laboratory to study biological and geological processes.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, USA
Home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 in recognition of its outstanding natural values. The park is one of the biggest attractions in Hawaii as it offers visitors dramatic volcanic landscapes and glimpses of rare flora and fauna.
1. Which fame do Yellowstone National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park share?| A．Volcanoes. | B．Snow-covered landscapes. |
| C．Rare flora. | D．Home to lush forests. |
| A．Caves | B．erosion |
| C．Rare plants. | D．Hot springs. |
| A．Yellowstone National Park |
| B．Grand Canyon National Park |
| C．Yosemite National Park |
| D．Carlsbad Caverns National Park |
10 . Xi'an
It was called Chang'an in ancient times. As the cradle (发源地) of Chinese civilization, it has a really long history. The city passed through the Zhou Dynasty, the Han Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty and some other dynasties as the capital city. It enjoys the title of the “four major ancient civilization capitals” with ancient Athens, Cairo and Rome.
Luoyang
It was the capital city of 13 dynasties, and it was listed as the world's largest city six times in history. Luoyang once was the starting point of the Silk Road in eastern countries. It connected Europe and North Africa with Asia.
Kaifeng
As early as the Neolithic Age (新石器时代), our ancestors lived here. Its history can be traced back to the Xia Dynasty, the Shang Dynasty and the Zhou Dynasty. It was the capital city of the Later Jin Dynasty, the Later Han Dynasty, the Later Zhou Dynasty as well as the Northern Song Dynasty. It achieved great prosperity (繁荣) in the Northern Song Dynasty.
Yangzhou
As one of the 24 famous historical and cultural cities listed by the State Council, Yangzhou has a history of about 2,500 years. It reached great prosperity in the Han, Sui, Tang, and Qing Dynasties. It used to be an important business center and a center of transportation.
Chengdu
It is an ancient cultural city, with two miracles in Chinese history. One is that its name has been the same for 2,000 years; the other is that it has always been the capital city of Sichuan region. It's a capital with a glorious history.
1. What is this passage mainly about?| A．Five of the largest cities with a long history in China. |
| B．Five famous modern cities with a long history in China. |
| C．Five of the most beautiful cities with a long history in China. |
| D．Five famous ancient cultural cities with a long history in China. |
| A．Xi'an. | B．Kaifeng. |
| C．Luoyang. | D．Yangzhou. |
| A．history | B．culture |
| C．economy | D．beauty |
| A．business | B．schooling |
| C．parenting | D．traveling |
