1 . Here are some beautiful classic road-tripping routes in California.
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)There are wonderful options including dramatic sea cliffs, sun-soaked surfing towns, playful harbor seals and the Golden Gate Bridge. You’d better avoid driving here in the spring and summer months, when the central and northern coastline can be socked in by fog and the rainy season can lead to landslides. Instead, September and October will yield the sunniest skies and some of the best weather as you spend a week checking this beauty off your bucket list.
Highway 49 (Hwy 49)That highway number is significant: It is in memory of the 49 people who came seeking for fortune in California’s original Gold Rush. Today the route winds through Gold Country towns such as Placerville and Nevada City, past ghostly Old West mines and Victorian buildings. Hwy 49 comes mighty close to Yosemite National Park (15 miles) and Lake Tahoe (75 miles), both of which are good places for family camping.
Route 66Enjoy your trip on America’s “Mother Road”, which brought Dust Bowl refugees, Holly-wood starlets and hippies to California. Drive slowly from the desert to the Pacific Ocean, pulling up alongside retro relics, sleeping in a tipi hotel and fueling up in neon-lit diners. Avenue of the Giants
The incredible 32-mile road at Humboldt Redwoods State Park is canopied by the world’s tallest trees. It’s one of the most justifiably celebrated drives in California. The best time is in the morning when sunlight glints off dew-drenched ferns. Among the majestic (壮观的) woods along the Avenue, there is an interesting four-sided hearth, designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan. Walking trails wind through all the woods for proper tree-hugging.
1. Why should we avoid driving on the PCH in spring and summer?A.It is too hot. | B.It can be windy. |
C.It may be dangerous. | D.It is too crowded. |
A.Pacific Coast Highway. | B.Highway 49. |
C.Route 66. | D.Avenue of the Giants. |
A.To make people hug trees easily. | B.To attract more people to camp there. |
C.To make visitors walk around randomly. | D.To help people plant trees more conveniently. |
2 . Great Places to Spend New Year’s Eve
These destinations around the world have a good reputation for traditionally spending a great New Year’s Eve.
Dubai
The famous architecture Burj Khalifa holds the record for its top height worldwide and people gather at the footsteps to welcome a new year with an amazing fireworks show. Not too far away, Burj Plaza is a little quieter and popular with families. Dubai is building a repu- tation as a major food destination, so you may wish to enjoy in restaurants. And if you have shopping in mind,check out Dubai Mall,one of the world’s largest.
Rio de Janeiro
The citizens of Rio de Janeiro know how to throw a good celebration. The main gathering at Copacabana Beach,which starts even before dark, traditionally features a variety of musical acts and fireworks. If you want to party in classic Rio style,pay a visit to Jobi Bar,a social custom in the city. Looking for a great view? Hang out to the Vista Chinesa, a small Chinese style tower sitting to provide a fantastic bird view.
Bangkok
Bangkok often tops the lists of Asia’s best nightlife cities. Catch an amazing fireworks show at ICONSIAM, a major shopping and entertainment destination along the Chao Phraya River. You may want to continue the celebration at one of Bangkok’s attractive bars such as Sky Beach Bangkok, the city’s highest bar. If you want to escape from crowds,bright lights and noise, get some calming down time at a temple,Wat Pho.
Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in Africa. New Year’s Eve fireworks make it more wonderful. If you’re in the mood for a party, Aztecthemed Alcazar will feature 10 hours of performances on three stages. If you’re looking for a place to dine, consider Pier, featuring a vegetarian menu. It’s on the Victoria& Alfred Waterfront, which is a great spot to catch the fireworks.
1. What is special about Burj Khalifa in Dubai?A.It is the highest building in the world. | B.It is famous for wonderful restaurants. |
C.It has fantastic musical performances. | D.It is a best-known place for shopping. |
A.Dubai Mall,Dubai. | B.Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro. |
C.Wat Pho, Bangkok, | D.Alcazar,Cape Town. |
A.Having a vegetarian diet. | B.Enjoying waterfront activities. |
C.Visiting Chinese style buildings. | D.Watching amazing fireworks shows. |
3 . Mickey Mouse welcomed visitors to his new home in China on June 16, 2016 as Disney opened its first theme park in the country.
The park, located in the city of Shanghai, opened with fireworks.
Joe Schott, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, said, “I can promise you that there is still so much left to be revealed, and I cannot wait to share it all with you in the months and years to come.”
Tens of thousands streamed into Shanghai Disneyland for its debut(问世), an event that was nearly two decades in the making. The $ 5.5 billion resort(度假胜地) covers 963 acres, but Disney has already begun expansion.
Company officials said they tried to reflect Chinese preferences in the new park.
“We didn’t build Disneyland in China, we built China’s Disneyland,” said Bob Iger, Disney’s chairman.
There’s a traditional Chinese tea house featuring local food. The Lion King performed in Mandarin for the first time, features the Monkey King and characters dressed in Chinese opera garb(服装)to appeal to an Asian audience.
In the castle, guests not only walk through, as they do in other Disney parks, they can also eat and shop. When it was discovered that Chinese people didn’t have a favourite Disney princess, the company decided that the castle would feature all the princesses. Parks in California and France are based on the Sleeping Beauty story.
“The visitors can learn the princesses over time, and this gives them an opportunity to have an introduction to all of the princess stories,” said executive producer Ali Rubinstein.
However, China’s Disneyland sometimes are not closely related to China. Disney’s only animated film based on a Chinese story, Mulan, which tells the tale of a Chinese warrior woman, got neither its own ride nor stage show. The character appears only as a statue and afloat in the parade.
1. What’s Joe Schott’s attitude to Shanghai Disney Resort?A.Disappointed. | B.Concerned. | C.Doubtful. | D.Confident. |
A.They build the theme park in China. |
B.The theme park belongs to China. |
C.The theme park has Chinese elements. |
D.The theme park has a long Chinese history. |
A.Chinese people have no certain favourite Disney princess. |
B.Chinese people don’t know any princess characters in Disney movies. |
C.Chinese people believe “the more, the better”. |
D.Parks in other countries are based on the Sleeping Beauty story. |
A.To show the Chinese character of Disneyland. |
B.To show Mulan is an important part of Chinese culture. |
C.To show China’s Disneyland has not reflected enough Chinese culture. |
D.To show Disneyland has too few Chinese character films. |
4 . 6-Day Great Rail Journey to Wales
Absorbed in scenery as we ride aboard historic steam railways, and step back in time as we visit the impressive castles dotted along the coastline of this beautiful mountainous region.
Day 1. Llandudno
Meet in the seaside town of Llandudno on Wales' rugged (崎岖的) north coast before dinner in our hotel's award-winning restaurant.
Day 2. Portmeirion and Ffestiniog Railway
Enjoy a nostalgic (怀旧的) journey on the Welsh Highland Railway through the foothills of the Snowdon Mountain range to Beddgelert. Continue to the pretty Italian-style village of Portmeirion for a guided tour, before a journey on the historic Ffestiniog Railway.
Days 3-4. Caernarfon Castle and Snowdon
Take an attractive guided tour of Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO-listed castle that dates back to 1283. Continue to the National Slate Museum before a journey on the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the top of Snowdon, where there's time to take in the views. Day 4 is free to explore Llandudno.
Days 5-6. Conwy Castle, Bodnant Garden and home
Visit 13th century Conwy Castle for a guided tour. Continue to Plas Mawr, the best preserved Elizabethan townhouse in Britain. End at Bodnant Garden, a beautiful wild garden. This evening, enjoy a "Taste of Wales" party. On Day 6 our holiday concludes.
Call 01904 730773 or visit GreatRail.com for more information.
1. How many castles will be visited during the journey?A.1. | B.2. | C.3. | D.4. |
A.Day 2. | B.Day 3. | C.Day 4. | D.Day 5. |
A.Means of riding. | B.Delicious dinner. |
C.Unforgettable party. | D.Travel time. |
Its galleries are full of heavyweights,such as Van Gogh,Matisse,Picasso,Warhol.Since its founding in 1929,the museum has a collection of around 200,000 artworks.Here,families can take advantage of special tours and art talks designed for kids or drop by the Family Art Lab to create artworks of their own.
Audio(音频)guides are free,available on a device from the museum in several languages.
Guggenheim Museum
Designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1959,the structure was thought very little of at first,but soon people welcomed it warmly.The museum has since opened other notable branches in Bilbao,Venice and,in the future,Abu Dhabi.
Pick up the free audio-guide or download the Guggenheim app for more information.
American Museum of Natural History
Founded in 1869,it contains more than 34 million objects as well as the Rose Center for Earth&Space.From October through May,the museum is home to the Butterfly Conservatory where there are 500-plus butterflies from all over the world that will fly about and land on your arm.
Audio-guides are free.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The vast collection of antique artworks contained within this museum founded in 1870 is one of the world’s largest and most important,with more than two million objects from around the globe.
The 1st-floor ancient Egyptian collection is above comparison,so do not miss the Temple of Dendur built around 10 BC and moved straight from the banks of the Nile in 1978.
Self-guided audio tours(adult/child$7/5)are available in 10 languages.Avoid weekends for there’re so many visitors.
1. Which museum plans to run a branch?A.Guggenheim Museum. |
B.Museum of Modern Art. |
C.Metropolitan Museum of Art. |
D.American Museum of Natural History. |
A.It was moved from Egypt in 1978. |
B.It is the world’s largest museum. |
C.It has a temple as its collection. |
D.It is free to visitors on weekends. |
A.They give children a discount. |
B.They offer audio tour guides. |
C.They are at least 80 years old. |
D.They’re connected with nature. |
6 . August is one of the most popular months to travel for Chinese. Choosing the perfect destination for an August vacation isn't easy. We looked at airfare trends, climate data, and cultural calendars to select 4 vacation spots that are some of the best places to visit this August.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Visitors can enjoy the sunny weather while boating, fishing, and sailing. On land, you can hop between historic sites like Fort Mackinac and Fort Holmes, both key sites in the War of 1812.
And sweet teeth will have something to celebrate too: the Fudge(软糖) Festival, which takes place every August and allows the many fudge shops on the island to show off their best work.
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha's Vineyard is praised as one of the most classic summer getaways in the United States.
The charming island south of Cape Cod is dotted with simple and elegant New England homes, relaxing sandy beaches. The sunny summer weather in August sets the perfect stage for a boat outing or a shopping trip to the town's shops of all kinds.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow, Poland, is the perfect mixture of history and nightlife.
Tourist favorites in Krakow include Wawel Cathedral, St. Mary's Basilica, and the Schindler's Factory museum, each of which gives a glance into Poland's religious and political history. After the sun sets, enjoy Krakow's world——famous bar and restaurant scene, and don't forget to pop into a cafe for a late-night snack.
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Every year, one of the grandest wonders in nature is performed here—the Great Migration.
The annual migration sees more than 2 million wildebeest(羚羊), zebras make the dangerous journey across the Serengeti in search of greener fields. Along the way, predators(食肉动物) such as lions and crocodiles lie in wait for the incoming foods, providing tense scene for brave sightseers and nature lovers.
1. What do you enjoy when you go to Krakow?A.Boating. | B.Bars and restaurants. |
C.The Fudge Festival. | D.The Great Migration. |
A.Mackinac Island. | B.Martha's Vineyard. |
C.Krakow. | D.Maasai Mara National Reserve. |
A.They are some of the best places to visit this August for Chinese. |
B.The total cost of going to these places is roughly the same. |
C.They all have historical scenes to visit. |
D.They are all the favorite seaside of tourists. |