3 . Each time Chinese New Year is approaching, preparations are underway around the world. Here are some Chinatowns for those outside of China wishing to celebrate Chinese New Year.

London

Although it may not be as large or as long-built as others, having only become a center for the Chinese community during the 1950s, London’s Chinatown is a perfectly formed firework that knows how to welcome the new year with a bang. Decorated with red lanterns, previous years have seen shows with acrobatics (杂技), martial arts (武术), dances and operas nearby.

San Francisco

San Francisco’s Chinatown is perhaps the most famous in the USA. The city was the main entry point for Chinese who had crossed the Pacific to the USA during the early 19th century. Between Grant Avenue and Stockton Street, this historic area is a local treasure, attracting more visitors per year than the Golden Gate Bridge.

Bangkok

With an about 100-year-old history, the Thai capital’s Chinatown contains complex streets offering all kinds of tasty food, clothes and toys. Sunday Market days are such a good time to get the full atmosphere of the neighborhood. The area is also known for its gold dealers, whose shops line the road.

Port Louis

Founded in Port Louis, this Mauritian Chinatown shows the island nation’s rich cultural diversity. Built in the early years of the 20th century by settlers from China, its tiny shops and restaurants serve locals and visitors. During Spring Festival, the most exciting sight is the dragon dances on the Rue Royale where Chinese musicians and dancers perform the traditional dragon dances through the streets.

Melbourne

The Chinatown in Melbourne, Australia was formed with the Victorian “gold rush” in the mid-19th century. According to Reuters, Melbourne Chinatown is not only the oldest Chinatown in Australia, but also the longest in all cities in the Western world. Many architectural relics of that time are still preserved, making this street a corridor of traditional Chinese architecture.

The Li River f situated in Guilin City of Guangxi, is a bright pearl on the list of China’s tourist     1     (attract) and it is one of the best sightseeing tours in Guilin. The 83-kilometer waterway from Guilin to Yangshuo is the greatest work of the Li River,     2     (decorate) with rolling hills, steep cliffs, beautiful caves, boats and lined bamboos. Han Yu     3     (clear) described the beauty of the Li River in his poem: “The river looks like a blue silk ribbon, and the mountains resemble emerald hairpins (发夹)”

The poetic and picturesque Li River     4     (come) from the Mao’er Mountains at Xing’an County in the northeast of Guilin. It winds     5     (it) way for 170 kilometers, passing through Guilin. The Li River, according to its     6     (difference) scenes, may be separated into three sections: Guilin to Ox Gorge, Ox Gorge to Water-Dropping Village, and Water-Dropping Village to Yangshuo.

Along the river, the rolling peaks, steep cliffs, green hills and clear water make     7     interesting hundred-mile picture gallery. Among poems singing the praise of its beauty are these lines: “He     8     travels in Guilin hills finds himself in a fairyland.” and “Whoever sails along the Li River finds himself     9     (boat) in a sweet dream.” The natural beauty of the Li River is indeed beyond description, and you have to be there to see     10     your own eyes and to feel with your own heart.