Recently, Guangzhou has successfully hosted the “Understanding China” International Conference 2023, the 5th World Media Summit, and other significant events, once again highlighting its role as    1    window for the world to comprehend China’s high-quality development. So,     2    Guangzhou? Let’s find out.

    3    (gain) a deeper understanding of China, one must experience its history and culture. With a history of over 2, 000 years and a rich cultural heritage, Guangzhou offers a variety of historical and cultural    4    (treasure). In this city, you can sip a cup of coffee while watching Cantonese opera in Yongqingfang or taste Cantonese dim sum while gazing at Western-style architecture on Shamian Island.

Economy is another crucial aspect in understanding China. In recent years, Guangzhou has    5    (active) participated in the Belt and Road international cooperation, gradually    6     (establish) a comprehensive, multi-level, and wide-ranging pattern of opening-up. As a thousand-year-old commercial city known for the Canton Fair, Guangzhou has drawn    7    (globe) attention with its open genes and prosperous economy.

Connecting with the world also requires a highly    8    (develop) transportation network. Guangzhou has constructed a modern three-dimensional transportation system that links airports, seaports, railway ports, and digital ports, providing easy access    9    both domestic and foreign participants.

Guangzhou’s openness, inclusiveness, vitality, and innovative spirit make it an ideal choice for hosting international events, which, in turn,     10     (help) the economic and social development of the city.

2 .

Chile (智利) is famous for its many attractions, including Torres del Paine National Park and Easter Island . 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 (混凝土), this sculpture (雕像) of a hand emerges (出现) 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 Irarr á zabal in the early 1980s and was financed by a local nonprofit organization called Corporaci ó n Pro Antofagasta. The sculpture is not only famous for its size and design but also for 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.

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. The desert’s flatness (平坦) makes it easy to spot the sculpture from far away. But some people mistake it for a mirage (海市蜃楼) caused by tiredness from driving a long way to the sculpture.

Visitors should take precautions (预防措施) before leaving , such as filling their gas tanks , taking plenty of water, and wearing sunscreen. They should also avoid driving too quickly, as many car accidents happen in the desert each year.

For those who are worried about driving alone, working with an agency (机构) like Plan South America is a good option. 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.

3 . When the holiday season comes, families in Southern California might be wondering what type of activity they can do. Here are some great choices.

For families that have to watch The Polar Express every year around the holiday season there is an interactive experience just for them. This magical one-hour trip to the North Pole features a read-along of the timeless story, hot chocolate, a golden ticket, and more delicious treats. Santa and his little helpers are also scheduled to come on board to greet the passengers and give each guest their first gift of Christmas, a sleigh bell, which everyone can keep.

During the holiday season, the whole family can enjoy a fun ice skating experience. The corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue is completely changed into an outdoor skating area. The price includes an all-day skating pass and the family can stay for as long as they wish. It also provides local youths with an opportunity to learn how to skate.

Los Angeles County Parks will host a Winter Wonderland with 40 to 80 tons of snow at 34 different parks. Parks After Dark welcomes people of all ages to the biggest event. The free event features photo opportunities, holiday treats, and a craft village where kids can decorate their own socks. The toy giveaways will be available while supplies last, for children up to 17.

If you’re looking for the best way to kick off the holiday season, check out Sawdust Winter Fantasy, where you can support local artists and get in the spirit of the holidays. This annual event features live music, delicious food and drinks, as well as 165 local artists with their unique products. It also has a Santa ready for portraits, magic acts, balloon artistry, puppet shows and more.

A private museum,     1     （locate） over 700km west of Beijing, is transporting visitors more than 50 years back in time. The 800-square-meter building in Ordos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region showcases nearly 1, 000 exhibits, including photos, letters, tools and everyday items.

“These old objects witnessed social changes and are     2     （value） souvenirs of the time,” said Hao Yingjie,     3     is in charge of the museum. He further expressed his hopes     4     theexhibits can inspire younger generations to work hard and shape     5     better future.

Hao holds a special interest in the     6     （possession） of ordinary families in the 1970s since they can recreate an accurate picture of people's life in that specific area. Borm and raised in a village in Ordos, Hao first     7     （establish） a company collecting cultural relics（物） and then went on     8     （create）a private museum in 2008, at the age of 27. “Through the exchibition, visitors can gain insight     9     China's progress over time and appreciate the long way the country has come,” he said.

The number of items Hao and his company have collected     10     （be） now over three million. They have been organized into 70 categories, including the modern history of China, farming culture and the Yellow River.