1 . Down House, home of Charles Darwin:
Fun fact
Charles Darwin, his wife, Emma, and their children lived at Down House for 40 years from 1838. Several rooms appear as if the family still live here: with croquet sets thrown into an under-stairs cupboard, a half-played game of backgammon on a side table and Emma’s knitting(毛线) left on a chair in the drawing room. Upstairs, an exhibition showcases Darwin’s voyage aboard HMS Beagle, including a reconstruction of his cabin. Outside, visitors can explore the sheltered gardens which Darwin used as an open-air laboratory, and the greenhouse in which he planted rare plants and devised botanical experiments.
No room at Down House escaped Darwin’s experiments. In the drawing room he once placed a jar of earthworms on the grand piano to see whether they could hear.
Getting there
A 15-minute drive from the A21/Farnborough. Free parking. The R8 bus from Orpington stops nearby (except Sundays) or the 146 bus from Bromley North and South terminates (终点站) in Downe village, half a mile from the property. The nearest railway stations are Chelsfield or Orpington, about four miles away.
Value for money?
It’s ￡12 (adult), ￡7.20 (child), or ￡31.30 (family with 2 adults). Under 5s go free.
Opening hours
Open daily 10am-6pm from 30 March to 30 September; daily 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. between 1 to 31 October. Opening times vary through the winter (check website for details).
Verdict(评价)
8/10. An unstuffy educational, gentle day-trip attraction with friendly, knowledgeable staff.
1. What can visitors do in Down House?| A．Play the grand piano. | B．Set sail in HMS Beagle. |
| C．Explore Darwin’s work and life. | D．Try food sourced from the garden. |
| A．￡38.40. | B．￡26.20. | C．￡31.30. | D．￡24. |
| A．It is highly thought of. | B．It charges parking fees. |
| C．It has fixed opening hours. | D．It is inconveniently located. |
2 . How to prepare for a thrilling hike? Hiking needs mental and physical preparation weeks before the material day. If you’re a fan of hiking mountains. Here is a guide to help you.
Train hard and train in timeYou need to train your body at least three months before the challenge.
You must consider various factors before purchasing the most appropriate hiking shoes. First, mind the terrain (地形) of the hiking ground. A mild terrain will do fine with light shoes. On the other hand. A tough, hard and mountainous terrain require hardy hots to help navigate the rocky grounds.
Adequately pack your bagYour bag is your lifeline when hiking. Water is the most essential itch when hiking. The body performs best when you hydrate frequently throughout the challenge. Carry adequate clean water and sip often.
Hiking is a refreshing way of keeping fit, having fun and building resilience.
| A．Choose appropriate footwear |
| B．Search for the route you will he hiking |
| C．Carry a compass, a map and a gas with you |
| D．Adequate water can help you be in good con lit ion |
| E．create a regular schedule and be disciplined to follow it |
| F．Wear appropriate clothes that allow your free movement |
| G．Adequate planning will help have a fantastic experience of it |
Jiuzhaigou Valley,
Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park combines with green lakes, over flying waterfalls,
Water is
4 . Change can be unsettling. Good or bad, exciting or unexpected, there’s an undeniable anxiety that accompanies seeing our lives shift. Thankfully, nature reminds us that entering a new season in our lives is nothing to fear but something to enjoy.
What’s now known as “leaf-peeping” has become a highly profitable form of tourism in the United States. A research shows that across states in the eastern half of the country, fall foliage (叶子) tourism contributes more than $30 billion to local economies. And even though climate change has made int more difficult to predict when exactly foliage will peak, it hasn’t stopped people from trying to figure it out. Tourism leaders from the Smoky Mountains recently released their annual fall foliage prediction map which helps travelers plan out when they have the best chance to catch those beautiful autumn views.
Perhaps part of what makes the foliage so special is the belief that it’s temporary. Eventually, branches will become bare, and we’ll stop taking photos for social media. And as the seasons change and we feel that familiar longing for what was, trees will once again embrace (欣然接受) their evolution.
Even when they aren’t decorated with flashy fall colors and their internal systems slow down, trees are still supporting the ecosystem. Their fallen leaves are broken down by bacteria and fungi and provide the soil with nutrients the tree needs to grow. Insects take up shelter in their bark, eventually becoming food for other wildlife seeking a place to nest. Their strong roots stabilize the soil, preventing erosion (侵蚀) from winter snowmelt.
Right now, trees around the country are already beginning to welcome their next chapter. During this time of the year, it feels like forests are just offering endless joy for free. And fall foliage is an everlasting reminder that the growth with changes is beautiful.
1. What does “leaf-peeping” refer to?| A．A form of tourism where people go to see fall foliage. |
| B．A measure taken by tourism leaders to protect trees. |
| C．A research about the effects of climate change on trees. |
| D．A method for predicting when fall foliage will peak. |
| A．It brings change to daily life. | B．It contributes to local economy. |
| C．It helps preserve ecosystems. | D．It lasts only for a short time. |
| A．They are easily damaged by bacteria. | B．They stop rooting due to cold weather. |
| C．They continue providing shelter for wildlife. | D．They play a role in reducing snowfall. |
| A．Trees Supporting the Ecosystem | B．Lesson from Trees: Embracing Change |
| C．Fall Foliage Tourism in the US | D．Climate Changes in the Season of Fall |
Long ago in Ancient China, there was a mythical figure
It is said that the home town of Shennong was a forest in Hubei Province, which today is called “Shennongjia”. This beautiful and diverse region covers
Banbiyan is famous for its stone forest, as well as its bamboo forests and grasslands that flood with
6 . There are hundreds of worthy destinations in the country catering to all tastes. At the top of that list is Chengdu, the perfect jumping-off point for those in search of a mix of stunning natural scenery, wildlife and some of most incredible food on the planet. In recent years the city has expanded its offerings, including a number of new projects tourists will want to experience.
It’s the happiest city in China.
If visiting a place with happy locals is a priority for you, there’s no better city to hit than Chengdu. It has been voted the happiest city in China for 12 continuous years by an annual survey conducted by Oriental Outlook.
It has got one most beautiful bookstore in China.
The new location in Dujiangyan is the second Zhongshuge bookstore in the provincial capital.
There’s a spectacular new massive airport.
One of the world’s most eye-catching new airports, Chengdu’s Tianfu International Airport is as modern as it gets. Beginning operations in 2021, Thantu Airport is the largest civil airport.
There’re plans to turn Chengdu into a “Western China Science City”. Travelers visiting the “Science City” can expect to see many examples of eco-conscious and new wave architecture created by some of the most famous firms in the world. Among these is the world’s first “Unicorn Island”, the country’s next high-tech unicorn. There will also be a low-carbon Future Science and Technology City.
| A．The arts scene is taking off. |
| B．It’s also a city focused on the future. |
| C．There’s no harm in starting to dream about your next visit now. |
| D．It’s expected to handle up to 60 million passengers per year by 2025. |
| E．Its results combine big data, questionnaires, site visits and expert opinions. |
| F．The first, which opened in 2017 in central Chengdu, is modeled after terrace fields. |
| G．Whether you’re dreaming of business travel or just post-pandemic trip, here are some reasons. |
7 . It’s getting close to midnight, and close to my destination—mile marker 133 on Alaska’s Glenn Highway, where I’m on the road to realize a lifelong dream. I’m going to see the northern lights.
I am Scott’s only customer tonight, but whether it’s one person or a bridal party from Japan, the professional photographer and videographer loves to come put here to witness one of nature’s most spectacular shows — and to share it with others. “I can’t tell you how much joy I get from seeing the smile on people’s faces. That’s worth it right there. That’s the reason why I do tours,” he says.
I emerge from the van into minus 6 degrees. A bazillion stars sparkle, and the Milky Way pours overhead. What looks like a gray stream of cloud arches low over the horizon. “That’s it!” says Scott. Really? That’s it? I spent 13 hours in planes and airports, and then drove 2.5 hours to see a gray belt? “Patience,” he says. “It will get better. Wait till 2 am. That’s usually the best time.”
Aurora (极光) tourism is combined with winter activities like ice fishing, snow machine rides, and hot springs. As aurora guides and scientists will tell you, there’s no guarantee of a sighting. But Fairbanks is a statistically good bet because of its northern location and freedom from coastal clouds, which can be a challenge for Anchorage. Travelers are recommended to put aside at least three nights to improve your chances of viewing, with the idea that you’ll be up much of the night each time.
Each time he wakes me and I step outside, it appears more glorious. At first, a fuzz the size of a honeydew floats along the horizon. Another time, a broad green line stretches across the sky, followed by a short tail. “Do you see the red?” Scott asks. He has me look through his camera. It can see more color than the naked eye. Finally, as if playing a visual symphonic tune, a giant line of phosphorous (发磷光的) green seems to swoop down to the treetops and dollop them with a curlicue swirl. I’m smiling inside and out. We can go now.
1. What makes Scott like to do aurora tourism?| A．The chance to take spectacular photos. | B．The happiness of tourists. |
| C．The party to enjoy the norther lights. | D．His lifelong dream. |
| A．She felt very angry. | B．She was quite thrilled. |
| C．She was a little disappointed. | D．She gradually lost her patience. |
| A．It offers visitors a guaranteed sighting. |
| B．It’s located in the Antarctic Circle. |
| C．It has winter activities for travelers. |
| D．It’s free from coastal cloudy weather. |
| A．The beauty of aurora. | B．Scott’s camera. |
| C．The author’s departure. | D．The shapes of northern lights. |
8 . Some of the best road trips are unplanned. You simply grab a few items, jump in a car and set off. However, this approach involves some risk.
Planning a road trip can be almost as fun as the trip itself. Some well-designed travel guides may be of great help.
Once you’ve figured out your plan roughly, fill in the details, and bear in mind that maps and satellite navigation systems are not always up to date.
Booking accommodation and having backup plans can make or break a trip, especially if you want to visit some remote byways with limited accommodation opportunities.
| A．You may end up in a boring part of town. |
| B．You can find this information online. |
| C．When planning your route, consider what kinds of roads to take. |
| D．Also, be sure to investigate fuel availability where you’re headed. |
| E．It’s good to take an emergency phone with you. |
| F．Research as much as possible and cross-reference your sources. |
| G．A quick look through them can fuel your inspiration. |
9 . While temperatures continue to climb, visitors are still coming to see Death Valley National Park on the California-Nevada border. The park is known as the hottest place on Earth. This past weekend, the temperatures climbed to 53.33℃. Most visitors at this time of year make it only a short distance to any area in the park before returning to the cool air in their vehicles.
Early information from the park service shows that across the nation’s 424 national parks, at least four people have died this year from heat-related causes. That includes a 65-year-old man from San Diego who was found dead at Death Valley earlier this month.
Death Valley National Park suggests visitors be careful and not have expectations of rescue. While park rangers (护林员) drive on park roads and can aid tourists in need, it is unsure that lost visitors will get help in time.
Physical activity can make the heat feel even worse and leave people exhausted. Alessia Dempster, who was visiting from Edinburgh, Scotland, said, “It’s very hot especially when there’s a gentle wind. You would think maybe that would give you some slight relief from the heat, but it just really does feel like an air blow dryer just going back in your face.”
Death Valley is a narrow area that is below sea level and surrounded by high mountains, the park service’s website says. The dry air and small plant coverage let sunlight heat up the park surface. The heat then becomes trapped in the valley.
Still, several areas in Death Valley continue to draw tourists. Badwater Basin, made up of salt flats, is considered the lowest point in all of North America. The 183-meter Ubehebe Crater dates back over 2,000 years. And Zabriskie Point is a great sunrise viewing spot.
Josh Miller, a visitor from Indianapolis who has been to 20 national parks so far, shared that feeling. “It’s hot, but the scenery is awesome,” he said.
1. What do most visitors do in Death Valley?| A．Cool themselves in time. | B．Do lots of physical exercises. |
| C．Stay away from park rangers. | D．Carry dryers with themselves. |
| A．To encourage the elderly to travel more. |
| B．To express admiration for mountain climbers. |
| C．To advise people to tour Death Valley more often. |
| D．To show the danger of traveling in Death Valley. |
| A．Its covering area. | B．Its attractive spots. |
| C．The reason why it is so hot. | D．The service of its park’s website. |
| A．It has a short history. | B．It is worth visiting. |
| C．It draws fewer and fewer tourists. | D．It is unsuitable for viewing sunrise. |
10 . Did you watch the popular TV series Meet Yourself (《去有风的地方》) during your winter vacation? In the TV series, the heroine Xu Hongdou travels to a village in Yunnan province and volunteers at a local cafe. She gets free meals in return. As the show finds a growing audience, volunteer travel — an old-yet-modern form of travel similar to Xu’s type of work — has attracted more attention.
Volunteer travel refers to taking a trip where all or part of the purpose of the trip is to participate in an arranged service opportunity to help others, according to Wise Tour, an online provider of tourist information.
It seems as if these long journeys could only be made possible in recent years by modern transportation. Nevertheless, volunteer travel dates back to the 1960s, when Alec Dickson and his wife Mora from the UK founded Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), an international volunteer organization.
Traditionally, the volunteer activities take place in a foreign country. However, just as what Meet Yourself depicts, more volunteer trips have taken place within the same countries or regions the volunteers originate from in recent years. Sanlian Lifeweek magazine commented that volunteer projects in rural areas are now attracting more urban visitors as a break from the fast and stressful pace of urban living. Yang Yan, a founder of a volunteer platform, told the magazine that it has indeed been a growing trend for urban residents to volunteer in rural areas.
People try volunteer travel for several reasons. By working voluntarily while traveling, travelers may make a real, positive impact on the world. The services volunteers provide can be through charities with lower costs for the communities they serve. Another benefit of volunteer travel is that it helps urban dwellers (居民) to get a taste of rural life. For those who are sick of urban pressure but can’t make up their minds whether to move permanently to the countryside, volunteer travel can be a solution.
1. Why does the author mention Meet Yourself in the beginning of the article?| A．To introduce a new way of travel. | B．To raise readers’ interest in the TV series. |
| C．To lead up to the topic — volunteer travel. | D．To show the popularity of this TV series. |
| A．It dates back to the 19th century in the UK. |
| B．Travelers can earn money on their trips. |
| C．It requires travelers to be highly educated. |
| D．It combines travel with meaningful work to help others. |
| A．describes | B．advocates | C．generalizes | D．comments |
| A．A new trend of volunteer trips. | B．Different reasons for volunteer trips. |
| C．The significance of volunteer trips. | D．The current development of volunteer trips. |
