2 . An immersive and slow-paced Citywalk is becoming trendy across China. In contrast to rushing past overcrowded tourist landmarks, the new trend has emerged as a popular alternative to explore bustling markets, ancient streets, and charming alleys at a leisurely pace.

The appeal of Citywalk caters particularly to the younger generation often caught up in demanding work schedules. As evidenced by the increasing popularity of hash tags like “City walk for vacation” on lifestyle sharing platform Xiaohong shu, with a staggering 465 million views and nearly 464, 600 engagements, the trend is truly capturing unbelievable attention.

Citywalk, or meandering through the urban landscapes, means the act of walking freely along city streets unburdened by exhaustive plans. It offers people an avenue to intimately experience urban culture and local traditions. Citywalk is not merely about sightseeing. It creates an opportunity for social interactions and deep connections with the cities. Citywalk routes are tailored to the specific interests of both out-of-town tourists and locals. For tourists, the focus is on sharing local customs and traditions, while for locals, discussions revolve around the city’s past, present, and future. The growing trend of Citywalk reflects a changing attitude towards life, embracing a warmer, more relaxed, and slower-paced lifestyle.

As Citywalk expands beyond first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, to second-and third-tier cities across the county, it brings fresh opportunities for the tourism industry, in such areas as dining, shopping, and accommodation.

Governments in Beijing and Shandong have recognized the potential of Citywalk, incorporating it into their action plans to promote cultural tourism and leisure activities. In Shanghai, public bus lines specially designed have been introduced to elevate the overall Citywalk for participants.

“By slowing down and delving into the narrow alleys, observing the lives of city residents, and immersing oneself in the context of museums and art galleries, one is entitled to embrace the pleasure of life,” said Luo Jun, a cultural tourism enthusiast.

1. What’s the main reason for the popularity of Citywalk among young people?

A．It mainly focuses on urban sightseeing.

B．Social media offer many tempting videos.

C．Busywork schedule limits the choice of people.

D．Conventional tourist landmarks are losing charm.

2. What’s the meaning of underlined word “staggering” in the second paragraph?

A．Astonishing.

B．Rewarding.

C．Embarrassing.

D．Shrinking.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT Citywalk?

A．An immersive route for foreigners to enjoy the alleys in Chengdu.

B．A holiday travel to hurriedly visit crowded landmarks in Shanghai.

C．A free walk including visiting museums and old towns in Qingdao.

D．A leisurely tour along Qiantang River to experience city transformation.

4. What have some governments done to promote Citywalk?

A．Facilities in the museums have been enhanced.

B．Cooperation has been strengthened among cities.

C．Opportunities have been offered to third-tier cities.

D．Specific public transportation routes have been introduced.

3 . 听下面一段长对话，回答小题。
1. What made Maya Bay draw so many tourists since 1999?

A．The convenient location.

B．A famous Hollywood movie.

C．Its first opening to the public.

2. Why did the government close Maya Bay for a time?

A．To develop it.

B．To do research.

C．To protect the natural life.

3. How many tourists can visit Maya Bay per day now?

A．300.

B．2, 000.

C．4,000

4. What will the speakers do next?

A．Surf the Internet.

B．Read some magazines.

C．Book a holiday.

4 . Wanting to take a break from big city life? These hidden gems (宝石)provide a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities and immerse oneself in the beauty of these lesser-known destinations.

Shirakawa-go, Japan

This picturesque village is located in the Gifu Prefecture and is known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These unique buildings feature steep roofs that resemble hands in prayer, which is why Shirakawa-go was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. During wintertime, the village transforms into a winter wonderland, with the snow-covered thatched roofs creating a magical atmosphere.

Paraty, Brazil

Situated on Brazil’s Costa Verde, Paraty is a charming bayside town that offers a relaxing and laid-back atmosphere. The town is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, which is beautifully complemented by palm trees and colorful boats in the harbor. Paraty is also a gateway to nearby deserted island beaches, making it a perfect destination for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Old San Juan, US

As the historic heart of Puerto Rico’s capital city, Old San Juan is a treasure trove of rich history and cultural heritage. The entire area is a National Heritage Site, with its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and Spanish colonial architecture adding to its charm. Visitors can explore historic forts, stroll along the city walls, and indulge in delicious Puerto Rican cuisine.

Sakrisoy & Reine, Norway

These remote fishing villages are located in the Lofoten archipelago in northern Norway. Although reaching them may require some effort, the journey is worth it for the breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by majestic mountains and pristine fjords, Sakrisoy and Reine offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and even witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

1. For what was Shirakawa-go selected a UNESCO World Heritage site?

A．Its rich history.	B．Its magic scent.
C．Its ideal community,	D．Its unique architecture.

2. Which is a common feature of Paraty and Old San Juan?

A．Being the capital city.	B．Lying in the United States.
C．Having colonial buildings.	D．Owning industrial landscapes.

3. Which destination is hard to reach according to the author?

A．Shirakawa-go, Japan	B．Paraty, Brazil
C．Old San Juan, US	D．Sakrisoy &Reine, Norway

5 . Europe’s Most Scenic Train Journeys

△Rauma Line, Norway
Route: Dombas to Andalsnes
Distance and duration: 70 miles (114km) , 1. 5 hours
Best time to ride: June to August

Enjoy breathtaking views of high peaks. Crossing the tall Kylling Bridge is one of the most exciting parts of the trip with the driver allowing a short stop to take photos. The train then winds its way through the Reinheimen National Park.

△Bergen Railway, Norway
Route: Oslo to Bergen
Distance and duration: 342 miles (550km) , 7 hours
Best time to ride: July or November to January

Norway’s awe-inspiring Bergen Railway links two incredible cities as it rolls through mountain landscapes and across the beautiful Hardangervidda plateau (高原) to the country’s highest station, Finse at 4, 010 feet (1, 222m), only accessible by train. Don’t miss learning more about this great work of engineering at the Flam Railway Museum.

△West Highland Line, Scotland
Route: Fort William to Mallaig
Distance and duration: 41 miles (67km) , 1. 5 hours
Best time to ride: June to August

The West Highland Line in Scotland is certainly one scenic journey, with rocky highlands and flashes of coastline, Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest mountain) and beautiful views from the viaduct (高架桥) at Glenfinnan. The route and steam (蒸汽) train are so easy on the eye that they crop up as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. Don’t miss trying seafood in Mallaig.

△Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy
Route: Chur to Tirano
Distance and duration: 76 miles (123km) , 4 hours
Best time to ride: April

Relax behind windows and admire the attractive Alpine views that connect northern and southern Europe via the highest railway in the Alps.

1. When is the best time to take the Rauma Line?

A．In April.

B．In May.

C．In July.

D．In December.

2. Which of the following is the longest train route?

A．Dombas to Andalsnes.	B．Fort William to Mallaig.
C．Oslo to Bergen.	D．Chur to Tirano.

3. What can travelers do while taking the West Highland Line?

A．View the harvest of the crops.	B．Appreciate the real scene of a movie.
C．Learn more about the steam engines.	D．Enjoy the world's highest railway line.

6 . Fed up with tourists who only come in to check out the scenery, the owners of Queviures Murria, a grocery store in Barcelona, Spain, have put up a sign announcing a 5 euro fee for coming in just to look.

Queviures Murria has been in business since 1898 and is one of the most eye-catching locations in all of Barcelona. The vintage (老式的) look of the store and the traditional design of the inside attract hundreds of tourists every day, but the problem is that many of them aren’t actually interested in the products sold inside—all kinds of traditional Spanish cured sausages, cold cuts, cured cheeses, oils, wines, etc. According to the store, many tourists enter the store without even saying a simple “hello”, wander around taking pictures, and then simply leave without buying anything. So it decided to charge people for “just looking” just to discourage them.

Toni Merino, one of the managers at Queviures Murria, said that the idea to charge tourists a fee for simply coming into the grocery store and looking around without buying anything started out as a joke, but as the staff and the regular customers became increasingly inconvenienced by random tourists looking around, taking pictures, with absolutely no interest in the products on display, they decided to do it.

Merino has clarified that he and his partners have no interest in actually charging the fee, and they don’t really have to anymore. By posting a warning about the 5 euro fee in the shop window, they have managed to discourage most unwanted visitors.

After photos of the 5-euro fee announcement in the window of Queviures Murria spread quickly on social media, the Barcelona business faced a public outcry, and it was forced to explain the reasons and clarify that it didn’t really plan on carrying on the measure.

1. What can we learn about Queviures Murria?

A．Tourists are not welcome there.

B．It has a history of nearly 100 years.

C．It charges people for taking photos.

D．Tourists prefer its design to the products sold there.

2. Why did the grocery store put up the sign?

A．To earn a fame.

B．To attract more tourists.

C．To warn the impolite visitors.

D．To provide a convenient shopping environment.

3. What’s the public’s opinion on the measure?

A．Opposed.

B．Objective.

C．Supportive.

D．Unconcerned.

4. Where is this text probably taken from?

A．A travel journal.	B．A news website.
C．A fashion magazine.	D．A debate program.

8 . Europe has numerous islands where you can get closer to nature. Here are some of the best for getting away from the crowds.

Schiermonnikoog, the Netherlands

Schier is primarily a national park, covered in forests and with some of Europe’s most untouched beaches. Only residents are allowed to drive cars on the island, which you can get to by taking a 45-minute ferry (渡轮). Once there, visitors can hunt for beautiful and specially-shaped stones washed ashore on the island’s wide white beaches, go diving or take surfing lessons along natural sandbanks.

Flores, Portugal

Flores Island in the westernmost stretches of the Azores is a nature lover’s dream. Deep blue lakes, vivid green valleys and boiling hot springs are among the otherworldly sights on the 55-square-mile volcanic island home to 3, 400 people, where you can arrive via flights from other Azorean islands.

Naustholmen, Norway

Visitors can take ferries to reach this private island owned by Norwegian adventurer Randi Skaug, the first Norwegian woman to climb Mount Everest. Naustholmen guests spend their days going boating or hiking to the top of the Lofoten Islands for sunset views. They can also simply do nothing at all, surrounded by the silence and beauty of this remote place.

Skyros, Greece

For a more isolated (隔绝) experience, set your sights to the island of Skyros. One of 24 islands in the Sporades chain in the northwest Aegean Sea, Skyros is reached via flights from mainland Greece as well as by ferry from the mainland and other nearby Greek islands. With the exception of Skyros’ famous carnival (狂欢节) which puts the island into nonstop party mode — it’s a perfect place for swimmers to register for a surfing class.

1. What do Schiermonnikoog and Skyros have in common?

A．They both have a national park.	B．They both offer surfing lessons.
C．They both give free ferry service.	D．They both throw attractive parties.

2. What can a tourist do in Naustholmen?

A．Take a rowing-boat race.	B．Climb the volcanic island.
C．Enjoy the beautiful sunset.	D．Pick up unique beach stones.

3. Which destination suits tourists interested in hot springs?

A．Skyros.

B．Naustholmen.

C．Flores.

D．Schiermonnikoog.

9 . When I first set foot in Western Australia’s Pilbara, a landscape holding 3.5-billion-year-old clues to the beginning of life, I was very disappointed. The year was 1994. I drove excitedly out of the west coast town of Port Hedland, but all I saw for the first 150 kilometers were a few dead trees and smoky dust across the burnt, flat plain. And the heat!! I’d never experienced anything this terrible before. Or breathed air so thick with biting flies.

But as we continued to head south on the highway to. Marble Bar—the hottest town in Australia—some low, broad hills started to rise from the horizon. As we continued down a dirt track into the hills, the burnt plains gave way to grass-covered hills. This grass is called spinifex, an amazing but cruel creation. It grows as bushes up to one meter in diameter (直径), with round, fine leaves with needle-sharp tips. The tips will go through just about any piece of cloth. My guide wore thick gaiters (护腿) to protect his legs. But he had failed to inform me of the risk. Without any gaiters, my skin was covered with needle tips that remained in my legs for months.

The land, ultimately, proved worth the discomfort. Here I was walking over some of Earth’s oldest, best-preserved rocks that contain evidence of life from almost the very beginnings of time on our planet.

This area had changed much from when it was first formed 3.5 billion years ago. Back then it would have been a black volcanic land, with no color from vegetation. Over the hills I might have seen a green, iron-rich sea under an orange sky heavy with carbon dioxide and without oxygen. Several billion years after that, the world would turn cold and become covered in a global ice sheet, destroying almost every living thing. When it melted away, oxygen levels rose again. Life really got going. Animals slowly occupied the land, so did new types of plants. The greening of our planet began, and a wide variety of organisms (有机体) appeared including. unfortunately for me, spinifex.

1. What was the author’s first reaction to the Pilbara landscape?

A．Dissatisfaction.

B．Excitement.

C．Amusement.

D．Confusion.

2. What does the writer mean by “The land, ultimately, proved worth the discomfort”?

A．It was no easy task to set foot on the land.

B．He had never seen spinifex on any other land.

C．The trip was valuable despite all the suffering.

D．The tips remaining in his flesh were not that uncomfortable.

3. What is the significance of the Pilbara landscape?

A．It is where life began.	B．It is still a black volcanic land.
C．It is home to many unique plants.	D．It contains almost no living things.

4. Which of the following might be the best title of the passage?

A．How Life Started on Earth	B．Pilbara: Rich in Organisms
C．An Abandoned but Lively Land	D．Journey to a Land across Time