1 . They say that "travel is the best teacher" and there is no better example of this idea than the Ming dynasty travel writer and geographer Xu Xiake (1587-1641). His book The Travel Notes of Xu Xiake, not only encouraged a love of travelling among Chinese people but provided important scientific information about the country's land and geography.

Born into a wealthy Jiangyin family, Xu became interested in books about different places at an early age and wanted to travel. When he was 18, however. Xu's father died and so, it seemed, did his travelling dreams. He now was responsible for the family farm and taking care of his 60-year-old mother as tradition required.

But his mother had different ideas. Understanding her son’s love of travel and valuing the knowledge he could get from such experiences, this modern-thinking woman refused to keep her son at home. She agreed that Xu could travel for three months every year, when there was less farm work.

So at the age of twenty and with his mother's support, Xu set off for the first time, leaving behind not only his mother but his new wife as well. He would repeat this goodbye each year for most of the next 30 years. During this time, he travelled throughout the Ming kingdom, carefully studying the lands he passed through and recording his experiences and many discoveries in a diary. This diary, which once had over 500,000 words, would eventually become The Travel Notes of Xu Xiake.

Although rich, Xu avoided comfortable travel, preferring to go almost everywhere on foot. This way he could research the environment in detail and get a true picture of the natural world. Many of his trips were to hard-to-reach mountain areas, and through wild forests where few people lived. His willingness to face hardships came at a cost however. Progress was slow and tiring and he was frequently sick, robbed and beaten during his journeys

Sadly Xu became seriously ill during his last and longest journey, a 4-year trip through the Southwest of China. He died in 1641, soon after returning to his hometown for the last time. When his diary was finally printed years after his death, much of it had been destroyed or lost. Although incomplete, it still made Xu a travelling legend around the world.

3 . Day Trips out of New York City:

Fun for Kids and Families in Summer

These four fun and easy day trips out of New York City will add pleasure to your family's summer. Take a picnic and drive to any of these kid-friendly destinations (目的地).

Weir Farm National Historic Site and Art Center

735 Nod Hill Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 1 hour 30 minutes from NYC

Weir Farm is a 68-acre United States national park for art. At the beginning of the 20th century, the farm was the summer home of American Impressionist Julian Alden Weir. Weir and artists in his time painted the landscaped hills, forests and gardens, changing the beautiful countryside setting into Impressionist masterpieces (杰作).The farm is open from 8 am to 5 pm daily.

Storm King Art Center

1 Museum Rd., New Windsor, NY 12553

1 hour 40 minutes from NYC

Founded in I960, Storm King is a 500-acre outdoor museum located in New York's Hudson Valley. Here, visitors can experience sculpture (雕塑)amid grasslands, hills, and under the open sky. Spend an afternoon picnicking and enjoying the center's special combination of art and nature. The site is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm every day except Tuesday.

Historic Huguenot Street

81 Huguenot St, New Paltz, NY 12561 1 hour 45 minutes from NYC

Historic Huguenot Street is a 10-acre National Historic Landmark District. The Huguenot settlement changed over time, and the site helps visitors understand the historic forces that have changed America by teaching about Native and enslaved African peoples as well as Dutch and French settlers, through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. The Historic Huguenot Street's Museum Shop is open Thursday.

Brookhollow's Barnyard

301 Rockaway Valley Rd., Boonton, NJ 07005

1 hour from NYC

Brookhollow's Barnyard, a family-run New Jersey petting zoo, offers walk-through and drive-through farm experiences to families. Pigs, horses, goats and more as you walk or drive through the farmyard.

Walk-through tickets are available (可获得的)on Tuesday through Saturday. The drive-through experience is available on Sunday.

5 . When considering places to visit in China, thoughts invariably drift to the same old sites, like the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army and the Bund. Look a little farther, however, and you can find some truly fascinating scenery and settings you’ve probably never heard of.

Houtouwan — A village like no other

Located on Shengshan Island, Houtouwan was once home to a fishing community. In the 1990s, however, much of the population left as the fishing routes dried up and opportunities arose on the mainland. Left completely to Mother Nature’s designs, Houtouwan has been transformed into a truly fascinating ghost village over the years, like the set of a horror movie!

Houtouwan is not an easy place to get to. From Shanghai, you will need to transfer between land and water vehicles several times to finally reach there.

Crescent Lake — An oasis in the desert

Out west, there’s a whole different world to be explored — Crescent Lake. It is part of a literal oasis in the desert that surrounds Dunhuang in Gansu. The crescent-shaped body of water has been preserved so visitors can enjoy one of nature’s true rarities.

Crescent Lake is located just a 15-minute taxi ride from Dunhuang.

Old Dragon’s Head — The Great Wall you’ve never seen before

One of the most unusual places to explore the Great Wall is Old Dragon’s Head, where the wall meets the sea in Qinhuangdao. The waves crashing against the stones stirs up a certain poetry. After checking out the wall, you can relax yourself on the beach.

Old Dragon’s Head is part of the Shanhai Pass section of the wall. It can be reached by taxi from Qinhuangdao train station.

Panjin Red Beach — The world’s most beautiful marshlands

Red Beach, located in Panjin, Liaoning province, forms part of what is the biggest wetland in the world. The weeds of the beautiful marshland area are flaming red. Stilted walkways have been installed so visitors can explore without harming the otherworldly weeds.

From Panjin train station, bargain with the local taxi drivers to take you directly to Red Beach.

9 . East Yorkshire has typical unpredictable British weather. So here are some ideas to keep everybody happy when the weather is not the most ideal.

William's Den, North Cave

The outdoor and indoor areas are suitable for children of all ages to have fun. There are nests to explore, rope bridges to cross, a tree-house and a slide. The attached Kitchen provides fresh food made from locally sourced ingredients serving a selection of treats.

East Riding Leisure Centres

Known for a fun learner pool alongside an incredible fun zone with two slides as well, it is perfect for kids to find their feet in the water, have fun and explore. Its 6 climbing walls offer a different challenge on each. This place is suitable for anyone over the age of 4 and you can refuel at cafe with fresh food, snacks and cakes.

Sewerby Hall and Gardens

When the weather’s not sure, take cover in the Hall and learn how life was in the early 1900’s for the residents and workers of the house. Then explore the zoo and meet the pigs, parrots and penguins! Kids of all ages are welcome.

Withernsea Lighthouse

There’s no limitation to the age of kids to climb Withernsea Lighthouse, which is 144 steps to the top, with full views of the East Yorkshire Coast at the top of it. Enjoy the museum on the ground floor and learn what life is like working and living in a lighthouse. The souvenir shop provides attractive gifts for visitors at a fair price.