1 . National parks are an excellent way to explore all the beauty that the world has to offer: whether it’s endangered species, erupting volcanoes and snowy mountains, or rainforests and lakes. Of the thousands of national parks that exist in the world, these are the ones that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Yorkshire Dales, United Kingdom

Contrary (相反) to the popular link of national parks with the wilderness, it is filled with winding valleys, hills and villages where over 24,000 people live and work. Visitors can walk through grassland, visit waterfalls or explore underground caves, but Yorkshire Dales is also home to several food shops, and the park hosts cheese festivals and farmers markets regularly, so it’s best to go hungry.

Kakadu National Park, Australia

It is a delight for those who like a bit of history mixed with the biodiversity of national parks. While it houses thousands of species of wildlife, there’s more to the national park than that.

Guilin and Lijiang River National Park, China

It is surrounded by striking natural beauty and can be explored by land. But the river national park, as the name suggests, is best explored through leisurely boat rides that take visitors through many ancient towns that come along the way of the river.

Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

Here’s a surprising fact: The whole of Vatnajökull National Park makes up 14% of Iceland’s territory! The park is usually open for hikes around the glaciers; boat rides through glacier lakes, and tours that take visitors through the park’s many ice caves, waterfalls, and icebergs. Vatnajökull is also where two of Iceland’s most active volcanoes are located.

1. What is recommended for a trip to Yorkshire Dales?

A．Recording local customs.

B．Skiing in the snowy mountains.

C．Going with an empty stomach.

D．Watching the eruption of volcanoes.

2. Which park is the best choice for observing diverse wildlife?

A．Yorkshire Dales.

B．Kakadu National Park.

C．Vatnajökull National Park.

D．Guilin and Lijiang River National Park.

3. What do the last two national parks have in common?

A．There are many ancient towns.

B．There are various ice caves inside.

C．They are aimed at protecting rivers.

D．They can be explored through boats.

2 . Cheapest Islands in the World to Visit

Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas

As the northernmost of the 700 islands of the Bahamas, Grand Bahama dishes up plenty of cheap activities alongside its white-sand beaches. Visiting Lucayan National Park, which is home to both beloved Gold Rock Beach and one of the largest underwater cave (洞穴) systems in the world, is an affordable trip. There are hotel rooms at $80 a night.

Madeira, Portugal

Though closer to mainland Africa, Madeira is a part of Portugal known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Visitors can find hotels starting at $85 a night, and enjoy plenty of low-cost activities, like rowing a boat around the volcanic Porto Moniz natural swimming pools, and admiring the never-ending views around the island. No wonder it’s been called the “Hawaii of Europe”.

Dominican Republic

Looking for one of the least expensive Caribbean islands? The Dominican Republic is full of affordable surprises. In Santo Domingo, walk around Zona Colonial, the historic heart of the country’s capital, you’ll find castles, cathedrals (教堂), cobblestone streets, and cafés around every corner. During the low season (summer), you can find hotel deals starting at $33 a night.

Sri Lanka

Do you want to spend just $25～50 a day? Then go to Sri Lanka. Since the South Asian island country is one of the largest tea producers in the world, start with a tea factory tour on a peaceful hike. Taking a train ride through the hills from Kandy to Badulla or from Colombo to Galle is an enjoyable and affordable way to see the countryside.

1. What can you do in Lucayan National Park?

A．Visit a huge castle.	B．Enjoy the beautiful beach.
C．Swim in Porto Moniz.	D．Go on a tea factory tour.

2. What is special about Zona Colonial?

A．It requires booking.	B．It has historic sites.
C．It is famous for tea.	D．It is closed in summer.

3. Which of the following would provide a hotel room at the lowest price?

A．Dominica.

B．The Bahamas.

C．Portugal.

D．Sri Lanka.

3 . Located about 10 km northeast of the city center, the Chengdu Panda Base is a popular place to see lots of pandas of different ages in what’s close to their natural habitat.

Highlights and Travel Tips

The Chengdu Panda Base is a nonprofit research and breeding (繁殖) facility for giant pandas that was originally founded in 1987 and opened to the public in 1993. The center began with a population of just six giant pandas and has since grown to more than 100 pandas.

For visitors, it is more like a nice park than a traditional zoo. The base is large and nice to walk around, since much of it is in a bamboo forest. There are also shops selling panda-related souvenirs, but the prices are usually higher than markets or shops outside the base.

Accessibility Information

While the main road is flat, the base is large, so it is better for visitors with mobility issues to ride the shuttle (往返) bus. Visitors who completely rely on wheelchairs may need help from others to guide. Most restrooms within the base are wheelchair accessible.

Opening Hours and Ticket Prices

Opening hours	7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Entrance fee	55 CNY
Shuttle bus fee	10 CNY
Average time for this activity	2-3 hours

How to Get There

It takes about a half hour and costs around 30 CNY to get to the Chengdu Panda Base from the city center by taxi. You can also get there by public bus or subway, although these routes require a few transfers.

1. What is special about the Chengdu Panda Base?

A．It offers tourists panda souvenirs.	B．It is a zoo with the features of a park.
C．It is the largest panda research base.	D．It has more pandas than anywhere else.

2. How much should a couple at least pay to visit the Chengdu Panda Base?

A．110 CNY.

B．75 CNY.

C．55 CNY.

D．45 CNY.

3. What is the text?

A．A guidebook.	B．A news report.
C．An announcement.	D．An exhibition guide.

4 . Beijing and Xi’an 5-Day Itinerary

This itinerary is top recommended if you are the first time to China. It connects the two classic must-visit cities that allow you to learn most about Chinese civilization and late-imperial and modern-era history.

■ Day 1: Beijing (visit the Forbidden City with a hutong walking tour)

■ Day 2: Beijing (go to the Great Wall and learn about the sacrificial culture in the Temple of Heaven)

■ Day 3: Beijing (visit the famous royal garden — the Summer Palace, and take & bullet train to Xi’an)

■ Day 4: Xi’an (the Terracotta Army with a hands-on terracotta-warrior-making experience and a walking/biking experience on the City Wall)

■ Day 5: Xi’an (visit a famous pagoda and museum to learn about Chinese history)

In Beijing, discover the imperial past in the Forbidden City, which used to be the home of China’s 24 emperors. Hike on the Great Wall to see the watchtowers and majestic natural mountain views.

Stroll around old hutongs, where you could catch a glimpse of the traditional daily lifestyle of Beijing’s local people.

For a more in-depth travel experience, you could visit a local family’s home and learn some Chinese culture and philosophy of living.

The famous Terracotta Warriors is the must-visit attraction. The highlight of the visit would be a hands-on experience of making your own clay warriors. You would learn more about the making, preservation, and story behind the Terracotta Warriors.

Walk on the 600-year-old Ancient City Wall and catch a full view of the city. If time permits, the sunset time would be the best for a stunning view. For learning about Chinese history, Shannxi History Museum and Big Wild Goose Pagoda are worth visiting.

All our tours can be adjusted based on your needs. Just contact us at https://www.chinahighlights.com/travel guide/.

1. Which is the best means of transportation during the travel?

A．By bike.

B．On foot.

C．By air.

D．In a bus.

2. What is suggested to know more about local life style?

A．Visiting the Temple of Heaven.	B．Walking Around old hutongs.
C．Being a guest in a local family.	D．Producing your own soldier statues.

3. Who is probably the text written for?

A．An architect.	B．A tour guide.
C．A foreign visitor.	D．A Chinese historian.

5 . Warrumbungle National Park

Travel six hours northwest of Sydney, and you’ve reached the astronomy capital of Australia. Warrumbungle National Park is a nature and star-lover’s dream. This land is home to the Southern Hemisphere’s first Dark Sky Park, which means you’ll be treated to nights of no light pollution and out of this world stargazing. Besides, the Warrumbungles has several adventurous hikes. The Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk is considered one of the best in Australia!

Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park

Ku-Ring-Gai Chase is the second oldest national park in Australia. We love this park for its proximity (邻近) to Sydney (a quick 45-minute drive from the city), significant Aboriginal (澳大利亚土著的) sites and breathtaking scenic views. There are many walks you can do here. You can also go kayaking (皮划艇), stopping at some of the secluded beaches that line the park.

Bouddi National Park

Located on the Central Coast, Bouddi National Park is one for beautiful landscapes and beaches. Just 90 minutes from Sydney, Bouddi is a hidden treasure. The beautiful water makes this park an ideal destination during summer, but it also provides a fantastic point for whale watching over the winter. You can experience Bouddi National Park on a day trip. Pack your picnic goods and head on the 8.5 km (one-way) Bouddi Coastal Walk — it’ll give you a perfect taste of the best of what the park has to offer!

Dorrigo National Park

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dorrigo National Park is one to explore! Located just shy of four hours from Byron Bay, the park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests and has been made over millions of years. You’d be right then to expect some of the most stunning waterfalls here. For one of the best experiences, head to the Skywalk lookout. This elevated walkway will take you right into the heart of the rainforest, providing soaring views 21 meters over the rainforest all the way to the coast.

1. If you were a fan of stargazing and hiking, which park would interest you most?

A．Bouddi National Park.	B．Dorrigo National Park.
C．Warrumbungle National Park.	D．Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.

2. What can you enjoy at Bouddi National Park?

A．Going kayaking.	B．Watching whales.
C．Visiting Aboriginal sites.	D．Seeing breathtaking waterfalls.

3. What do you know about Dorrigo National Park?

A．It is the oldest national park in Australia.	B．It offers a perfect view of the Gondwana Rainforests.
C．It’s about four hours drive from Sydney.	D．It’s known for adventurous hikes along the coast.

6 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

A new show at the British Museum is on. It explores the mystery of Stonehenge, the famous ancient group of     1    (stone) in Southern England. Neil Wilkin is the lead curator (馆长) of the show,     2     name is The World of Stonehenge. “We all feel we know Stonehenge,     3     actually we often don’t know much about it,” he said.

The show brings together more than 430 objects from across Europe     4    (explore) the creators and their world. One of the first objects visitors to the show see is an ancient cup, which     5    (shape) to look like Stonehenge then. “It’s almost like a prehistoric gift,” said Wilkin. There are many other appealing images in the show, from a wall     6    (cover) in Neolithic stone cutting tools to     7    (beautiful) crafted gold hats and jewelry.

The show’s starring piece is a 3.600-year-old Nebra Sky Disc, a bronze circle with gold signs     8    (represent) the sun, the moon and stars. It is believed to be the     9    (old) surviving map of the sky. Wilkin said, “What we’ve been able to do in the show, I think, is to show that it had a big impact     10     people’s beliefs, and how they saw their identities.”

7 . In the summer of 1965, Tété-Michel Kpomassie became the first African to explore Greenland. He was 24 on the day that he stepped onto the port at Qagortoq, on Greenland’s southern coast. But his arctic journey had actually begun some seven years earlier.

Kpomassie’s amazing life story starts with a bit of chance and a book. He was a teenager when he bought a book about Greenland in Togo. Immediately, the topic attracted him, and he knew that he must go there.

He traveled along the west coast of Africa, eventually crossing into Europe. There, he stayed for some time before leaving for Greenland. “I took my time to step out,” he recalled. “When I arrived, everyone stopped talking; all were staring. They didn’t know if I was a real person or wearing a mask. Children hid behind their mothers. Some cried, believing I was a spirit from the mountains.”

Kpomassie found his true home in Greenland’s northern reaches, where the Inuit culture that he’d read in a book as a boy was very much alive. Over the next 18 months, Greenland’s first African learned to ski, ice fish and hunt, and adapted himself quickly to the new environment.

He returned to Togo in late 1966 and adapted the journal he’d kept into a book. Kpomassie then went on to give lectures about his experience in halls and classrooms throughout Africa and Europe. And he settled down in Paris and raised a family, returning to Greenland on three occasions in that time. His book An Africa in Greenland was first published in France and has since been translated into eight languages.

“All the while I knew where I ultimately needed to end up,” he said. Now approaching 81 years old, Kpomassie is packing up his apartment and heading back to northern Greenland, where he intends to live out his final years.

1. When did Kpomassie begin his first journey to Greenland?

A．In the 1940s.	B．In the 1950s.
C．In the 1960s.	D．In the 1970s.

2. What can we infer about people from Para.3?

A．They were unfriendly to strangers.

B．They didn’t meet a black man before.

C．They taught Kpomassie eight languages.

D．They were unwilling to let Kpomassie go.

3. Which of the following can best describe Kpomassie?

A．Strong and determined.

B．Brave and hardworking.

C．Kind and ambitious.

D．Adventurous and adaptable.

4. What’s the text mainly about?

A．The unusual experience of an adventurer.

B．The opportunities of returning to Greenland.

C．The great effect Kpomassie has on literature.

D．The meaning of starting an amazing adventure.

8 . I love travelling. One of my fondest memories of travel is when I spent a few days backpacking in Bucharest, Romania. An unexpected act of kindness from a stranger truly made me feel moved.     1    

The first day I arrived in Bucharest I had to take the bus from the train station to my accommodation. I boarded the bus and found out that none of my cards worked and I wasn’t able to buy a ticket.     2     Although I explained that it wasn’t my intention and I had just arrived from Brasov, they still didn’t believe me and fined me for not having a ticket.

After doing some research online, I found that most buses in Bucharest do not accept cash or any form of payment onboard. You have to purchase a card at certain places in the city, top it up with money, and then pay onboard.     3     You can use wireless pay to purchase a ticket. I was delighted after finding out such good news as I did not want another fine.

    4     After I got on the bus, I found the ticket machine to be the same as the one I had met with on my first day in Bucharest. I tried in vain every method, including wireless pay, Apple Pay and cash.     5     At that moment, a kind middle-aged man standing next to me handed me a card. I understood that it was a card for the bus. The man paid for my bus ride.

A．I started to panic.

B．Few things seemed to work.

C．It is still vivid in my mind now.

D．One place I will never forget is Romania.

E．Worse still, I was stopped by policemen on the bus.

F．However, the buses connecting to the airports are more modern.

G．Fast forward to my last day, I planned to take the bus to Bucharest Airport.

9 . Traveling to Europe can be expensive, butif you get creative and avoid tourist hot spots like London and Paris, you may be able to avoid high price tags. According to average hotel prices,flight deals,available vacation packages and affordable attractions, you can choose the best cheap European vacations.

Prague

Apart from the price of flying here,you won’t have to dish out too much money to experience Prague. Many of the city’s most popular attractions are free to visit, including Old Town Square, the Charles Bridge and PetrinHill. You can also find five-star hotels for less than $200 per night here, plus plenty of solid three and four star accommodations with even cheaper rates.

Porto

This cheap Portuguese destination is getting increasingly popular,so make sure to visit while it’s still affordable. Right now, you can take the train from Porto to Lisbon for as little as $ 30 one way. Once you arrive in, you’ll be delighted to learn that several top attractions here, such as the Dom Luis I Bridge, the Porto Cathedral and the Crystal Palace gardens, are free to visit.

Valencia

Valencia has numerous beautiful beaches. It is also a lot more affordable. The city offers a diverse range of free things to do, including relaxing on the sand, wandering through Plaza del Ayuntamiento, exploring the Valencia Cathedral and shopping at the Central Market, one of the oldest food market areas in Europe.

Tallinn

Tallinn draws travelers to Estonia with its charming atmosphere and historical attractions. Start by walking through the capital’s Old Town, which is webbed with cobblestone streets, old-world buildings and all kinds of medieval delights. Then, explore the city’s museums. If you plan on visiting multiple museums, it may cost about $ 65.

1. What do Prague and Porto have in common?

A．They are tourist hot spots.

B．They have cheap five-star hotels.

C．They offer some free top attractions.

D．They are famous for historical attractions.

2. Which place best suits people who are interested in seashore?

A．Valencia.	B．Prague.
C．Tallinn.	D．Porto.

3. What do we know about Tallinn?

A．It is too crowded.	B．It charges for museums.
C．It offers many free things to do.	D．It’s the most popular destination.

10 . The Oxford Dictionary describes staycations as “a holiday spent in one’s home country rather than abroad, or one spent at home and involving day trips to local attractions.”     1    

It gives you almost 100% of restful time with little to no prep. Stop to consider the following: the ratio (比例) of quality time that’s spent on relaxation is more important than the number of days for holidays.     2     For instance, a weekend break that consists of long travel on either side is no recipe (良方) for relaxation.

This is one of the reasons why staycations are more refreshing than vacations.     3     Instead of losing time and energy preparing for a vacation, a staycation will provide you with high-quality resting time. You’ll get back to work feeling more refreshed, and relaxed.

    4     Staycations also tick some of the same boxes as vacations like experiencing new things. You just need to explore nearby things which you have never paid attention to. Often we overlook the attractions that are near to us.     5     However, if you make an effort to explore the area close to where you live, you may be pleasantly surprised. There will be cafes and restaurants you’ve never tried, historic buildings you’ve never seen before, and nature parks you’ve never visited. So with a little effort on your part, you’ll be able to experience new and exciting things close to home.

A．They act as real breaks from work and life pressure.

B．If you give this some thought, you’ll realize that it’s true.

C．A vacation can leave you more tired than before your trip.

D．In addition, it can offer you fresh experiences immediately.

E．Let’s take a look at the great things about taking a staycation.

F．Staycations don’t mean long traveling, which costs you a lot less.

G．We often choose to spend big amounts of money visiting foreign countries.