Going to Mount Huangshan reminds me of the popular Beatles’ song “The Long and Winding Road”.
The hot spring at the foot of the mountain is something you must try after the climb. It will
What comes next is the endless series of steps. You can’t help wondering how hard it
As the song goes, this long and winding road “will never disappear”, and it will always stick in the visitor’s memory. It sure does in
2 . I've always loved mountaineering (登山) and the mental and physical challenges that go with it. This time the peak (山峰) of Mt. Whitney is my
I decided to make this trip less about
Climbing such tall peaks
Like any other
A.imagination | B.impression | C.destination | D.kingdom |
A.chose | B.repaired | C.missed | D.covered |
A.shelters | B.photos | C.clothes | D.foods |
A.discover | B.draw | C.guess | D.document |
A.weighed | B.lifted | C.balanced | D.cut |
A.looked for | B.resulted from | C.contributed to | D.focused on |
A.suddenly | B.legally | C.obviously | D.quickly |
A.painting | B.scenery | C.performance | D.movement |
A.attracts | B.pays | C.tests | D.brings |
A.skills | B.attitudes | C.times | D.dreams |
A.identifying | B.improving | C.collecting | D.breathing |
A.confident | B.patient | C.familiar | D.creative |
A.secrets | B.adventures | C.rules | D.species |
A.excited | B.devoted | C.experienced | D.frightened |
A.longest | B.fullest | C.highest | D.farthest |
3 . 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. |
4 . With so many options for short, beautiful walks in Queenstown, you are truly spoiled for choice. Here’s a list of local picks that will help you discover the best walks around Queenstown, a walkers’ paradise, for every age and ability.
Tiki Trail
For one of the best views of Queenstown and a decent workout, climb the Tiki Trail up to the Skyline Gondola building. Starting at the base of the Gondola, the Tiki Trail winds its way steeply through trees towards the lookout at the top.
Choose to hike back to Queenstown. Or if the climb has gotten the better of you, sit back, relax and catch a ride in the Skyline Gondola.
Queenstown Gardens
The Queenstown Gardens Trail is a wheelchair-accessible trail just a few minutes from central Queenstown. The flat, easy track has spectacular views of Lake Whakatipu, Cecil Peak, and Walter Peak and the manicured gardens are beautiful year-round.
You could spend hours here exploring the rose gardens or playing disc golf. If you’re tight on time, the loop around the shore of Lake Whakatipu takes less than an hour to complete.
Arrow River Trail
Starting in historic Arrowtown, a walk along the Arrow River Trail is a must-do for any visitor to Queenstown.
The track will have you filling your camera memory, especially in autumn due to the explosion of colours on the trees. From here, you can cross the bridge and walk back along the riverside or go back the way you came. Back in Arrowtown, it’s lovely to walk along the river and amongst the trees before rejoining Arrowtown’s quaint streets to admire the café culture, discover the region’s history or grab a pint in the sunshine.
Ben Lomond Track
Ben Lomond will greet you from the moment you arrive in town. Not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced, this demanding climb is a full-day mission with a spectacular reward.
Walkers aiming for the summit should be fully equipped and allow six to eight hours, depending on the conditions. Be prepared for snow and ice above the bush line from April to November.
1. Which place is a better choice for the disabled?A.Tiki Trail. | B.Arrow River Trail. |
C.Queenstown Gardens. | D.Ben Lomond Track. |
A.Appreciate the rose fragrance. | B.Experience demanding climb. |
C.Have a bird-eye view of Queenstown. | D.Learn about the local history. |
A.To compare things. | B.To inform readers. |
C.To uncover the unseen. | D.To warn readers. |
5 . By the time Joy Ryan, a US grandma, turned 85, she had never seen the ocean or mountains. For Joy, trips to the local fishing area with her husband were about the farthest place she had ever gone, even if she loved watching the Travel Channel.
But one day Joy’s grandson, Brad Ryan, discovered that he and his grandma had a common interest in their love for traveling, when they began to visit the American great outdoors together.
Brad said, “When I learned my grandma had never seen the great wildernesses of America—deserts, mountains and oceans, I thought there was something I needed to do.” It was after taking his grandma out of Ohio on a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that he came up with the idea of visiting all the 63 US national parks with her to create inspiring memories.
Going to all the 63 US National Parks is a huge achievement even for a much younger adventurer (冒险家). Brad said his grandmother’s physical strength (体力) grew with their trips. For example, his grandma went water rafting (漂流) at 91, with class three rapids and when walking at the New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia, she broke the record by almost a decade!
It wasn’t always like this, however. Joy was so wobbly (不稳的) on her first trip, challenged by her balance. A group of college students clapped their hands when she reached the top of a path they were following.
Joy broke her age limitation (限制) and at the age of 93, she made history as the oldest living person to visit every US National Park. Joy believes it’s the mix of hopefulness, willpower, and the good health that gives her strength.
1. With whom did Joy Ryan visit all the 63 US national parks?A.Her grandson. | B.Her husband. |
C.Her daughter. | D.Her student. |
A.She had a love for traveling. |
B.Water rafting is dangerous for the old. |
C.There is no age limitation for water rafting. |
D.She had developed a strong body from traveling. |
A.Her memory. | B.Her balance. |
C.Her physical strength. | D.Her sense of direction. |
A.Brave and hopeful. | B.Humorous and outgoing. |
C.Hard-working and helpful. | D.Thoughtful and self-confident. |
6 . Best cheap family vacation in the US
Yellowstone,Wyoming
No other place on earth is like Yellowstone National Park. With challenging hikes into the backcuntry as well as disabled-accessible (可到达的) wooden boardwalks, the wonders of Yellowstone re for everyone. Bring a tent and get here early to take advantage of the affordable campgrounds, seven of which are first-come, first-served and five require reservations, all with fire pits for barbecues.
Hunter Mountain, New York
Hunter Mountain is an all-year-round destination. During the summer, there are paths to hike, trails to mountain bike along, nearby streams to play in and so much open space. During the winter, it’s one of a few locations on the east coast that offers really good skiing and snowboarding runs.
Destin Harbor, Florida
Seek fun in the sun in Destin, Florida, known for its fishing spots, white sand beaches and being less expensive than other popular destinations in the stale. Family-friendly activities include boating, snorkeling, parasailing or just strolling along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Use the money you saved for a sunset ride on &glass-bottom boat or a high-speed racer.
Sequoia Canyon National Park, Calfornia
To really impress your kids, head to Sequoia Canyon National Park where they can meet General Grant, the second largest tree in the world. The park also boasts 240 caves, parts of the Kings River, and the towering Moro Rock. Sequoia National Park also has some of the darkest skies in the country, making it one of the best places to observe the night sky.
1. Which of the following destination is accessible to the disabled?A.Destin Harbor. |
B.Hunter Mountain. |
C.Yellowstone National Park. |
D.Sequoia Canyon National Park. |
A.Watch the night sky for the stars. |
B.Put up a tent on the campground. |
C.Take a ride on the glass-bottom boat. |
D.Have a snowboarding experience in winter. |
A.A big tree. | B.A large stone. | C.A campground. | D.A popular stream. |
Xi’an, known as one of the “Four Ancient Capitals of the World”, together with Cairo, Athens and Rome, is always
Because of
During the past years, an increasing number of tourists from the western world
8 . How to see London like a pro
We’ve explored London thoroughly and come away with quite a few lessons. Here are our tips.
Visiting Buckingham Palace
Being London’s most iconic landmark, this grand 775-room building is where Queen Elizabeth hosts feasts and meets heads of state. But if you’re dreaming of taking a visit to it, you’ll need to plan your trip carefully. The palace is typically only open during the summer months from July 23rd to October 3rd. Visiting hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. If you’re visiting when the palace isn’t available to tour, you can still see the Changing of the Guard.
Hitting the London Eye
The London Eye is a playful addition to the city skyline. Standing near centuries-old architecture, this enormous Ferris wheel goes round slowly over the left bank of the Thames, serving up views over the London Bridge and the Shard to the west, plus a wide perspective of the Palace of Westminster. Buy your tickets in advance online, choose a clear day and go first thing in the morning to avoid crowds peak.
Drinking afternoon tea
Afternoon tea—a sacred, buttery ritual (仪式)—is reason enough to come to London. The British have taken a simple tea break and turned it into a luxurious ceremony, complete with patterned china, layered plates of finger sandwiches and scones in cream and jam. And we haven’t mentioned the cakes, which are often brought around on a wheeled cart. When making a reservation, remember that afternoon tea isn’t a snack but a full meal with sweet and salty elements, and you’ll be stuffed. The smart move is to skip lunch and maybe even dinner.
1. Which is a proper time to visit Buckingham Palace?A.July 18, 10:00 a.m. | B.Aug. 23, 8:30 a.m. |
C.Sep. 27, 3:00 p.m. | D.Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m. |
A.it provides a good view of some places of interest |
B.it makes London’s skyline seem more harmonious |
C.it spins quickly over the left bank of the Thames |
D.it is more historic compared to the nearby buildings |
A.It is a short break with light snacks. |
B.It is a full meal with various tasty foods. |
C.It combines sour and sweet flavours well. |
D.It is complete with delicate silver dishware. |
9 . The 187-foot-tall Tower of Pisa is famous all over the world mainly because it leans (倾斜). For many years, people believed that the tower’s designer intended it to lean. As it turns out, though, the tower’s lean is an accident caused by poor planning. The Tower of Pisa was constructed (建造) on a riverbed of sand and clay (黏土) that was not strong enough to support a building so tall and heavy.
Construction of the tower began in 1173. Because Pisa experienced several wars, the tower wasn’t completed until 1350. Only a few years after the construction started, people could see that the first three floors of the tower were already leaning. As the next three floors were added, builders purposefully built them with one side higher than the other to try to correct the lean. This resulted in the tower leaning in the opposite direction
Fortunately for the people of Pisa, the long delays (耽搁) during construction gave the structure time to settle and the ground to become compacted (结实的). This mad the foundation (地基) stronger over time, which is the main reason why the tower never fell over. For hundreds of years, the tower was indeed falling. It would lean one more inch about every 20 years. In the end, in 1990, it was closed to the public for fear that a large group of people at the top would weigh enough to make it fall down.
From 1990 to 2001, engineers from around the world helped balance the tower After several unsuccessful attempts at a solution, engineers finally came up with a plan that worked. They slowly removed ground under the high side of the tower. When they had finished, they had returned it to the position it held in about 1838—the tower had been straightened by nearly 16 inches. Except a sudden great disaster, such as a earthquake, engineers believe the tower is safe for another 300 years now.
1. What does the author try to explain about the Tower of Pisa in Paragraph 1?A.Why it leans. | B.Why it was built. |
C.Why it is famous. | D.Why it stopped leaning. |
A.It was completed in 1173. | B.It began to be built in 1350. |
C.It was seen leaning after 1173. | D.It was repaired every 20 years. |
A.The special structure. | B.The timely protection. |
C.The skill of the builders. | D.The long time of building. |
A.When does the Tower of Pisa lean? |
B.Is the leaning Tower of Pisa falling? |
C.When was the leaning Tower of Pisa built? |
D.How did the leaning Tower of Pisa get its name? |
10 . The huge high rises, loud noises, and masses of people make up a symbolic United States destination and the city millions of people call home. Winding your way through the streets of New York City is an overwhelming and humbling (令人谦卑的) experience.
Walking down these busy streets you are sure to see several different coffee shops where writers with dreams are typing away or perhaps old friends catch up as they drink. Next, there are the classic pizzerias where many love to go to get a slice of New York style pizza. Another city classic are the popular delis, a favorite quick and easy lunch hot spot.
A valued aspect (方面) of the city streets is the artistic attraction they hold. Brushes of color brighten up the modern buildings. The buildings become an artist’s studio where creativity comes to life, beautifying the city and showing social and political expressions.
There is nothing more American than a street in New York City.
A.The beautiful variety brings life into the city. |
B.The energy they give off will be sure to inspire you. |
C.These streets are known for their variety of great food. |
D.An additional form of art that fills these streets is music. |
E.The many aspects of the urban culture are there on the street. |
F.A huge benefit of the city life is the diverse transportation choices. |
G.You become one tiny fish in the deep depths of the ocean once entering. |