There is a saying that you have not been to China if you have not visited the Terracotta Warriors (bing ma yong). Located to the west of Xi'an, bing ma yong is a collection of the tomb treasures of Qin Shihuang, the First Emperor of China. They were built by hundreds of thousands of men more than 2,000 years ago. Bing ma yong were a copy of Qin Shihuang's
If you feel an urge to visit the bing ma yong, the Terracotta Army Museum in Xi'an is a must-see, which is considered one of the greatest archaeological(考古的)
2 . A big part of an American road trip is to get your music on as you head out on the highway and enjoy the sights and the scenery. Here are the top four scenic drives in America’s Southwest.
Big Sur Coast Highway, California
It is officially known as California State Route 1 with views of high mountains and rolling waves. Photo tip--just after you cross the bridge (going south), there’s a parking area which is great for shots looking back towards the bridge.
Las Vegas Boulevard, Nevada
Number two is not to be confused with “The Strip” in Las Vegas. It is worth checking out for its neon (霓虹) signs along the roadside. You can see the Hacienda Horse, Rider and the iconic Silver Slipper along this way which takes only 15 minutes to drive.
Death Valley, California
As the hottest, driest and lowest national park, Death Valley is a land of extremes. More than just a desert, Death Valley provides park visitors with a chance to admire natural beauty from the snow mountains to the wildflower fields and small oases (绿洲) to the endless desert.
Red Rock Scenic Byway, Arizona
The Scenic Byway is south on the way to Oak Creek, which is surrounded by an amazing landscape of red rock hills set against clear blue skies. The sandstone rock glows in the sunshine and it’s worth taking your hiking boots and getting out into the landscape to experience its positive energy.
1. Who is the text probably written for?A.Hikers. | B.Self-driving tourists. |
C.Photography lovers. | D.Adventurers. |
A.Parking to listen to the waves. | B.Enjoying the beauty of neon signs. |
C.Going for a hike on high mountains. | D.Taking pictures across the bridge. |
A.Big Sur Coast Highway | B.Las Vegas Boulevard |
C.Death Valley | D.Red Rock Scenic Byway |
3 . The hike to the lost Incan city of Choquequirao is one of the most difficult in Peru. From the town of Cachora, which is 161km west of Cusco, it's an 18km walk to Capuliyoc Mountain, then down to Playa Rosalina, where travellers camp for the night. Waking early, travelers then have to cross the Apurímac River and walk uphill to camp close to the ruins. Then, the next morning, it's another 2km walk up to the ruins, 3, 100m above sea level. To get back? Well, it's the same way you came.
“I've had people in their 60s and 70s do it,” said Juan Barrios, a guide from the Adventure Life company. “But some people come out thinking that because it's only 28km from the drop off they can do it in a day. Six or seven days for the hike is best.”
It makes sense, then, that Choquequirao draws only about 30 people a day during the high season (June through August). Compare that to the 2, 500 people who arrive each day at the famous Incan city of Machu Picchu.
But for those who make the journey, the rewards (回报) are great: beautiful mountain views at every turn, and the chance to explore the wonderful ruins nearly alone.
Believed to be created around the same time as Machu Picchu, in 1445, Choquequirao is actually larger than better-known Machu Picchu. But very little has been written about Peru's other lost city and researchers are still uncovering new parts of the ruins, leaving life on the mountain relatively untouched.
But officials say that the building of the first cable car (缆车) to Choquequirao will shorten the several-day walk to a 15-minute cable car ride. As a result, the number of travellers that now make the journey each week could turn into 3,000 visitors per day.
Choquequirao is beautiful now because of how untouched it is. Even though the lost city was discovered by Spanish explorer Juan Arias Díaz in 1710, the ruins still make you feel as though you're the first to find them. Will it be the same when more travellers flood in (大量涌入)?
1. What does the first paragraph centre on?A.How tall Choquequirao is. | B.How to get to Choquequirao easily. |
C.What great views Choquequirao has. | D.How hard the trip to Choquequirao is. |
A.Choquequirao is older. | B.Choquequirao is quieter. |
C.Choquequirao is smaller. | D.Choquequirao is better known. |
A.They're still being dug out. | B.They're in a generally poor condition. |
C.They're being renewed at the moment. | D.They've been researched internationally. |
A.It will be more attractive. |
B.It will develop at a slow speed. |
C.It won't necessarily take a turn for the better. |
D.It won't be more popular than Machu Picchu. |
4 . 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.
1. Why did the villagers leave Houtouwan?A.To look for another fishing route. | B.To preserve its natural beauty. |
C.To seek a better life on the mainland. | D.To make room for a film base. |
A.Houtouwan. | B.Old Dragon’s Head. |
C.Crescent Lake. | D.Panjin Red Beach. |
A.They’re all wonders of nature. | B.They’re all not-so-famous. |
C.They’re all inconveniently located. | D.They’re all well-preserved. |
The Xi’an City Wall is the most complete city wall that has survived China’s long history. It
We accessed the wall through the South Gate. The wall is 12 meters high and from here you can see streams of people moving inside and outside the City Wall.
After
We
6 . Thinking about exploring the world again?
While travel is still just a dream for many, we know that some of you are now eager to pencil in your next adventure. We are now taking bookings for our 2021 and 2022 tours.
Mongolia
Dinosaur Hunting in the Gobi Desert
15 days I 28 August and 11 September 2021
A thrilling and unique adventure to find dinosaur remains in the wilderness of the Gobi Desert with professional paleontologists (古生物学家) from the Mongolian Institute. Fully join in fossil digging across key sites.
Vietnam
Caves, Conservation, Culture
11 days I 4 September 2021
Discover a different side of Vietnam in this wide-ranging tour that covers geology, wonderful landscapes, animal conservation, culture and history. Experience tropical (热带的) jungles, caves, happy villages and amazing achievements of underground engineering.
Japan
Nature, Culture, Science: Tokyo to Kagoshima
12 days I 17 October 2021
Travel the length of Japan in a journey that contains its must-see technology and nature, from the big city of Tokyo with New Scientist’s Rowan Hooper to hot springs, volcanic (火山的) islands and snowy mountains.
Iceland
Land of Fire and Ice
8 days I 30 October and 6 November 2021
Appreciate erupting geysers (间歇泉), glaciers and waterfalls on a trip of volcanic and geological adventure. Joined by geologist Oliver Shorttie, discover the best of Iceland with a chance to see the Aurora Borealis (北极光).
1. How long does the trip to find dinosaur remains last?A.15 days. | B.12 days. | C.11 days. | D.8 days. |
A.Dinosaur Hunting in the Gobi Desert. |
B.Caves, Conservation, Culture. |
C.Nature, Culture, Science: Tokyo to Kagoshima. |
D.Land of Fire and Ice. |
A.They last at least 10 days. |
B.They are guided by geologists. |
C.They provide a trip of volcanic adventure. |
D.They offer a chance to see the Aurora Borealis. |
A remarkable example of classical French architecture, Chambord Castle is the largest castle in the Loire Valley of France. Built in 1519 as a hunting lodge for the royal court, the building was rarely lived in. There are one hundred rooms (of 440) open-to the public and dozens of staircases, including one said to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The surrounding 21-square-mile nature park entertains with hiking and-biking routes and boat rentals.
LEEDS CASTLE, KENT, UNITED KINGDOM
Situated on two islands in the middle of a lake, Leeds Castle provides a grand and romantic experience. It has served as a royal residence for most of its 900-year history. The 500-acre English castle now hosts year-round cultural events, with three restaurants, a bed-and-breakfast and a yew tree maze.
MOSZNA CASTLE, POLAND
Moszna Castle was originally designed in Baroque style in the 17th century, but the later addition of a neo-Gothic brought Hogwarts appeal to the castle, especially at night when its 99 towers and glowing windows twinkle in the outdoor reflecting pool. Nowadays, art exhibits and indoor concerts attract visitors to the 365-room castle.
BRAN CASTLE, BRASOV, ROMANIA
Bran Castle originally dates back to the year 1212 and is mistakenly believed to be the home in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The author never visited this fortress, commonly known as Dracula’s Castle, but it still attracts literature fans to its weakly-lit hallways for night tours and an annual Halloween party.
1. What can visitors-to Chambord Castle do?A.Hunt in the nature park. | B.Go boating with friends. |
C.Live in any of its rooms. | D.Admire da Vinci’s paintings. |
A.CHAMBORD CASTLE | B.LEEDS CASTLE |
C.MOSZNA CASTLE | D.BRAN CASTLE |
A.CHAMBORD CASTLE. | B.LEEDS CASTLE. |
C.MOSZNA CASTLE. | D.BRAN CASTLE. |
8 . Best Ski Resorts (胜地)
Stevens Pass—Washington
While American families have different choices when it comes to winter snow sports, many choose Stevens Pass. For some fun after the sun goes down, Stevens Pass offers night skiing under the lights until 10 p. m. If you need to get some work done, you can head to the Visitor Center where free Wii is offered for work from mountain experience.
Good to Know: Buy tickets 7+days earlier for the biggest savings.
Beaver Creek—Colombia
With full childcare choices and the best ski school for beginners, Beaver Creek is a perfect ski resort for families. For kids who aren't quite ready to ski, the Small World Play School is a good place to go to. Add in a Cookie Cabin, and you may never want to go down this mountain!
Good to Know: Every day at 3 p. m. enjoy Cookie Time—where cooks serve warm, delicious chocolate cookies!
Big Sky Resort-Montana
Big Sky is greatly designed for skiing lovers. The Lone Peak Playhouse offers childcare to kids aged six months to eight years old, so you can enjoy skiing while your kids play. Or, head to Chet's for board games and live music.
Good to Know: Kids aged six and under ski free.
Mt. Hood Meadows—Oregon
For beginners, start with Buttercup and Ballroom Carpet. Or, head to the Children's Learning Center, where kids as young as four can sign up for lessons. If you add in the healthy lunches, you can rest easy while your kids have a great full-day lesson.
Good to know: Kids can get a special two-hour beginner lesson for just $ 25, and equipment rental (设备租用)can be added for $10. Tickets can only be bought ahead of time.
1. What can visitors do at Stevens Pass?A.Take skiing lessons. | B.Play indoor games. |
C.Do voluntary work | D.Ski at night. |
A.Both offer snacks. | B.Both offer childcare |
C.Both offer live music. | D.Both offer board games. |
A.$ 10. | B.$ 25. |
C.$ 35 | D.$ 45. |