The Xi’an City Wall is the most complete city wall that has survived China’s long history. It     1     (build) originally to protect the city     2     the Tang dynasty and has now been completely restored (修复). It is possible       3     (walk) or bike the entire 14 kilometers.

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     4     (spend) some time looking at all the defensive equipment at the wall, we decided it was time for some action and what     5     (good) than to ride on a piece of history!

We     6     (hire) our bikes from the rental place at the South Gate. My bike was old and shaky     7     did the job. It took us about 3 hours to go all     8     way around the Xi’an City Wall. Supposedly you can do it in two hours, but we stopped at the different gates and     9     (watchtower) to take pictures or just to watch the local people going about their     10     (day) routines.

2 . As well as hosting New Zealand’s largest and most populous city, the Auckland region features many attractive, diverse places.

Central Auckland

Central Auckland is a hub of urban delights set against beautiful coastal scenery. You can take a trip up the Sky Tower, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. The adventurous can also try SkyJump-New Zealand’s highest base jump-or the incredible Sky Walk where you’ll walk around the outside of the Sky Tower for extraordinary sightseeing.

Rangitoto Island

Emerging unexpectedly from the sea some 600 years ago, Rangitoto, with its distinctive shape and superb location just off the coast, is the youngest and largest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field. The island is a favourite destination for hikers and day-trippers. Walk up to the top, and you can see the black lava caves on your way up and don’t forget to bring a torch to explore them with the kids.

Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island is a large island with a small population. For thousands of years, Bt has sheltered Auckland’s harbour from the continuous swells of the Pacific Ocean. The wilderness areas are home to several unique plant and bird species. Most amazingly, the community on the island is not using the public supplies of electricity, gas or water, but entirely relying on renewable solar power and collection of freshwater.

Waiheke Island

In landscape, lifestyle and experience, Waiheke is a world away. The three white sandy beaches are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or having a picnic. If you’re a walker, explore the island’s tracks which wind along cliff tops and into cool native forests. At the eastern end of the island, a walkway leads you to a system of World War Il gun emplacements (炮台) and underground tunnels.

4 . The Best National Parks to Visit in Winter

While most parks tend to draw families in the summer and fall, there are also ideal spots for adventurous winter trips.

The country’s oldest and best-known national park takes on an almost otherworldly atmosphere in winter: the air filled with rolling steam, the strong colors of hot springs, the surrounding white landscapes, let alone the impressive wildlife during this time, like bison, wolves, and playful red foxes. Just book a guided hiking tour to get a ranger’s perspective on the park and local people.

With its giant red rocks and unique trees, you’ll feel like stepping onto a foreign planet as you spend hours hiking the Panorama Loop or Maze Loop. The park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, featuring virtually zero light pollution and the country’s best views of a starry sky.

A significantly lower number of visitors in winter means you can take in unblocked views of the South Rim, and get to see the rare beauty of the Grand Canyon dusted with snow. For those adventurous and daring, it is recommended to hike the Bright Angel Trail and take the chance to see the canyon’s wintertime wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and bald eagles.

Surprise! Not all wintertime national park trips need to involve snow. Virgin Islands National Park is most famous for its white-sand beaches. You can also hike inland to visit old sugar plantations, or venture out to the water to swim along with sea turtles and manta rays. You will definitely enjoy a different winter here.

At a table on a small terrace (露台) overlooking the Garonne River, I’ve just finished a classic southern French dish of shellfish. The restaurant seems to be one of the last on the block to appeal more _________ than tourists. I drink my coffee and _________ for the moment when the bright sky reaches that post-sunset shade of dark blue. As the moment_________, I finish my coffee and walk 200 meters to join the _________ on the street, across from the Place de la Bourse.

We gather at the edge of the miroir d’ eau (“water mirror”). It is a shallow pool the _________ of a sports field that goes through a nonstop 15-minute cycle of _________ with about two centimeters of water, then emptying out.

After a couple of minutes, the water has flowed away,_________a field of flat, wet stones to create a perfect _________ of the splendid 18^th-century buildings. At _________ that moment, the lights at the foot of the building__________, creating an image of instant beauty that is __________ with a mix of “wows” and “ohs” and the clicking of cameras.

__________, I cross the street to visit the Old City. I pass the grand structures along the quai (码头) and wander along the __________ streets behind it, which are __________ with restaurants, wine bars and shops. This contrast is what I always like so much about this city. The architecture of the Grand-Theatre, the museums and the town hall __________ the fact that the word “grandeur” is truly French.

Shanghai Disneyland Park, located in Chuansha New Town of Pudong New Area, was     1    (official) confirmed (证实) to open     2     June 16^th, 2016. Shanghai Disneyland,     3     is the sixth in the world and the second in China after Hong Kong Disneyland, creates many records among the Disney parks.

Tourists can choose goods and enjoy tasty snacks while they are     4     (walk) around. In addition, they are sure to have a chance     5     (hug) Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse as well as take photos with these lovely friends.     6     is more important is that whether you are old or young, you can surely have great fun here. With inspiring music, the movie figures (人物) put on     7     (interest) performances (表演) on the street and give guests an unforgettable great time.

It is obvious that with its exciting     8     (attract), Shanghai Disneyland will be     9     great success in the world. If you plan to visit the park during the summer holidays, please book a ticket in advance. Millions of people     10     (pay) a visit to it in the past few months.

In Northwest China's Gansu Province     1     (lie) Zhangye National Geopark, which is blessed with a spectacular Danxia (red cloud) landform area     2     (cover) about 19 square miles. The Danxia landforms are     3     masterpiece of nature. The colorful mountain ridges are just like an overturned palette from heaven. Bands of fiery red, creamy orange, rich green and bright yellow streak across the mountain, forming     4     is known as the most beautiful rainbow mountain.

The incredible landscapes were created by sandstone and minerals piling on top of one another over the years due to tectonic plate movements. Wind, rain, and tine then carved the rock formations and rolling hills into     5     (vary) extraordinary shapes, including towers, pillars and valleys.

    6     (declare) a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010 and a national geopark in 2011, the landform has become a top tourist     7     (attract). The park features a series of boardwalks that allow visitors to walk around the colorful sandstone landscapes. There are viewing platforms     8    (special) designed, enabling tourists to get close to the hills and feast their eyes     9     the magnificent sights without damaging the fragile ecosystem. Shuttle bus service is available, making     10     easy for tourists to get around the park.

The Dancing House in Prague, Czechia, is designed by Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić. When it was first built, it caused a big debate because of its unusual design. Those against it said the building is not suitable for the surrounding.     1    

Before World War II, there was a 19th-century building where the Dancing House is today. Due to the damage of that building, after the war, it was decided to build a new and modern building to replace (替代) it.     2     But he didn’t accept it. Later, Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić took the project and designed this unique building.

The building of the Dancing House started in 1992 and completed in 1996. The house includes two main buildings. One has curved (弧形的) supporting columns (柱) with glass covered outsides.     3     These buildings lean into each other like they are dancing.

    4     The building was also called Fred and Ginger. Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire were a well-known dance couple. They gave inspirations to this design. That’s why the corner towers of this building symbolize a dancing couple with a curved shape and swinging lines.

The curved form of the building can be felt inside of the Dancing House as well. Inclined columns, metal supports and wavy walls remind visitors what a unique building they are in.

    5     It is possible to enjoy an amazing view of Prague in the restaurant.