Usually, if you first travel to Guilin in China for the first time, you are mostly advised     1    (take) a ship to explore the wonderful Li River. By taking the ship, you can explore     2     whole river in the most relaxing way. And you needn’t worry     3     your luggage because you can take it with you all the way and avoid     4    (get) wet. Taking the ship on Li River is also the only     5    (choose) for the children less than 1.2 meters and the elderly,     6     (especial) the elders more than 70 years old, as you cannot take a bamboo raft(筏) on the Li River.

For the people     7     have already experienced the Li River cruise before, you can have a try about the bamboo rafts. You will still have an     8    (impress) and pleasing experience about Li River by taking bamboo rafts, because the rafts will also sail through the most popular Nine Horses Fresco Hill, Yellow Cloth Shoal, Xingping Ancient Town, etc.

Hiking     9    (recommend) for the hiking and photography fans and also the travelers who are curious about the local lifestyle or want a unique view of Li River. When walking around the riverbank, you have     10    (much) chances to meet with local working fishermen than walking in other places of Li River.

The Shennongjia Scenic Area is divided into several parts. A must-visit site is the Shennong Peak, which    1    (belong) to the eastern range of the Daba Mountains. It is    2     (high) peak of Shennongjia, and stands 3,106. 2 meters above sea level.

Considering the high altitude of the mountain, an automobile ride    3     (require) to reach the top of the peak. While traveling up the mountain, tourists can stop at    4    29-meter-high observation tower built in 1985. It is used for fire    5    (prevent) and pest monitoring.

Almost every day of the year finds the peak hidden in a heavy layer of cloud cover, fog or mist, making it difficult for people    6     (get) a clear glimpse of its landscape. Only in summer and autumn,     7     the sky is clear and the fog has disappeared, can visitors look down from the top of the peak and see the rolling green hills, and trees of various kinds coming up from the ground.

For tourists    8    (plan) to reach the top of the peak, they must climb a line of stairs. The stone stairs    9     lead to the top of the Shennong Peak are paved with 2,999 marble steps. After one and a half hours, visitors will reach the top. The landscape on the top is different from the dense forests on the hillside and    10     the foot of the mountain.

3 . The Dead Sea might be the most famous saline body in the world, but it’s by no means the only one. Here, we uncover some other salt lakes around the world.

Dead Sea

The most famous of the lot, the Dead Sea—also known as the Salt Sea—is a natural place to start. It’s technically not a sea at all, but a land salt lake. Its waters are mainly drawn from the Jordan River, and the high salinity (盐度) means no life can survive here, so don’t expect any colorful fish. However, much amusement results from the sea’s buoyancy (浮力): Bring some reading material to the waters and lie back—nature will do the rest.

Lake Assal

Surrounded by black volcano rocks, Lake Assal takes the title of being the lowest point in Africa. Vast salt fields mark its edges; the lake has long been at the centre of the area’s salt trade, on which the region’s African locals still rely. Though the area might not be suitable to live in, the waters are rich in minerals and related to health benefits.

Great Salt Lake

The biggest salt lake in the western hemisphere, and the one that gave Salt Lake City its name, the Great Salt Lake finds its home in northern Utah. What makes the lake well-known is not only the lake’s blue and green waters and white-sand beaches, but also Great Salt Lake State Park and Antelope Island State Park, both offering super hiking and biking trails, and great long views.

Don Juan Pond

Don Juan Pond might not win any prizes for its beauty—at four inches deep, it’s little more than a pond, but it is worth visiting. Its salinity content of almost 40 percent   makes it   one   of   the   saltiest   bodies   of   water   on   Earth, meaning it doesn’t freeze even when Antarctic temperatures drop to -50℃. And with suggestions that water in a similar form could exist on Mars, there’s more than one reason for scientists to study this fascinating dry, cold environment.

4 . I’m studying English at a school in the UK at the moment and having a wonderful time, meeting new friends and getting to know the country. We have the chance to go on lots of trips and recently we visited the famous town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.     1     Our English teacher wanted us to do more than that.

Before we went, we prepared for the trip.     2     Some students did one on the environment, while another group wrote some questions about hobbies and interests. There were five groups altogether. I’m really interested in business studies and my group had questions to ask local businesspeople and shopkeepers.

We were there for the whole day and we all thought it would be best to do the research in the morning.     3     When we arrived in Stratford, each group went off around the town to ask local people their questions. It was really good fun. We had the chance to practice our English and the local people were very friendly and helpful. In fact, they told our teacher how polite they thought we all were.

Stratford is a lovely town and we spent the afternoon enjoying the sights. After lunch we looked around Holy Trinity Church, and of course we visited the house where the world’s most famous playwright was born and grew up.     4     I got home feeling tired but I had had a fantastic day out.

Besides being fun, it was a great way to practice our English, and not only because we were able to speak to local people.     5     We took it in turns to stand up and explain to the other groups what our questions were about and the things we found out. We all enjoyed it so much that we’re hoping to repeat it later in the year in a new location.

5 . Dozens of sea turtles swim past as I dive. Suddenly a diver cuts me off. Then another. “Hey!” I think. “Watch where you’re going!” Then I realize: These aren’t divers. They are sea lions! The creatures blow bubbles at me and the group of 11 kids I’m on vocations with, hitting us slightly on our backs. To not bother them much, we tear ourselves away from the wonderland.

We take this trip to the Galapagos Islands, a group of tropical islands crossing the equator. Our hotel is a boat called the Eclipse that has a pool. Humans aren’t allowed to live on most of the islands. The only way people can experience the magic of this place and meet animals on all the islands is by “panga”. “Our small motorboat is more important than the Eclipse. It’s very safe,” says a local guide, Fielsch. Lack of human threat makes the animals friendly. “They don’t know enough to be scared of humans.” Our group experience that firsthand. When we return after our diving adventure, we find sea lions lying next to our backpacks! Walking along the sand, we see more wildlife: seals, red crabs, orcas.

The following morning, we reach Fernandina Island, known for its volcano. Flightless birds called cormorants build nests on the rocks. Nearby are Galapagos penguins. Averaging about 19 inches in height, they’re the second smallest species of penguin in the world. “The Galapagos are so curious,” says 12-year-old Harry. “You’ve got penguins living far from the frozen South Pole, and birds that don’t fly!”

As we ride back, six penguins stand like soldiers, seeming to say goodbye. It’s our last day; none of us wants to leave this place. We know this trip has been a milestone for us. A marked shift in our attitudes towards the natural world is underway. “The Galapagos Islands seem to break the world’s rules,” says Harry. “More than ever, I’m interested in saving the environment. These animals truly need our care,” his sister Hannah adds.

6 . Make the most of the pleasant weather and enjoy the best walk of the year with friends and family. Use your 2 for 1 Entry in some of our favorite landscape gardens for a memorable day out.

Painswick Rococo Garden

Find beauty and quietness at the UK's only complete surviving Rococo Garden. Discover fanciful garden flowers, woodland walks, and beautifully framed (镶框) views across the valley. Dogs on short leads are permitted and the shop offers a range of seasonal and local produce.

Book at rococogarden.org.uk.

Open: closed 1-25 March, open 26-31 March, 10 am-4 pm, last entry 2:30 pm.

Nymans Garden

Walk down Spring Walk packed with seasonal flowers and pleasant smells, and enjoy the hedge (树篱) topped with frost. Routes include those with plenty of level paths to follow around the garden. Dogs are welcome every day from 1:30 pm, with a festive treat provided.

Book at nationaltrust.org.uk/ nymans.

Open: daily except 24-25 March, 10 am-4 pm.

Ventnor Botanic Garden

Even in early spring, there are typically over 200 varieties of plants to be seen flowering as you explore the 27 acres. Enjoy access to the coastal path and routes accessible for wheelchairs, and then warm up with coffee milk in the cafe afterwards.

Book at botanic.co.uk.

Open: daily except 25 March, 9 am-4 pm.

Gibside Garden

Enjoy walking paths at this Georgian landscape garden, featuring plenty of wildlife. Follow the winding river and turning valley for fantastic views. up with hot chocolate and delicious biscuits in the second-hand bookshop.

Book at nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside.

Open: daily except 24 and 25 March, 10 am-4 pm.

Welcome to Lijiang,     1     very impressive ancient city! Upon your     2     (arrive), your guide and driver will meet you at the airport or the railway station, and transport you to the hotel in ancient town area with a private car which is     3     (comfort), air-conditioned and non-smoking.

After a short rest, you’ll start a memorable tour in Lijiang Ancient Town.     4     (establish) in the Ming Dynasty as a business center, it is a well-preserved 800-year-old town, which     5     (list) as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Wander to the central area of the old town and visit Mufu Palace. It is famous     6     the architectural buildings.     7     (get) into the palace, you can know Tusi’s ruling history and appreciate Naxi people’s brilliant culture and fine arts. Then, walk through the old alleys (小巷), old bridges, featured shops and bars to Sifang Street Square,     8     is a must-see attraction. If time permits, join the Naxi people and tourists to dance     9     (happy) in a round.

The small town also enjoys convenience in transportation. There     10     (be) direct flights from dozens of cities and trains are also available from Kunming, Dali.

10 . If you are seeking a nice vacation destination for your family, the country of Greece should be at the top of your list. Apart from being one of the most beautiful places on the earth, it is also home to some of the best food and wine that has ever been produced.     1    

Good accommodation is hard to find. Whether hotel or resort, chances are they’re all booked. Because of this, you better know when to book reservations.     2     Beaches are less crowded and deals are better. For the low on budget, you may choose the youth hostels in Santorini for an elegant view.

    3     In contrast to common belief, there are fewer vegetarian (素食者) choices than you might expect. The Greeks consume significantly more meat than the rest of the Mediterranean population. The majority of the restaurants provide meat-based dishes, and the food is unquestionably delicious.

Not all beaches are safe. Just like in any other country, not everything is as safe as it seems. Some of Greece’s beaches can be dangerous. Milos is home to some of the most beautiful but dangerous beaches in Greece.     4     To be more cautious, avoid such beaches whenever possible.

You’ll need cash.     5     This is because you will hardly find ATMs since they are mostly located at a distance, inaccessible, or even non-existent. It is recommended that you convert your money to Euros in advance as this is the currency you are going to be using.