Praised by international media as a “winter wonderland” and “China’s ice city”, the city of Harbin attracted a record number of     1     (visitor) over the New Year’s Day holidays. The city’s     2     (popular) continued after the holiday as the 40th China Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival kicked off. Tourists from home and abroad     3     (draw) to the city by its grand and exquisite snow and ice sculptures. Among them, the 11 preschool children from Nanning, the subtropical capital city of Guangxi, over 3,000 kilometers away, were surely one of the     4     (high) profile guests.

Their trip, overloaded with cuteness, has become     5     online hit. Aged between 3 and 6 years old and accompanied by three teachers, the kids were affectionately given the nickname “little sugar tangerines (柑橘)” by netizens.     6     (express) gratitude for the great care and hospitality the kids received, Guangxi sent nearly 200 tons of fresh tangerines to Heilongjiang     7     a thank-you gift. The story continued with Harbin’s     8     (send) back more gifts to Guangxi,     9     gradually evolves (演变) to a “gift” and friendship exchange craze sweeping across the country.

More and more regions are joining in the exchanges between the north and south. The wave of exchanges     10     (bring) by the tourism boom in Harbin is a good sign and very encouraging.

2 . Thousands of people waited in line for hours until 10: 30 am for the grand opening of the Haikou International Duty Free City Shopping Complex (建筑群) — the world’s largest stand-alone duty-free facility.

Located near the key transportation center of Haikou along the northern coast of the island province of Hainan, the shopping area covers an area of 280,000 square meters and features more than 800 notable brands, including five global firsts and more than 50 stores with the world’s latest concept designs.

In 2021, about one in two travelers to the tropical island visited duty-free shops and one in six purchased offshore duty-free goods. As a result, duty free sales in Hainan accounted for about half of the province’s tourism revenue of the year.

Chen Lin, 37, from Jinan, Shandong, was visiting Hainan with her family and found herself attracted to all the shopping options. “The newly opened complex provides adequate stocks of latest products. What’s more, like us, tourists can purchase duty-free goods at good prices. With convenience and favorable policy, an increasing number of customers from outside Hainan will be attracted to come here,” Chen said.

The large complex brings local cultural forces to the front. The facility’s architectural shape is based on the begonia (秋海棠) flower and incorporates elements such as Haikou’s natural characteristics and ocean culture.

Han Yamei, 48, a local, visited the shopping complex and was amazed by its numerous brands and creative design. She couldn’t help asking her daughter to take photos of her. Han said the opening will not only bring shoppers a beautiful experience, but also give a boost to the local economy, adding that, “It’s located next to Xinhai Port, which is very convenient for visitors by ship to come and shop.”

As winter draws in, many flock to the south of China for its warmer climate and great beaches. However, those who are more daring head north looking for snowy adventures in the icy climates of Northeast China.     1     particular, an increasing number of tourists have been drawn to the frosty delights of Harbin, known as the Ice City.

Harbin, whose name is said to originate from a Manchu word that means “a place for drying fishing nets”, sprung up from a small rural     2     (settle) along the Songhua River to become one of the largest cities in Northeast China and capital of Heilongjiang province.

The city flourished with the arrival of the Chinese Eastern Railway,     3     connected it to the outside world, especially the Russian Empire. This paved the way for Harbin’s future development of     4    (it) unique culture where East meets West.

The city is     5     (distinguish) for its ice and snow festivals across the globe. These attract thousands of visitors, with sculptors     6     (travel) from all corners of the world to showcase their talents and a variety of winter-themed activities and sports.

Apart from these festivals, the city has much more to offer, from its     7     (tradition) European-style architecture to its more modern buildings, such as the Harbin Grand Theatre and the city’s most famous landmark, the Saint Sophia Cathedral. The unique cuisine, including Harbin-style smoky-savory red sausage, guo bao rou and kvass, a fermented cereal-based drink, can all     8     (sample) along Zhongyang Street.

While winter may be the best time     9     (visit) Harbin, the city has plenty to offer all year round and its individual charms make it     10     must-see spot no matter the weather.

6 . There are hundreds of great national nature reserves in China. Now feast your eyes on the following amazing ones.

Qinghai Lake, China’s largest saltwater lake in Qinghai Province, is a key body of water for lots of animals and birds. As an important stopover, migratory birds (候鸟) would rest in this area during their movement trip every year. The reserve became a national nature reserve in the year of 1997.

The only Bayanbulak Wetland, in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is at the foot of Tianshan Mountains, which makes itself suitable for migratory birds. Bayanbulak means “rich spring water” in Mongolian, meaning that the area is rich in water. Every year, swans (天鹅) from different places fly here for nesting, which became a national swan reserve in 1986.

As one of the largest wintering places for swans in China, this reserve in Shandong Province mainly protects whooper swans (大天鹅), which make it different from other nature reserves. In 2007, it was changed into a national nature reserve. Now every year, thousands of whooper swans arrive here to spend the winter, making it an important resting and wintering place for themselves.

This reserve focuses on protecting coral reefs and their living environment in Sanya City, Hainan Province. In 1990, it became a national nature reserve. This reserve is on the coast, so the area of the reserve has good water quality and many kinds of creatures,

8 . Thru hiking (徒步旅行) for long distances with your equipment on your back ________ placing yourself at the mercy of other people’s kindness. I thought it would be ________ to share some of the amazing experiences I’ve had regarding kindness of ________. Experiencing people’s kindness has left me inspired.

The first kindness is the Trail Angels who ________ their doors to hikers for support. They ________ rides to town for food or equipment and then provide essentials like showers, laundry and ship packages. They are people who ________ care for those who are away from home and need help.

Trail Magic can ________ at any time or place. The day I was climbing Mt. Baden Powell, there were two Japanese ladies sitting on the hillside resting. As I ________, they began clapping, stopped me, asked me about the trip, shared me some fruit and one woman bowed low and said, “I respect you.” Wow! What ________ words to hear!

One Saturday morning in the San Gabriel mountains, as we crossed a highway, trail runners in their vehicle pulled over to ________ us fruit. An hour down the trail, day hikers stopped and asked about our trip, opened their packs of ________ and asked, “What would you like to eat.” A few miles further we ________ Glennwood Cabin (格伦伍德小屋) and were fed pizza and drinks. At 9: 00 a. m. we were all pumped up and talking about this ________ day of kindness.

Now I am preparing for the next section hike to the Mojave desert. Thank you God for those who show a ________ heart and express the spirit of ________.

10 . Here is a great way for you to explore the beautiful countryside and colorful Chinese minority culture of southeast Guizhou during three days. With this 3-day Guizhou tour, you can appreciate the amazing wooden architecture of the Dong ethnic minority, discover a mysterious branch of the Miao ethnic minority, hike among the terraced fields, dress up in the traditional dress of the Dong people, and try their special tasty food. Here is a suggested plan of a journey.

DAY 1 Arrive in Zhaoxing Dong Village

Meet your personal guide at Congjiang train station. Drive to Zhaoxing Dong Village (about 10 minutes). Explore beautiful Zhaoxing Village in the afternoon. Your guide will walk around with you, explaining the style of the Dong wooden buildings, local customs, and the Dong people’s lifestyle. And the Dong people’s dancing and singing evening show is very enjoyable.

DAY 2 Zhaoxing Rice Terraced Fields Hike and Villages

Drive to Huanggang Dong Village in the morning. On the way, you will stop to hike around the terraced fields. Enjoy great views of the rice terraces and the villages on the mountain slopes (山坡).

Explore peaceful Huanggang Village and Zhanli Village, where you will see more of the authentic culture of the Dong.

Visit Biasha Miao village in the afternoon. Enjoy their traditional dancing and their ceremony with guns.

DAY 3 Zhaoxing Departure (离开)

Visit a batik (蜡染) workshop in the morning. Learn and experience making batik in the Dong style. Make a unique souvenir on your own (with guidance).

Transfer to Congjiang Train Station for your departure.