For the first time in 94 years, the Palace Museum has extended its opening hours, allowing the public to celebrate the Lantern Festival at night in the ancient palace.
About 3,000 lucky visitors received free tickets from the government, among
To guarantee the
Since he became director of the Palace Museum, Shan Jixiang
Chinese tourism industry is
Nowadays travelling is
China
3 . The morning that Devanshi Mavani reached the top of Kilimanjaro, the conditions were bitter. She had set off, like most hikers, the night before to time her arrival at the summit (山顶) with the sunrise. Immediately, heavy snow began to fall. “Normally people see Kenya on the other side. When we got to the summit, we saw nothing,” she says. “It was like a ski slope (斜坡). But I was crying with happiness.”
Just 17 months earlier, this trip had seemed impossible. In May 2017, Mavani was diagnosed with type I diabetes (糖尿病). She says, “I felt so low, thinking, ‘What am I going to do now in life, stuck with this?’”
The news put in jeopardy all Mavani’s hopes of travelling. She retired the year before and her son eventually flew the nest. “I felt free. It was my chance. I thought, ‘Hooray, I can enjoy life.’” But her diagnosis made Mavani scared to leave the house. Her elder sister came to help, but Mavani “couldn’t walk to the local park” without feeling unwell. Very slowly, Mavani built herself up from walking around the block to taking gentle gym classes. It was there that she met Hazel, who invited her to a talk about climbing Kilimanjaro.
When Mavani returned home that evening, she told her husband that it was something she really wanted to do. “The hike was the following year, when I was turning 60. He said, ‘You’ve got time.’ It was the best thing I did. It took my focus away from worrying about my disease to something completely different. How am I going to get fit again? How am I going to cope with this huge hike so far outside my comfort zone?”
During the seven-day trek, Mavani had to inject (注射) herself five to eight times a day. “It was -16℃ outside; I had to take off all my clothes, lying on a snowy rock. I overcame all that,” she says. “I thought, I don’t fear the diabetes. If I can do this, I can do anything.”
Mavani recently completed the West Highland Way and the Cotswolds Way, and has booked a trip to Machu Picchu in Peru.
1. Why did Mavani cry at the top of Kilimanjaro?| A．She felt disappointed at not seeing the scene she had expected. |
| B．She was excited to finish something challenging. |
| C．She was afraid to be left behind by other hikers. |
| D．She couldn’t wait to ski down the mountain. |
| A．Revealed. | B．Inspired. | C．Announced. | D．Threatened. |
| A．Supportive. | B．Doubtful. | C．Disapproving. | D．Worried. |
| A．She has learnt a new way to connect with people. |
| B．Her physical health has recovered rapidly. |
| C．She has fallen in love with travelling. |
| D．Her confidence has been built up. |
4 . 你的英国朋友Jim所在的学校要组织学生来中国旅行，有两条线路可以选择：“长江之行”或者“泰山之旅”。Jim来信希望你能给些建议。请你给他回信，内容包括：
1.你建议的线路；
2.你的理由；
3.你的祝愿。
注意：1.词数不少于50；2.开头和结尾已给出，不计入总词数。
Dear Jim,Yours,
Li Hua
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.
1. How does the author find the diving experience?| A．Attractive. | B．Disturbing. |
| C．Dangerous. | D．Valuable. |
| A．To protect people from danger. |
| B．To provide a shelter for local people. |
| C．To guide people in seeing the animals. |
| D．To transport people to each of the islands. |
| A．They are not able to fly. |
| B．They remain hidden from view. |
| C．They live in a tropical climate. |
| D．They’re the smallest of their kind. |
| A．It expands their knowledge of the world. |
| B．It changes the way they think about nature. |
| C．It inspires them to protect the environment. |
| D．It enables them to interact with various wildlife. |
Rising numbers of visitors are heading
Luo Shan, a young receptionist at the site, is frequently asked by early-morning
On Saturday, more than 9,000 people visited the museum, over four times the number on a typical weekend. Ticket sales reached 510,000 yuan ($77,830), the second
The increase in visitors was caused by a live broadcast of relics
Situated 40 kilometers north of Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, the site covers 12 square kilometers and contains the ruins of
7 . The New York See It All Tour is exactly what it sounds like: an all-inclusive guided tour of New York City.
Central Park
One of the most famous parks in the world, Central Park is a man-made wonder. Not only is it the first public park built in America, but it is also one of the most frequently visited parks, with over 25 million guests per year. Set in the middle of busy Manhattan, its grounds serve as a safe harbor, not only for athletes, and musicians but also for lots of migratory birds each year. One can spend an entire peaceful day wandering its grounds, gazing upon nearly 50 fountains, monuments, and sculptures or admiring its 36 bridges.
Hudson River Park
Hudson River Park is a waterside park on the Hudson River that extends from 59th Street south to Battery Park in the New York City district of Manhattan. Bicycle and pedestrian paths, including the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, span the park north to south, opening up the waterfront for the public to relax. The park includes tennis and soccer fields, children’s playground, dog run, and many other features.
Washington Square Park
Washington Square, located in the heart of Greenwich Village, is a very popular and often crowded square. People from all backgrounds gather to this large square dotted with trees.
Central Park Zoo
The Central Park Zoo is a small 6.5-acre zoo located on Central Park in New York City. The zoo began in the 1860s, making it the first official zoo to open in New York. The zoo was improved in 1934, with the addition of many new buildings ranged in a quadrangle around the sea lion pool. Finally, the zoo was repaired in the mid-1980s and reopened in 1988, replacing the old-fashioned cages with naturalistic environments.
1. Which park is set in the heart of Greenwich Village?| A．Central Park. |
| B．Hudson River Park. |
| C．Central Park Zoo. |
| D．Washington Square Park. |
| A．It is primarily an artificial park. |
| B．It is the first public park built in the world. |
| C．It was the most crowded park when first built. |
| D．It especially attracts pedestrian and artists. |
| A．In the 1860s. | B．In 1934. |
| C．In the mid-1980s. | D．In 1988. |
1. What does the man like about his hometown?
| A．It’s really very big. |
| B．It has colorful nightlife. |
| C．It’s not expensive to live there |
| A．Cold. | B．Sunny. | C．Wet. |
9 . Why volunteer with STA Travel?
It’s a sad truth that many well-intentioned volunteer projects can be mismanaged for profit rather than helping. We will only work with projects that have a positive impact, satisfying the needs of the host communities while also meeting the desires of travellers to make real contributions, train their mind to think creatively, and gain skills for future study and work.
We support projects in more than 30 countries. Whether you’re looking to teach English, work with communities, animals or clean up our planet, there’s something for everyone.
Our featured voluntourism projects
Teach Children in Nepal
Join the project lasting over three weeks to assist with English lessons and homework and choose to stay at a shared volunteer house. Optional activities include a trip to Pokhara, the second largest city in the country and cooking demonstrations.
Thai Elephant Conservation
Experience one of our best-selling volunteer projects which offer a peaceful home to more than 30 neglected and previously abused elephants — with options ranging from seven days to four weeks. Play an important role by preparing food, feeding them and assisting in maintenance of the park.
Make a Difference in Indonesia
Work alongside local communities to arrange beach clean-ups and monitor and nurse newborn animals in their living areas for four weeks. There are also two-month options including teaching in local schools and community visit opportunities.
Experience Borne o & Conserve Orang-utans
This one-month project is designed for volunteers to experience and help with rehabilitation (复兴) of orang-utans in Sarawak, which are large arboreal animals and the only great apes in Asia. What’s more, take part in a long adventurous walk into the rainforest to meet the Iban and experience a unique stay in traditional longhouses.
1. What is the feature of STA Travel?| A．Its services are all over the world. | B．It provides free training for volunteers. |
| C．It focuses on domestic communities. | D．Its projects leave a far-reaching influence. |
| A．Teach Children in Nepal. | B．Make a Difference in Indonesia. |
| C．Thai Elephant Conservation. | D．Experience Borne o &Conserve Orang-utans. |
| A．Taking part in adventurous walks. |
| B．Bringing harmony between man and nature. |
| C．Tracking wild animals in their living places. |
| D．Arranging clean-ups in traditional longhouses. |
10 . Island life is one of those things you dream about. Here are four beautiful small islands to consider for your next vacation.
Washington Island, USA
Although with fewer than 700 residents, the island is home to Schoolhouse Beach, known for its clear water and smooth, rounded limestone rocks-one of only a handful of such beaches in North America. Tour the island on the Cherry Train, climb the lookout tower, or rent a bike and cycle the miles of empty roads. Retire for the night at the Hotel Washington & Studio, a landmark inn with a history of over 100 years.
Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda
There’s a good chance birds actually outnumber humans on the small island of Barbuda. Mostly undeveloped and completely unspoiled, the beaches are famous for silky white and pink sand, stretching as far as the eye can see. There’s only a handful of resorts and restaurants, mostly plain beach bars, but make sure to stop by Uncle Roddy’s, which serves up cold drinks and some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever find.
Grand Manan Island, Canada
While you won’t find any palm trees here, Grand Manan still offers a relaxed pace. Connected to mainland New Brunswick by ferry, the small island is home to charming villages, and the Swallow Tail Lighthouse-the second-most photographed lighthouse in all of Atlantic Canada. Take a whale-watching cruise (巡游), surf on the Bay of Fundy (home to the highest tides in the world), or just sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Key West, USA
Located at the end of the famous Florida Keys, Key West has a fascinating history. Tennessee Williams is said to have written the first draft of A Streetcar Named Desire here. Ernest Hemingway spent many a night in the bars of Old Town, now a historic district filled by wood-frame buildings. Take in the island’s famous lighthouse, photograph some of the free-running chickens, then settle in for the daily Sunset Celebration on Mallory Square.
1. Where can visitors live in a famous century-old inn?| A．Key West, USA. |
| B．Grand Manan Island, Canada. |
| C．Washington Island, USA. |
| D．Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda. |
| A．The wild and unexplored beaches. |
| B．The great number of bars and hotels. |
| C．Cold drinks and fresh food. |
| D．The chance to play on beautiful beaches. |
| A．Travelers can watch whale shows. |
| B．Travelers can visit a famous lighthouse. |
| C．Travelers can see the highest tide in the world. |
| D．Travelers can find the village where Hemingway once lived. |
