1 . Favored by many internet influencers, the city of Zibo, once a sleepy industrial city, has gone viral on Chinese social media platforms. The topic Zibo “barbecue” on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, was played 4.96 billion times since the city stormed the Internet for over a month. On 29 April, Zibo Railway Station saw a record 87,000 train trips to and from the station, according to Chinese news website Caixin.
Local authorities in Zibo have been quick to respond to the sudden flow of visitors. A barbecue zone that can accommodate 10,000 people, featuring live band performances, was built overnight. Volunteers have been dispatched to the railway station to offer advice and recommendations to tourists. Designated (指定的) buses and trains bring tourists to and from the hottest barbecue spots. The government has even threatened to punish profiteering hotels who raise prices by more than 50% .
What makes Zibo barbecue so special is that it does offer a distinctive (独特的) dining experience. The skewers (烤串) are 70-80 percent cooked before they are brought to the table, where diners can finish cooking them on their own stoves, offering an immersive dining experience.
Zibo’s low prices are also appealing. Many college students in Shandong have made concrete plans to enjoy Zibo barbecue at the least cost, and traveling back and forth by train for only 200 yuan ($29.1). So what better way to attract adventurous, hungry college students with a tight budget other than “tasty barbecue that makes you full for only 50 yuan!”
The locals seem happy enough about the arrival of visitors and shy away from hot spots to make space for outsiders, saying they are proud that their hometown has gained nationwide fame.
1. What is the first paragraph mainly about?| A．The history of Zibo. |
| B．The influence of social media. |
| C．The newfound popularity of Zibo. |
| D．The crowdedness of Zibo Railway Station. |
| A．Unique dining experience. | B．Convenient transportation. |
| C．Wonderful performances. | D．Affordable prices. |
| A．Favorable. | B．Worried. | C．Unconcerned. | D．Critical. |
| A．To promote an industrial city. |
| B．To introduce barbecue in Zibo. |
| C．To explain how to attract tourists. |
| D．To show the popularity of barbecue. |
2 . The beaches on Mykonos’s southwest coast are among the Med’s best for parties, but head east to find a different atmosphere among a rocky, golden coastline dotted with sandy bays.
Fokos Bay
Park your vehicle in the dirt lot and walk over the low dunes to find perfect little Fokos Bay,where deep, sheltered waters offer delightful swimming for all ages. Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, head on over to the renowned restaurant overlooking the sand for a lazy seafood lunch.
Agari Beach
If getting your own wheels isn’t an option, Agari is only a 15-minute walk east of the more famous Elia Bcach and on the south coast bcach ferry route. It’s one of the closest uncrowded beaches to Hora, Mykonos’s main town, and home to a lonely cafe that provides sunbeds and sell drinks and snacks.
Mersini Beach
Wander west around the headland to the next beach along - the gentle arc of Mersini beach, which is usually the least-crowded on Mykonos. Bring your own sun mat and even an umbrella as this beach is service-free: wild and raw, and perfectly matched to a sunbathing without being disturbed.
Kalafati Beach
In the far southeast, about seven miles from Mykonos town, the broad curving coastline of Kalafati Beach is beloved for its steady winds that blow the sails of windsurfers and kite surfers- perfect if you’re looking for sporting action. Rnt boards and get lessons right at the beach at Windsurfing Mykonos.
1. What can visitors do at Agari beach?| A．Try excellent seafood. | B．Rent boards for windsurfing. |
| C．Have a 15-minute ferry ride. | D．Rest undisturbed in sunbeds. |
| A．Its rental equipment for sunbathers. | B．Its undeveloped surroundings. |
| C．Its complex geography along the route. | D．Its free service of sun mats and umbrellas. |
| A．Fokos Bay | B．Mersini Beach | C．Agari Beach | D．Kalafati Beach |
3 . With the approaching of New Year, more and more visitors will come to China. Don’t know where you should go? Here are some places recommended for you.
Shanghai Expo Culture Park
The Shanghai Expo Culture Park will soon open its northern section to the public, in which the major attractions include a traditional garden that is similar in design to Shanghai’s famous Yuyuan Garden and a 400-meter avenue exhibiting the history of the area, while in the southern section lies a grand theater.
Macao Tower AJ Hackett Bungee Jump (蹦极)
The Macao Tower, 338 meters tall, is the world’s 10th highest tower, with a variety of activities, such as eating and entertainment. One of the activities which enjoy good fame is the bungee jump. The AJ Hackett Macao Tower Bungee Jump is 233 meters high, making it a Guinness World Record as the highest commercial (商业的) bungee jump in the world. Raise your arms and off you go!
Harbin’s Frozen World
For those who have never been to Harbin, there is an almost endless list of things to do. At Harbin Ice — Snow World, you can not only see the world — famous ice architecture, but also have great fun! You can have hotpot at the restaurants which are made of ice, enjoying the product of both ice and fire, go down the world’s longest ice slide (滑梯) and join in the popular Ice and Snow Electronic Music Festival to welcome 2024.
The winter is cold and the night is long, so why not go to the theatre? Harbin was listed by the United Nations as a “music city” in 2010. Harbin Grand Theater is where artistic souls defrost (化霜) a little to share their love of art.
1. What is the purpose of the passage?| A．To entertain readers. | B．To introduce some attractions. |
| C．To introduce Macao Tower. | D．To tell an experience in Harbin. |
| A．The Macao Tower. | B．Shanghai Expo Culture Park. |
| C．Shangha’s Yuyuan Garden. | D．Harbin Ice—Snow World. |
| A．They have a high tower. | B．They have a long ice slide. |
| C．They have a grand theater. | D．They have traditional architecture. |
4 . 4 Traditional French Christmas markets you need to know about
More affordable and closer than Germany and Austria, French Christmas markets make a perfect destination for a festive trip. These are the four traditional French Christmas markets you need to know about this Christmas.
Toulouse
Dates: November 25, 2023—December 25, 2023
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday: 10.30 am—8.30 pm, Friday and Saturday: 10.30 am—10 pm
The market is located in the heart of Toulouse. It’s surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the Capitole itself and the Jacobins church. The city is well-known for its terracotta architecture which serves as an fairytale exterior to their Christmas market.
Colmar
Dates: November 24, 2023—December 30, 2023
Opening times: Monday to Thursday: 2 pm—7 pm, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 10 am—7 pm
The town’s Christmas market is an ensemble (整体) of six distinct mini markets. The area is home to a number of wineries and speciality (特产) wine-makers, alongside its seven speciality Alsatian wines, which can be tried at their speciality Christmas food market.
Arras
Dates: November 24, 2023—December 30, 2023
Opening times:Monday to Friday: midday—7.30 pm, Saturday: 10 am—9 pm, Sunday: 10 am—7.30 pm
The market transforms the city’s Grand Place into a wonderland taking over three squares with over 100 stalls in front of the Baroque style architecture. Crown your market visit with a night ride on the beacon (灯塔) of the market—the Ferris wheel, which offers a gentle ride and views of the own and surrounding countryside below.
Bordeaux
Dates: November 24, 2023—December 27, 2023
Opening times: Every day: 11 am—9 pm
The market is open from late November to December and features over 200 stalls selling a variety of locally-made and crafted gifts. There is one food in particular linked to the city, and that is chocolate made from high quality local ingredients, to take home with you.
1. What do Toulouse and Arras have in common?| A．Both are popular with little kids. |
| B．Both offer free gifts to the customers. |
| C．Both have distinctive architecture styles. |
| D．Both are closed on Sundays and Mondays. |
| A．A wide range of crafted gifts. | B．Its local culture and history. |
| C．Its traditional building style. | D．The views of beautiful coast. |
| A．Toulouse | B．Colmar | C．Arras | D．Bordeaux |
5 . Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean
Choosing a Caribbean vacation that meets the needs of young children, preteens and adults might seem like a challenging task. The following introduction may provide you with some choices.
U. S. Virgin Islands
With three islands to choose from, U. S. Virgin Islands appeal to families who like to combine beach time with a bit of exploration. Virgin Islands National Park on St. John offers this combination — and more — with 20-plus trails and access to popular Trunk Bay beach. Kids will also enjoy Coral World Ocean Park on St. Thomas, where they can swim with dolphins and sea lions.
Bahamas
Beautiful beaches, magnificent reefs and opportunities for horseback riding and surfing lessons make the Bahamas a family favorite. Plus, this string of 700 islands boasts plenty of budget- and family-friendly resorts. One of the most famous resorts — Atlantis Paradise Island — even has its own 141-acre water park and the world’s largest open-air marine habitat for the young to enjoy. At the marine habitat, travelers can enjoy watching various aquatic animals swim by.
Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman, the largest and most popular of this three-island chain, offers families tons of ways to enjoy their time together. Adults and kids can sunbathe, build sandcastles and float in the Caribbean Sea at Seven Mile Beach, or swim with stingrays (刺魟) in the shallow water of Stingray City. To get up close and personal with more sea life, head to the Cayman Turtle Centre to interact with turtles of all shapes and sizes.
British Virgin Islands
Calm waters and pollution-free beaches attract travelers of all ages to the British Virgin Islands. While the destination can be pricey, families can save money by splashing around Smuggler’s Cove, a free beach known for its sea turtles and relaxing atmosphere. Visitors will also enjoy themselves in the Baths National Park.
1. What is special about the U. S. Virgin Islands?| A．The beaches are free of pollution. |
| B．Water sports courses can be taken. |
| C．Exploration lovers may be interested in it. |
| D．Kids can learn to communicate with dolphins. |
| A．By going to a free beach. |
| B．By exploring a national park together. |
| C．By swimming only in shallow water. |
| D．By getting close to the marine habitats. |
| A．They all have a special park. |
| B．Beautiful reefs can be appreciated. |
| C．Visitors have access to sea animals. |
| D．Places for building sandcastles are provided. |
6 . National parks like Yellowstone are popular destinations for both family vacations and adventure trips alike. But there are some places that simply don’t get the love that they deserve despite the fact that they are truly impressive.
Isle Royale National ParkLocated in the heart of Lake Superior, Isle Royale requires a bit of work to reach, but it is well worth the effort. Access is permitted only via daily ferries, which is why larger parks like Yellowstone see more visitors in a day than Isle Royale sees in a year. Wildlife like wolves are frequently spotted by hikers along the park’s scenic trails.
Dry Tortugas National ParkAnother island park, the Dry Tortugas can be found 68 miles to the southwest of the Florida Keys. Accessible only by boat or plane, this park is actually quite small, but it’s packed with history, abundant sea life, and amazing coral reefs. At the center of the park is Fort Jefferson, the largest masonry(砖石)structure in the Western Hemisphere.
Wrangell-St. Elias National ParkCovering more than 13.2 million acres, Wrangell-St Elias National Park is the largest in the entire U.S. system. Remote and mostly undeveloped, this is a park that demands more from its visitors, after all there are just two roads that lead into it. But in return, it gives them a special connection with nature that simply isn’t found anywhere else.
Big Bend National ParkTravelers looking for a truly wild experience should have Big Bend National Park on their bucket lists. Big Bend is well known for its whitewater rafting camping, and hiking although during the summer months it can be intensely warm, keeping many visitors away.
1. What is the main reason for fewer visitors to Isle Royale National Park?| A．The terrible work. | B．The dangerous wolves. |
| C．The remote location. | D．The inconvenient transport. |
| A．Big Bend National Park. | B．Isle Royale National Park. |
| C．Dry Tortugas National Park. | D．Wrangell St. Elias National Park. |
| A．With its wide roads. | B．With its large area. |
| C．With its beautiful scenery. | D．With its special visitors |
7 . For the charm of Italy’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes, we have a great package for you.
Rome
Rome is a very attractive city, known for its numerous attractions, perhaps more than any other capitals in the world. With a history about 2,500 years, Rome uniquely combines ancient classical sites with medieval (中世纪的) structures, such as Renaissance palaces and Baroque squares.
Venice
It’s like something out of a movie! There’s Venice, which is a super special city. It’s one of the richest cities during medieval times and it’s totally unique. Italy has been a popular destination for people who want to experience culture and romance for centuries. The country is known for its amazing art, music, design, landscapes, food and wine.
Lake Como & Alpine Railways
This wonderful wintertime break includes a visit to beautiful Como Town, with its breath-taking views. Take a journey on the scenic Bernina Express to famous St Moritz, and explore Como’s shores. Enjoy the magic of Italy’s romantic lake and discover the lakeside Como Town.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, has attracted visitors for over a century with its wonderful scenery—clear blue waters. Explore its colourful and historic lakeside towns, and you will enjoy all this beautiful scenery that Lake Garda offers.
Our package includes flights from your airport of choice. So what are you waiting for? Come and experience the magic of Italy for yourself!
1. What is special about Rome?| A．It is the most attractive city. | B．It has ancient classical sites. |
| C．It’s famous for lake scenery. | D．It has amazing art and music. |
| A．Rome. | B．Venice. |
| C．Lake Como Alpine Railways. | D．Lake Garda. |
| A．A diary. | B．A novel. |
| C．A travel magazine. | D．A news report. |
8 . Rome has been around for almost three thousand years and yet carries all that weight of history with a light heart. Explore our guides of Rome’s attractions, restaurants, shopping, nightlife and amazing things to do.
Morning
Start your day with a Roman breakfast of cappuccino and cornetto at elegant Bar Rosati, which at this morning hour still has a relaxing atmosphere. Then cross the square to the church of Santa Maria del Popolo, an artistic treasure world in which two strikingly dramatic canvases by Caravaggio stand out.
Afternoon
Brave the crowds and head for the Colosseum/Forum/Palatine complex. Half circus, half sports stadium, Rome’s most famous classical ruin is unmissable--especially now that they have extended the visitor route to the underfloor passageways through which gladiators (角斗士) and wild beasts made their entrances. Walk from the Colosseum through the Forum to the pretty Palatine Hill, where Romulus legendarily founded Rome, and where emperors such as Augustus built their palaces.
Late
Dine in one of Rome’s new breed of creative restaurants. In Trastevere, La Gensola offers a mix of tasty Roman specialities and Sicilian-style seafood dishes in an informal setting. Alternatively, head for Testaccio and grab a pizza at Da Remo or an aperitivo at the Enoteca Palombi, known for its selection of beers from across the globe.
Do you know?
Dress code in churches: shoulders covered and modest dress length for women, while for men vests and really short shorts are frowned on- -though these rules are only strictly enforced in major churches like St. Peter’s.
1. Where can you enjoy canvases by Caravaggio?| A．Bar Rosati. | B．Santa Maria del Popolo. |
| C．The Forum. | D．St. Peter’s. |
| A．It holds more people. | B．The nearby Palatine is in its full beauty. |
| C．It’s Colosseum’s off season. | D．An extended visitor route is in use now. |
| A．Long sleeve shirts. | B．Very short shorts. |
| C．Mini skirts for women. | D．Vests for men. |
9 . 
Chile (智利) is famous for its many attractions, including Torres del Paine National Park and Easter Island . If you’re planning a visit, be sure to add “Mano del Desierto” or “Hand of the Desert”to your must-see list.
Standing 11 meters tall and made of iron and cement (混凝土), this sculpture (雕像) of a hand emerges (出现) from the sand in the Atacama Desert , which is known as the driest desert in the world outside of polar regions. The sculpture was created by Mario Irarr á zabal in the early 1980s and was financed by a local nonprofit organization called Corporaci ó n Pro Antofagasta. The sculpture is not only famous for its size and design but also for the message it expresses. Many people believe that the hand represents the weakness and helplessness of human beings, as well as their strength and determination to overcome hardships.
If you’re interested in visiting the Hand of the Desert, take Route 26 or 28 from Antofagasta, a port city in northern Chile. The sculpture is located between mile markers 1309 and 1310. The desert’s flatness (平坦) makes it easy to spot the sculpture from far away. But some people mistake it for a mirage (海市蜃楼) caused by tiredness from driving a long way to the sculpture.
Visitors should take precautions (预防措施) before leaving , such as filling their gas tanks , taking plenty of water, and wearing sunscreen. They should also avoid driving too quickly, as many car accidents happen in the desert each year.
For those who are worried about driving alone, working with an agency (机构) like Plan South America is a good option. The founder of the agency, Harry Hastings, said that he always tries to join a visit to the sculpture with guests traveling to the desert.
1. What makes the Hand of the Desert a famous attraction?| A．Its material. | B．Its location. | C．Its designer. | D．Its size and design. |
| A．The sculpture attracts millions of visitors every year. |
| B．Tired travelers often see mirages in the desert. |
| C．The sculpture can be reached very easily. |
| D．The sculpture can be seen from far away. |
| A．He built the sculpture “Hand of the Desert”. |
| B．He gave the financial support to the sculpture. |
| C．His agency can help lonely travelers travel to the desert. |
| D．He can avoid driving accidents in the desert. |
| A．Travel. | B．Environment. | C．Culture. | D．Entertainment. |
10 . In 1983, Ski Rixen USA became the first water ski cable park in the United States. Located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, the park offers riders a chance to experience all kinds ofwater sports.
In the past 40 years, Six Rixen USA has welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors. The park was the brainchild of engineer Bruno Rixen. Born in 1931 in Germany, Rixen grewfrustrated with the sport of water skiing, which required pulling by a motor boat.
“He used to wait for four hours in line to do three laps around the lake, ” explained Allan Wlodarczyk, the manager of Ski Rixen USA. He added that riding five minutes and waiting another four hours sparked Rixen’s idea of cable parks. Rather than relying on a boat, Rixen considered his own cable way. He also designed skis and set up a power source.
“The first cable was actually an old farm tractor, ” Wlodarczyk said. “Rixen took the wheels off, attached some ropes to the wheel disks, and started pulling people back and forth around the lake.” Over the years, Rixen improved his design and earned several patents. He opened the world’s first commercial cable water park in 1966 in Benidorm, Spain.
The sport grew from entertainment to international contests. Rixen died in 2020, but his idea has taken hold around the world. Today, there are more than 500 cable water parks on different continents. Typically, the cable tows riders at a speed of about 20 miles per hour.
But for beginners, who can take lessons, the speed is about 15 miles per hour.
Ski Rixen USA also offers riding opportunities and events to people with special needs to ski effortlessly. “We have a specially designed ski, called a sit ski,” Wlodarczyk said. “It’s a larger board with a lot of surface area. The riders are completely seated in the water and don’t actually have to hold onto the rope.”
1. What does the underlined word “brainchild” in paragraph 2 mean?| A．Idea. | B．Area. | C．Birthplace | D．Destination |
| A．How Rixen protected the lake. |
| B．How Rixen set up a power source. |
| C．How much Rixen liked water skiing. |
| D．How Rixen created his cable water park. |
| A．He brought fun to visitors. |
| B．He invented a cable tractor. |
| C．He turned it into a business. |
| D．He made cables travel fastest. |
| A．It is easy to ride. | B．It runs extremely quickly. |
| C．It offers a narrow board. | D．It is dangerous for the riders. |
