1 . 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.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
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.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
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.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
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.
Virgin Islands National Park, St. John
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.
1. Which park will one choose if he/she is interested in stars?| A．Yellowstone National Park. | B．Joshua Tree National Park. |
| C．Grand Canyon National Park. | D．Virgin Islands National Park. |
| A．We can have a poor view of the South Rim there. | B．It lies in an area with rolling steam and hot springs. |
| C．There is a slight decline in visitor numbers in winter. | D．The Bright Angel Trail is challenging in cold weather. |
| A．Hiking. | B．Skiing. | C．Swimming. | D．Hunting. |
2 . Here are four destinations that have to be included in any trip to the northeastern city Harbin.
Igloos(冰屋)at Harbin Ice-Snow World
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 igloo restaurants, enjoying the product of both ice and fire, and go down the world’s longest ice slide.
The Sun Island Snow Expo
The Sun Island Snow Expo is the world’s largest snow sculpture(雕塑)art show. You can play in the snow as well as admire the art made from it. Tourists from the south might be surprised by the bright sunshine reflected in the snow, so don’t forget the sunscreen. This is a good place to toss water into the air and watch it turn into ice immediately. Find a safe place with no one nearby, and enjoy the unique phenomenon.
Yabuli Ski Resort
One place you shouldn’t miss when visiting Harbin is Yabuli Ski Resort, where you can ski down snow-covered mountains. Yabuli Sun Mountain Resort is surrounded by mountains and forests. The snow is thick and moderately hard. There are junior, middle and senior ski runs. Professional staff are available to improve your skiing ability and give you an experience of a lifetime.
The Harbin Grand Theatre
It might not be part of an ordinary tourist plan, but it is worth an extra night in Harbin! The winter is cold and the night is long, so why not go to the theatre? Northerners consider it a romantic thing to do in winter. Harbin was listed by the United Nations as a music city in 2010. Harbin Grand Theater is where artistic souls defrost a little to share their love of art.
1. What can tourists do when they visit the igloos?| A．Ski down the mountains. |
| B．Eat in a restaurant made of ice. |
| C．Enjoy some ancient architecture. |
| D．Throw and watch water turn into ice immediately. |
| A．Stay in a safe place alone. | B．Make a snow sculpture. |
| C．Apply sunscreen. | D．Live in an ice architecture. |
| A．Igloos(冰屋)at Harbin Ice-Snow World. | B．The Sun Island Snow Expo. |
| C．The Harbin Grand Theatre. | D．Yabuli Ski Resort. |
3 . A Journey to the Yosemite Firefall
Each year, thousands of people are attracted to the Yosemite National Park in California for a chance of seeing —and photographing ——the unique “firefall”. The amazing “firefall” comes to life only when there is enough water from the melting（融化）snow to keep the Horsetail Fall flowing and when the light of the setting sun hits the waterfall at the right angle. It can only be seen for a short time in February on clear sunny days.
This year, the weather isn’t stopping the “firefall” from happening, but it is making the journey to see it more difficult.
“What would have been a 10-minute walk turned into a two-hour hike through deep snow,” photographer Ryan Fitzsimons said about his recent trip to see the phenomenon. “Our clothes were all wet by the time we got to a viewing site. But the heavy snow made the sight much more beautiful since the waterfall is much bigger this year.”
Another photographer Andy Heitz was making his first trip to see the “firefall”. He had to wait five hours in the extreme cold for his turn to take a picture.
“I got to the site at about 12:00 at noon. The place was already filled with hundreds of people waiting to see and photograph the ‘firefall’. I was so lucky that I shot a really wonderful burner! I was completely amazed with what I saw,” he said. “You know, only on a couple days of the year in February and when the sun sets down at the perfect angle to shine on Yosemite’s Horsetail Fall can we see the ‘Fire Fall’. I’ll never forget what I have seen.’’
The “firefall” should continue to be there from 20 to 24 February. But park officials said that there’s no guarantee（保证）that visitors will see it on any given day.
1. When might be the best time to take pictures of the “firefall”?| A．Early in the morning. | B．At noon. |
| C．Late in the afternoon. | D．At night. |
| A．There wouldn’t be enough snow. | B．It might be too cloudy. |
| C．The waterfall might not freeze. | D．The snow might melt too fast. |
| A．A worker in the kitchen. |
| B．The fire in the Yosemite National Park. |
| C．A part of a cooker or stove. |
| D．The unique Horsetail Fall in the setting sun. |
| A．To introduce an attraction. | B．To give suggestions for a trip. |
| C．To advertise a park in the US. | D．To explain what is a “firefall”. |
4 . A national park is created for the purpose of conservation. Yellowstone National Park in the US was the first national park in the world. Here are some other national parks in the world.
Northeast Greenland National Park, Denmark
The national park is the largest one in the world. It covers an area of 927，000 km²，It is also the most northern national park in the world.
Around 5,000 to 15,000 musk oxen (麝香牛) as well as polar bears live in the park. Some of the birds also live there.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Australia
The park is the second largest national park in the world. It protects a large part of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef from being damaged in any way.
All commercial ships must stay on specific shipping routes that avoid the most sensitive areas of the park. The Great Barrier Reef has the world's largest number of corals and other sea life.
Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, Mozambique
This national park covers an area of 99,800 km².It joins some of the famous wildlife areas in southern Africa into a huge conservation area.
In 2006, the Giriyondo tourist access between the Limpopo and Kruger national parks was opened. There were 5,000 animals moving from Kruger to Limpopo National Park, including over 1,000 elephants.
Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada
The park was created in 1922 to protect the wood bison (森林野牛) whose population had dropped from 40 million in 1830 to less than 1.000 by 1900.
The park consists of 44,807 square kilometers of northern plains. It is also the world's only natural living place of the cranes (鹤).
1. Which of the following is the earliest national park?| A．Wood Buffalo National Park. | B．Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. |
| C．Northeast Greenland National Park. | D．Yellowstone National Park. |
| A．Some sea animals. | B．A lot of polar bears. |
| C．Many cranes. | D．Hundreds of elephants. |
| A．It has an area of 44,807 km². | B．It is home to the wood bison. |
| C．It lies in southern Africa. | D．It is the largest national park. |
5 . A big part of an American road trip is to get your music on as you head out on the highway and enjoy the sights and the scenery. Here are the top four scenic drives in America’s Southwest.
Big Sur Coast Highway, California
It is officially known as California State Route 1 with views of high mountains and rolling waves. Photo tip--just after you cross the bridge (going south), there’s a parking area which is great for shots looking back towards the bridge.
Las Vegas Boulevard, Nevada
Number two is not to be confused with “The Strip” in Las Vegas. It is worth checking out for its neon (霓虹) signs along the roadside. You can see the Hacienda Horse, Rider and the iconic Silver Slipper along this way which takes only 15 minutes to drive.
Death Valley, California
As the hottest, driest and lowest national park, Death Valley is a land of extremes. More than just a desert, Death Valley provides park visitors with a chance to admire natural beauty from the snow mountains to the wildflower fields and small oases (绿洲) to the endless desert.
Red Rock Scenic Byway, Arizona
The Scenic Byway is south on the way to Oak Creek, which is surrounded by an amazing landscape of red rock hills set against clear blue skies. The sandstone rock glows in the sunshine and it’s worth taking your hiking boots and getting out into the landscape to experience its positive energy.
1. Who is the text probably written for?| A．Hikers. | B．Self-driving tourists. |
| C．Photography lovers. | D．Adventurers. |
| A．Parking to listen to the waves. | B．Enjoying the beauty of neon signs. |
| C．Going for a hike on high mountains. | D．Taking pictures across the bridge. |
| A．Big Sur Coast Highway | B．Las Vegas Boulevard |
| C．Death Valley | D．Red Rock Scenic Byway |
6 . Travelling with some of your favourite people is an exciting experience. If done well, group travelling can be the most thrilling experience ever, filled with games, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Ideas are usually exciting when they are fresh. The longer you delay, the more you’ll find excuses not to go. Let all interested parties meet as soon as possible to decide on dates, locations and budget. It’s best to plan the trip three or four months in advance.
Assign roles
For the trip to be successful, it has to be well organized. You’re going on a trip far from home, not the shopping mall. This is why the group should assign a leader who would be responsible for planning and organizing the trip.
Budget pool
Create a flexible itinerary（行程）
An easy way to create and share an itinerary is through Google Docs. Add the group members to the document and give them permission to edit it. Suggest one or two optional activities per day which do not require advance bookings, such as a local hike or museum.
| A．Start early. |
| B．Get fresh ideas. |
| C．So how do you plan for your group trip? |
| D．Collect a set amount from everyone before your trip. |
| E．Don’t forget to create room for something unexpected. |
| F．Also, divide the other responsibilities as they arise so that everyone participates. |
| G．The group leader generally keeps in contact with everyone, handling most of the detailed work. |
7 . Hawaii is full of attractions, beach parks and gathering places. Looking for something new and lesser-known? Check out these public parks throughout the islands.
Kapiolani Park (Oahu)
Located in the shadow of Diamond Head close to Waikiki Beach, there's a lot to love about Kapiolani Park. It was the first public space in Hawaii, (treated in 1877 by the last king of Hawaii, David Kalakaua, who named it after his wife, Queen Kapiolani. Ifs a nice place to get a glimpse of local life in Waikiki.
Opening time: Sunday to Saturday.
Waihee Beach Park (Maui)
Located off the main tourist trail, on the lesser - visited northeast coast of Maui, is Waihee Beach Park. The beach is small but scenic, with views looking north at the mountains and plenty of shade. Though narrow, the beach is long, making it perfect for a morning or evening walk.
Opening time: Except Tuesday.
Prince Kuhio Park (Kauai)
Prince Kuhio Park on Kauai is a monument to Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole. Close to Poipu Beach, the park has a nice view of the ocean. To the naked eye, that’s about it. But this Park serves as an opportunity to learn more about the lesser-known Kalanianaole, who is so respected in Hawaii that his birthday, March 26th, is a state holiday. Read up on his contributions to Hawaii and have a peaceful afternoon.
Opening time: Weekends.
Liliuokalani Park (Big Island)
Most visitors to Hilo are so focused on Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that they don’t take time to experience the town itself. It is in and around the waterfront park, Liliuokalani Park, that you can get the best glimpse of local life. Hilo has a strong waterfront presence. Liliuokalani Park at sunset is especially nice, thanks to its ocean views.
Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday.
1. Which park is an ideal place for evening walk?| A．Kapiolani Park. | B．Waihee Beach Park. |
| C．Prince Kuhio Park. | D．Liliuokalani Park. |
| A．Monday. | B．Wednesday. | C．Friday. | D．Sunday. |
| A．Underrated. | B．Romantic. | C．Historic. | D．Well-known. |
8 . The Top 4 Beaches on the East Coast
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Great point, at the easternmost end of the island of Nantucket, is one of the most secret beaches in the world. That's because you need a four﹣wheel drive vehicle and a beach permit to get there. Once you do, you'll find miles of beachfront and a historic lighthouse.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Accessible by ferry, Block Island oozes New England charm. It's worth the effort to get to Mohegan Bluffs, where you can experience a set of 141 wooden steps leading down to the sand. With clay cliffs and a view that reaches Montauk at the eastern tip of Long Island, this beach is especially unique.
East Hampton, New York
Named the best beach in the county in 2013, Main Beach in East Hampton is known for its wide stretch of sand plus a snack bar, bathrooms, and lockers. On﹣site parking is only available to village residents but there are free beach shuttles available.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Located off the coast of Georgia, this 5, 700﹣acre barrier island is famous for its nesting sea turtles and hermit crabs. Glory Beach got its name because producers of the 1989 movie Glory, featuring Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman, and Denzel Washington, built a long boardwalk to the beach that remains in place.
1. Which has one of the most private beaches in the world?| A．Jekyll Island, Georgia. |
| B．Block Island, Rhode Island. |
| C．Nantucket, Massachusetts. |
| D．East Hampton, New York. |
| A．Climbing the clay cliffs. |
| B．Experiencing the warm sand. |
| C．Admiring the scenery of Montauk. |
| D．Walking along a set of 141 wooden steps. |
| A．Jekyll Island is famous for its nesting sea fishes and hermit crabs. |
| B．Jekyll Island is located on the east coast of the United States. |
| C．There is a wide boardwalk to Glory Beach on Jekyll Island. |
| D．Glory Beach is named after the producers of the movie Glory. |
9 . The province of Pescara surrounds the city of the same name and lies in the very centre of the region of Abruzzo. This is a part of Italy of remarkable beauty and with cultural riches, yet it has never been a major destination for international visitors, largely because the region is not very well served by international flight routes. However, many Italians make their way to the coast here in the summertime. Here are places to visit around the Pescara province.
The city of Pescara
The city of Pescara is the most famous today for being the birthplace of Gabriele D’ Annunzio, perhaps the greatest Italian writer of the modern times. It is a developed coastal resort (胜地) with several miles of popular sandy beaches and a range of summertime activities for all the family to enjoy.
Citta Sant’ Angelo
Lying just a few miles northwest of the city of Pescara in an area famous for the production of Montepulcianod’Abruzzowine, its main visitor attractions are the churches of San Michele Arcangelo and Santa Chiara.
Loreto Aprutino
Almost directly west of Pescara, and north of Bolognano, it is worth visiting just to see its wall painting of The Judgement, but this small town has many more to offer the visitor including the region’s pottery industry and some excellent olive oil.
Castiglione a Casauria
If you enjoy further southwest from Loreto Aprutino, you will come to Castiglione a Casauria and the remains of the 9th-century Abbey (修道院) of San Clemente.
1. Why did the Pescara province see fewer foreign tourists?| A．It is a place newly opened to the world. |
| B．Its climate is not well appropriate for them. |
| C．Most foreign tourists dislike its specific culture. |
| D．It is inconvenient for visitors to arrive in Pescara. |
| A．It has remains of the 9th-century Abbey. |
| B．It is one of the most attractive coastal cities. |
| C．It appeals to writers of the modern times. |
| D．It is near the Pescara province. |
| A．The city of Pescara. | B．Citta Sant’ Angelo. |
| C．Loreto Aprutino. | D．Castiglione a Casauria. |
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1. What is true about the “Dayrider” ticket?
| A．You need the correct change to buy it. |
| B．You can use it to travel anywhere in the city. |
| C．It can be purchased with your mobile phone. |
| D．It can be used with any bus company. |
| A．Dayrider. | B．Bus and Boat. |
| C．Sightseeing. | D．Student tickets. |
| A．A photo of yourself. | B．Your name. |
| C．The bus app. | D．Valid student ID. |
