2 . Over the past decade, more and more travelers have been embracing the idea of slow travel. One of the most popular methods of slow travel, if you have the time, is by rail. Here are our picks for some of the best train rides in the world.

The Glacier Express

The Glacier Express takes more than eight hours to cross the 180-mile journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz in Switzerland at an average of 18 mph. The classic red train journey brings you to Europe’s mountains at their very best — with views of snow-covered forests and peaks included!

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Running through Tamil Nadu State, the train is the slowest in India due to an extremely steep gradient on the route. It takes nearly five hours to cover a distance of 46 km. Clearly nobody uses the NMR to get from A to B, but for the sheer joy of riding in a train that passes through 16 tunnels, 250 bridges and 208 steep curves on the richly biodiverse Western Ghats mountain range.

No. 6063/6064

With a length of 257 kilometers, the highly popular “small-and-slow train” route winds through the Qinling Mountains, linking 13 stations at the highest cost of 39.5 yuan. Villagers take the train to sell their vegetables in nearby counties to add to their families’ income. Helping poverty alleviation and carrying students to schools, the rail line, running for over 60 years, is a guarantee of and witness to the wish for a better life of the people along its route.

Royal Scotsman

With the full length of 1930 kilometers, the Royal Scotsman marries Edwardian elegance with the comforts of a five-star country house. The train includes elegant lounges, comfortable suites, and an open observation deck. The 9-coach train carries a just 36 passengers maximum with a passenger to staff ratio of 1:3. One of the coaches is the amazing Bamford Spa offering something of a palace on wheels.

1. Why do people choose the Nilgiri Mountain Railway?

A．To view the snow-covered forests.

B．To travel from one place to another.

C．To experience the amusement of riding.

D．To study the geography of the Western Ghats.

2. Which train can we take to experience villagers’ slow life?

A．The Glacier Express.	B．No. 6063/6064.
C．The Nilgiri Mountain Railway.	D．Royal Scotsman.

3. What is Royal Scotsman special about?

A．Its luxury.

B．Its route.

C．Its history.

D．Its convenience.

3 . Rich in culture and rooted in tradition, winter in Budapest here not only feels like a fairytale, it looks like one, too. Here are four top things to do in Budapest during the winter.

● City Park Ice Rink (滑冰场)

Budapest’s City Park Ice Rink is by far the most famous skating destination in the region. Skaters flooded to the rink each winter between late November and mid February. First opened in 1870, this ice rink is one of the oldest and largest in Europe. It’s filled up with water during the summer months. It serves as a boating lake for tourists looking to bike around while bathing in the sun.

● Spas and thermal baths

Budapest is quite rightly nicknamed the “City of Spas”. The baths of here are astonishingly beautiful, which are famous for their relaxing and medicinal benefits Taking a dip in the famous baths during winter is an experience like no other. Jumping from one indoor pool to the outside bathing area is a memorable and pleasurable experience.

● Hungarian State Opera House

The Hungarian State Opera House is closed for renovations (翻新). However, visitors can still see parts of it via (通过) guided tours. The Hungarian State Opera House, which was completed in 1884, remains exactly the same as that when it was constructed. Each year thousands of visitors arrived in Budapest to take in the sheer (十足的) beauty of the opera house, while the lucky ones are able to secure a ticket for a show.

● Andrassy Avenue and Fashion Street

Shopping in Budapest during winter is a magical experience. Andrassy Avenue and Fashion Street are two of its most popular tourist destinations at any time of year. Covered with thousands of lights, the tree-lined avenue comes to life during the winter months, offering up many attractions. The shops here are usually open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the winter months.

1. What does City Park Ice Rink act as in summer?

A．A relaxing pool.	B．A boating lake.
C．A thermal bath.	D．A fashion street.

2. What can visitors do in Hungarian State Opera House if they have a ticket?

A．Enjoy a show.	B．Take a swim.
C．Have a guided tour.	D．Perform an opera.

3. What brings life to the tree-lined avenue during the winter months?

A．Tourist center.

B．Opera house.

C．Lights.

D．Shops.

4 . Here are four cities that are great for winter travel.

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America. In the winter, it is covered in a thick blanket of snow, creating beautiful winter scenery. Visitors can explore the Quebec City castle, the streets of the old town, and ancient churches. You can also try winter activities such as skiing, ice-skating, and dog-sledding.

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, turns into a fairy tale-like city in the winter. You can take a walk along the frozen coast of the Baltic Sea, visit St. Nicholas’ Anglican Church and the National Museum of Finland, and indulge in the pleasure of tasting candy and hot chocolate in warm cafes. Additionally, you can experience the wonders of the Arctic Circle nearby in Lapland, including chasing the northern lights, reindeer sledding, and visiting Santa Claus Village.

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck is situated in the Alps and is a winter sports destination. The city is famous for its magnificent mountain scenery and world-class ski resorts. Visitors can enjoy the medieval architecture in the city center, ski at the Olympic ski resort, or watch ski jumping competitions at the ski jumping venue.

Lausanne, Switzerland

Lausanne is a city in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, located on the shores of Lake Geneva. The city boasts charming lake views and snow-capped mountain backgrounds, making it an ideal winter vacation destination. You can take a stroll along the lakeside promenade, visit the Olympic Museum, or sample Swiss cuisine such as chocolate and cheese fondue. Additionally, Lausanne has some famous ski resorts, such as Les Diablerets and Villars.

1. What can visitors do in Quebec City during the winter?

A．Visit the famous chocolate factory.

B．Explore Santa Claus Village.

C．Appreciate the old buildings.

D．Walking along the beautiful beach.

2. Which city will be the first choice if one wants to see the Arctic landscape?

A．Quebec City.

B．Helsinki.

C．Innsbruck.

D．Lausanne.

3. What do the last two cities have in common?

A．They have famous ski resorts.

B．They have world-famous museums.

C．They are located on the shores of lakes.

D．They are famous for the Olympic Games.

5 . From coast to coast, Canada is a beautiful country filled with an endless variety of landscapes and many well-known jewels to explore, which offers a perfect getaway option sure to suit everyone.

VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC

Vancouver Island is the largest island on the Pacific Coast of North America. This spectacular island offers some awesome adventures, including hiking, diving, surfing and camping. Your weekend getaway to Vancouver Island kicks off with a beautiful ferry ride. The Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay ferry passes close to the beautiful Gulf Islands and rocky coves, so keep an eye out for seals and whales! The trip by car and ferry, or bus and ferry, takes about four hours from downtown Vancouver.

WHISTLER, BC

Whistler, one of the largest ski resorts in North America, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts all year round. From powder hounds (粉雪滑雪) in winter to water sports, biking, and hiking during the summer, there is plenty to explore. In addition, Whistler was a major part of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

KELOWNA, BC

Kelowna is popular with tourists as it is the premier wine destination in British Columbia. Spending the day tasting the local wines and eating at some of the winery restaurants is a perfect way to enjoy a summer’s day here. Golf, hiking, biking, and boating on the lake are all popular summer activities here as well.

1. What do we know about VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC?

A．It is the largest island of North America.	B．It can be reached by train.
C．It is a good place for visitors to camp.	D．It was a major part of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

2. Which of the following activities is mentioned most frequently?

A．Hiking.

B．Biking.

C．Diving.

D．Skiing.

3. From which is the text probably taken?

A．Research paper.

B．Travel brochure.

C．Geography textbook.

D．Travel journal.

6 . Welcome to American United Travel Company. We’ll help you spend a perfect holiday. For over 6 years, we have been organizing value for money summer holidays, whether it’s a late holiday deal or your main summer holiday. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a luxury 5-star holiday, or you just want to relax and soak up the sun, we’ve got access to the very best flight and hotel deals throughout the world. We are proud to offer you various services unlike other tour companies where we offer one-stop shop for complete tourism.

Our Services Include

Tours. Meet & Assist Services. Airport Transfer. MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conferences, Exhibitions) private Jets. Ground handling (24 hours) VIP services on arrival & departure. Adventure Tour.

Means of Transportation Reservations

We operate for all means of transportation available in the country, starting with buses for groups to car rental to individuals.

Guidance

We have the most qualified guides who speak French, English, German, Italian, and Spanish. We bank on their communication skills as well as their knowledge in various fields.

Fancy Dinners

We prepare outdoor dinners in particular places such as castles, beaches, old and traditional houses, etc. Usually, these dinners are arranged according to the clients’ choices.

Luggage Concierge

Don’t worry about luggage size and weight when travelling. Give your bags to Luggage Concierge in advance and they will be waiting for you at your destination when you arrive.

Call one of our experienced travel consultants on 18884700610 to secure one of these fantastic deals.

1. What is special about United Travel company?

A．It provides one-stop complete tourism.	B．It supplies the best flight and hotels.
C．It offers transfer service.	D．Its guides speak various languages.

2. What can you do with your luggage before travelling?

A．Send it to your destination directly.	B．Carry it by yourself.
C．Keep it as light as possible.	D．Hand it to Luggage Concierge.

3. What’s the purpose of the text?

A．To diversify the economy.	B．To attract tourists.
C．To conserve the environment.	D．To entertain readers.

7 . Gather together a couple of good friends and take a leisurely stroll through the streets — this is what many youngsters in China enjoy doing when they visit a new city.

To them, Citywalk means “roaming around the city” on foot. Participants can follow a distinctive urban route, soaking up the atmosphere, exploring old buildings, browsing boutique shops, sipping a cup of coffee, or indulging in authentic local snacks.

Citywalk can be a special guided trip for a small group of people, or simply a leisurely stroll for one or two to explore new areas, sticking to the key point: avoiding famous scenic spots and big crowds to gain a more inclusive experience of the places you visit. Besides interacting with a city, Citywalk provides young people with a new social scene, where they who share the same interests and ideas can easily make friends.

In China, the Citywalk trend is spreading from first-tier cities like Beijing and Shanghai to second and third-tier cities, encouraging more participants and event organizers to get involved. Some organizers invite folk culture researchers and enthusiasts to act as tour guides. Xiao Yiyi, a young entrepreneur in Changsha, recently launched six Citywalk routes in different cities on her social media account, with the aim of providing experiences for visitors to “walk in open-air museums”. Her Changsha route features more offbeat sights like historical architecture from the 19th century, artsy old alleys, and even a stop-off to sample the local spicy crayfish specialty.

Even though Citywalk is a relatively new phenomenon, it is offering a positive change to urban travelers as they can better choose the experiences based on their interests and needs. At the same time, Citywalk represents an opportunity for tour guides and travel service providers to offer a more tailored, professional service to meet with ever-changing market demands.

1. Why do young people choose Citywalk?

A．To enjoy a guided tour.

B．To cut down expenses.

C．To dig deeper into a city.

D．To make new friends.

2. What is the most notable feature about Citywalk?

A．Doing sightseeing on foot.	B．Avoiding hot scenic spots.
C．Taking a local tour guide.	D．Keeping a fixed urban route.

3. What might Xiao Yiyi be?

A．A tour guide	B．A culture researcher.
C．A Citywalk enthusiast.	D．An event organizer.

4. What is the author’s attitude to the Citywalk trend?

A．Favorable.

B．Dismissive.

C．Doubtful.

D．Unclear.

8 . ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK TOUR

Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) spans over 415 square miles. It contains more than 300 miles of hiking roads and one of the most amazing sights and landscapes (风景) that Colorado has to offer in summer and winter. It’s a perfect place to take a day vacation just for yourself.

Ride by the Iconic Flatirons and the City of Boulder

Your tour kicks off in Boulder which is hidden in a classical little valley near the Flatirons. This community is home to over 100,000 people and features booming tech, food industries, and world-class University of Colorado.

Have a Tasty Picnic Lunch at Rocky Mountain National Park

There’s nothing better than enjoying a meal with the Rocky Mountains in the background. With the unbelievable beauty of the area, it offers plenty of opportunities for taking photos. People have chance to see local wildlife. It’s no wonder that nearly 3 million people visit this national park every year.

Go for a Scenic Ride down Trail Ridge Road

There’s no better way to discover the Rocky Mountains than taking a scenic (风景优美的) ride down Trail Ridge Road. Stretching for 48 miles, it gives you the chance to enjoy the Rocky Mountains in leisure.

Finish with a Ride Through Estes Park

Taking a ride through Estes Park is the best way to end this tour. This town is well known for being the main base of RMNP and provides an unbelievable view of Prospect Mountain.

1. Where does the tour begin?

A．In Boulder.	B．In Prospect Mountain.
C．At Trail Ridge Road.	D．In Estes Park.

2. What can people do at the Rocky Mountain National Park?

A．Cook a meal with family.	B．Ride a horse.
C．Take photos.	D．Hunt wildlife.

3. From which is the text probably taken?

A．A sports website.	B．A news report.
C．A travel magazine.	D．A geography textbook.

9 . Gabon, on the west coast of Africa, has numerous rainforests, open grasslands, white sand beaches and rushing rivers. Here are four adventures that can let you have unforgettable experiences.

The Wild Species Adventure

The site of this adventure is close to a national park, which has elephants, monkeys, leopards, red river hogs and so on. Visitors can go on a journey by jeep and have a chance to see the country’s natural beauty and different birds in a nearby reserve.

The Fishing Adventure

Gabon has some really big fish and miles of untouched coastlines, and the fishing spots are not packed, because they are wide apart. When fishing, visitors can find themselves in pleasant places, surrounded by palm trees during the adventure. Gabon’s unique lagoon (环礁湖) system provides visitors with a range of fish, all ready for you to join in the fishing contest.

The Private Island Adventure

It is difficult for visitors to find this private island on the sea on booking or a trip advisor, but it is known by locals. It offers small but comfortable rooms to rest. Visitors can try fun activities like wakeboarding and boating. During the whale season, visitors can also rent boats to take a close look at whales by following responsible viewing guidelines.

The Whale Watching Adventure

There is a great diversity of marine mammals to see in this adventure, especially whales.   Some of the whales can be found at all time, while others, for example, the humpback whales, only spend a few months from July to September. In this trip, visitors can take splendid pictures of these whales playing around and jumping above the surface of the sea under safety guidance.

1. Which adventure attracts a lover of land animals most?

A．The wild species adventure.	B．The fishing adventure.
C．The private island adventure.	D．The whale watching adventure.

2. What are the spots of the fishing adventure like?

A．Noisy.	B．Narrow.
C．Uncrowded.	D．Unpleasant.

3. What do the last two adventures offer?

A．Whale watching.	B．Private trip advisors.
C．Cost-free water sports.	D．A photo-taking service.

10 . The rising popularity of swimming hasn’t skipped by the Lake District — this beautiful national park is a hotspot for swimmers. Don’t miss these amazing swimming spots in the Lake District, perfect all year round.

Haverigg Beach

Great for dog walking, Haverigg Beach is best enjoyed at a low tide so you and your family can make the most of the available space. The beach isn’t busy in the colder months, which makes it an ideal location for a spot of swimming.

Blea Tarn

Blea Tarn is ideal for beginners or those who want a quiet swim. It is one of the easiest lakes to visit with two car parks. Blea Tarn is scenically impressive, especially in the colder months. Its otherworldly feel is best seen to be believed — it was even a filming destination for Netflix’s hit fantasy film The Witcher.

Silecroft Beach

Silecroft Beach sleeps at the edge of the Lake District National Park. This beach has excellent water quality and is Marine Conservation Society-recommended and it’s easy to see why. As well as being brilliantly looked after, the beach has accessible toilets, adequate parking, a local cafe and plenty of nearby pubs to warm up in after a dip in the water.

St Bees Beach

This sand beach is a hidden diamond when it comes to striking Lake District views. St Bees Beach has two car parks available, plenty of cafes and restaurants and even a golf course! Dogs are also allowed here all year round. The impressive cliff face at the end of the beach makes for a brilliant view to swim towards and a sight you won’t soon forget. St Bees is England’s only cliff-nesting seabird colony!

1. Which of the four spots was shot in a movie?

A．Haverigg Beach.

B．Blea Tarn.

C．Silecroft Beach.

D．St Bees Beach.

2. What is special about St Bees Beach?

A．It is dog-friendly.	B．It has car parks available.
C．It has a cliff sight.	D．It has the best water quality.

3. What do the four spots have in common?

A．They are located in the Lake District.	B．They are sand beaches with restaurants.
C．They are perfect for swimming beginners.	D．They are recommended by Marine Conservation Society.