1 . Antarctica Polar Circle — Discovery and Learning Voyage

Dates	4 Mar — 9 Mar 2023
Duration	5 nights

This Polar Circle and Antarctic Peninsula cruise (航行) passes through waters travelled by humpback whales. Stopping in various spots around the region, the journey offers the chance to hike and dive in the iceberg-heavy waters.

Day 1: End of the world, start of a journey

Ushuaia, Argentina is located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, you set out from this small beautiful town on Tierra del Fuego and sail the mountainous Beagle Channel for the rest of the evening.

Days 2-3: Path of the polar explorers

Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, you enjoy some of the same experiences encountered (遇到) by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt winds, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting (喷出) high into the air. After passing the Antarctic Convergence — Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters meet with warmer sub-Antarctic seas — you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone (环南极上升流区).

Days 4-5: Familiar seas, familiar friends

Your return journey is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by lots of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.

Day 6: There and back again

Every adventure, no matter how impressive, must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to get off the ship in Ushuaia, but with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

1. On which day can you enjoy the same experiences as the great polar explorers?

A．4 Mar.

B．5 Mar.

C．8 Mar.

D．9 Mar.

2. What can visitors do when passing the Drake?

A．Go hiking.

B．See seabirds.

C．Tour Ushuaia.

D．Sail the Beagle Channel.

3. In which part of a newspaper may this text appear?

A．Wildlife.

B．Education.

C．Science.

D．Travel.

2 . How to yum cha in Hong Kong

For Hong Kongers, a quality restaurant could become a family haunt that’s visited for generations to come. Here are some of the best places for chowing down on these steam-basket goodies.

Forum

Founded by a legendary abalone (鲍鱼) master, this three Michelin-star restaurant serves classic Cantonese dim sum with an attention to detail that can only be described as impeccable (无瑕疵的). If you want to know what perfect dim sum tastes like, head to Forum.

Sun Hing

As the chefs begin kneading (捏) dough and wrapping buns in the middle of the night, neighbors slowly fill the seats and wait for its freshly made dumplings and stir-fried milk puffs. There is no menu or ordering sheet here. Diners choose their dim sum from the display towers located at the counter.

Golden Valley

Golden Valley offers two styles of Chinese cuisine — Cantonese and Sichuanese — on one dim sum menu. Golden Valley’s dumplings are a refreshing and sumptuous (豪华的) pocket of shrimp, mushrooms, pork and water chestnuts, while its Sichuanese dan dan noodles are flavorfully spicy.

Veggie Kingdom

Veggie Kingdom boasts a pretty impressive meatless dim sum experience that even non-vegetarians wouldn’t feel lacking. Helmed by a veteran dim sum chef, Veggie Kingdom makes fresh vegan dishes using traditional cooking techniques. Specially-treated vegetable oil is used to replace lard (猪油) and butter. Mushrooms are added to replace the usual pork fillings.

1. What is Sun Hing’s feature?

A．It was founded by a famed master.	B．It offers special kinds of noodles.
C．It offers dim sum to night owls.	D．It offers menus to order food.

2. Which restaurant best suits visitors who dislike meat?

A．Golden Valley.	B．Veggie Kingdom.
C．Forum.	D．Sun Hing.

3. In which section of a magazine can the text be found?

A．Business.

B．Travel.

C．Entertainment.

D．Health.

3 . Longji Rice Terrace is a popular attraction for oversea travelers. Located in Longsheng Autonomous County, Guangxi province, the Longji Mountain is 80 kilometers away from Guilin City. Since Longji is the habitation for Yao and Zhuang ethnic group, it gains the official name of Longji Yao and Zhuang Ethnic Terrace.

Longji Rice Terrace was first built in Yuan Dynasty and was completed in the early Qing Dynasty. With a history of more than 700 years, the terrace now is still using for growing rice. It is hard to imagine that more than 800 years ago how the first group of Zhuang and Yao people moved here and cultivated (开垦) the first piece of field. From Yuan to the early Qing, about 650 years, the ancestors could not imagine that the fields they cleared with sweat and life became the terrace that so amazing with charming curves (曲线).

The scenes here are different in each season. In spring, mountains are wrapped in silver water, shinning in the sun; in summer, mountains turn bright green with growing rice waving under the sky; in autumn, the dropping ears of rice promise good harvest; in winter, sheets of snows cover the terraces, making the hills like pagodas (宝塔).

In Longji Mountain, the highest terrace is 1,180 meters above sea level, while the lowest is 380 meters. With a wonderful view, it owns the reputation (名誉) of The Top of The Terraced Fields in the world. As a main body of the terrace farming culture, Longji Terraced Field is a scenic spot that includes the natural scenery and the cultural landscape of ethnic minorities. The harmonious atmosphere and living environment attract more and more tourists at home and abroad, which makes it the top destination for holiday paradise and photography. So photography tips for the Longji Yao and Zhuang Ethnic Terrace will be helpful for your trip. Follow our step, and let’s uncover them one by one.

1. Which of the following statement is TRUE about Longji Rice Terrace according to the passage?

A．It was first built in Qing dynasty.

B．It is located in Guangdong province.

C．It gains popularity both from home and abroad.

D．It gains the official name of Longji Zhuang Ethnic Terrace.

2. What can be inferred according to the third paragraph?

A．It is hot in the summer of Longji.

B．Mountains are shinning in the spring sun.

C．Snow can hardly be seen in the winter of Longji.

D．The farmers of Longji Rice terrace wear happy faces in autumn.

3. What may be talked about in the following paragraph?

A．The beauty of Longji Rice Terrace.

B．The history of Longji Rice Terrace.

C．The reputation of Longji Rice Terrace.

D．The photography tips for Longji Rice Terrace.

4. What’s the main idea of this passage?

A．Longji Rice Terrace has a long history of more than 700 years.

B．The scenes in Longji Rice Terrace are different in each season.

C．The author makes a brief introduction about Longji Rice Terrace.

D．Longji Rice Terrace is a popular attraction for oversea travelers.

4 . People who visit Huangsiyang village in Huizhou, Guangdong province, are shocked by the grand scale of its ancient residential buildings. Covering an area of 220,000 square meters, the village was named “Huangsiyang” to express gratitude for the emperor’s kindness. With a history of over 500 years, the village’s architecture dates back to the late Ming Dynasty.

As part of a Guangdong provincial project that targets the high-quality rural (乡村的) development, Huangsiyang has made great efforts to promote its heritage protection and cultural tourism, which have breathed new life into the village. Yang Shouqiang, a village official, explained that the ancient village has more than 20 historical sites, making it the most well-preserved and largest ancient residential group in Huidong county. Yang said the village has attached great importance to education and culture, having produced over 20 examinees who passed the provincial-level exams after being invited to sit for the imperial examinations — the ancient form of the gaokao, China’s college entrance exam.

From 2022 to last year, a total of 65million yuan was invested in the protection and development of Huangsiyang ancient village. Recent surveys have shown significant improvements in the village’s surroundings and internal environment after it took measures to restore architecture and rivers, and improve lighting and other basic facilities. At the same time, the village introduced high-quality homestay (民宿) projects. These homestays preserve the original architectural style of the ancient buildings.

The village has attracted many tourists from the Guangdong — Hong Kong — Macao Greater Bay Area, who take part in team building activities and enjoy unique experiences. The increasing number of visitors to the village is also increasing sales of local snacks and agricultural products. Online promotions of these products have also brought in more tourists to nearby villages.

1. What surprises visitors to Huangsiyang village?

A．Tasty local snacks.

B．A history of over 500 years.

C．The rural landscape.

D．A large number of ancient buildings.

2. What does the underlined phrase “sit for” in paragraph 2 mean?

A．Prepare for.

B．Go through.

C．Participate in.

D．Put off.

3. What can we infer about Huangsiyang village?

A．It benefits a lot from tourism.

B．Its education system develops fast.

C．It is famous for agricultural products.

D．Its environment is damaged due to tourists.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．Old village comes to life

B．Old village draws visitors

C．Old village values education

D．Old village shows traditional culture

5 . Day Trip to Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is one of those parks whose beauty is not fully recognized by people. It is often only visited for day trips because it is close to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. It is full of elephants, zebras and lions. It also has some superb scenery to go with it. You can also see sights such as the Tarangire River.

Tarangire has the second highest concentration of wildlife in Tanzania after the Serengeti and the highest concentration of elephants in the world. It has over 700 lions living there as well as a wide selection of other animals.

Itinerary(行程)

You will be picked up from your accommodation. After an approximate 3 hours’ drive, you will arrive at Tarangire National Park. The name of this national park originates from the Tarangire River that crosses the park. The park is considered as one of the best places to view elephants up close. From the open roof of the safari (野外观兽旅行) vehicle you will be able to absorb the landscape and see the animals wandering around. In the late afternoon you will have a hot meal, and then you will leave the park and drive back to Moshi.

Included in the price (US $620 per person)
☑Al l Tanzania national park fees                    ☒International flights to/from Tanzania
☑ Meals according to the itinerary for             ☒Alcoholic and soft drinks
each day                                                     ☒Personal expenses & tips
☑Bottle of mineral water for each day             ☒Travel insurance & visa fees
☑Professional English-speaking guide             ☒Extra activities within the park
☑Safari 4 ×4 jeep with all accessories            ☒ Hotel accommodation before and after the safari

Come and start your day trip! Click here and fill out the form to send a booking request immediately.

1. What do we know about Tarangire?

A．It offers day and night trips.	B．It owns the biggest lion population.
C．It’s better than people think.	D．It has more wildlife than the Serengeti.

2. What can visitors do in the park?

A．Wander along the river.	B．Watch animals in jeeps.
C．Interact with elephants.	D．Spend a night in the park.

3. What’s included in the price?

A．Guide services.	B．Travel insurance.
C．Meals and soft drinks.	D．Round-trip airfares.

6 . Discover the highlights of Madeira on our 7-night guided tour departing on the 19th of March! Known as the “floating flower garden”, this beautiful small island is nestled between the Canaries and Portugal.

Return flights from London Gatwick.

B&B 3-star accommodation for 7 nights.

Explore the eastern coast of Madeira, including a visit to Santana.

Uncover Pico dos Barcelos, Eira do Serrado volcano craters & Ribeiro Frio natural park on guided excursions.

Unwind with plenty of free time to relax or uncover more of Madeira independently with tips from our local guide.

Visit the charming village of Monte & its beautiful gardens.

Enjoy a typical Madeiran evening of food and entertainment.

Was £999 Now only £949 per person (pp) using code RD50!

CLICK HERE for more information or to BOOK TODAY

Travel Department is delighted to partner with Reader’s Digest and offer readers with membership exclusive discounts across any new 2024 holidays. Click here to reveal the current money-off offers, or simply call 0203-966-0527 and mention Reader’s Digest to learn more about the savings available.

Offer price of £949 pp is valid (有效的) at the time of publishing and based on departures on 19th March 2024 and only applies with discount code RD50. Prices may vary. Other dates also available.

1. What can be learned about the tour?

A．Tourists will explore Canaries and Portugal.

B．Tourists will visit Santana’s charming village.

C．Tourists will come back on the 26th of March.

D．Tourists will uncover Pico dos Barcelos independently.

2. How much will a couple save if they reserve the tour with code RD50?

A．£50.

B．£100.

C．£949.

D．£999.

3. Who can get extra discounts according to the passage?

A．People who subscribe to Reader’s Digest.

B．People who love reading Reader’s Digest.

C．People who make a call to Travel Department.

D．People who scan the website of Travel Department.

8 . Take A Scenic Ride On The World’s Steepest Railway For Passengers—If You Dare!

Originally built for mining in 1878, the Scenic Railway is now a tourist ride that can take your breath away! In the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia, the former mining railway became a tourist attraction in 1945. It currently holds the Guinness World Records as the steepest passenger train with the steepest railway gradient (坡度).

The gradient of 52 degrees is comfortably viewed from inside an 84-seat, glass-enclosed carriage car. The passenger car travels along on a cable-driven system of rails as it navigates the steep terrain. During the tour, passengers will see the train travel through sandstone cliffs and a rock tunnel next to Orphan Rock.

Orphan Rock was once available for trail climbing. Following rock slides in the 1950s, the trail was partially closed. The trail access was completely closed in 1974 and never reopened due to potential risks.

On the Scenic Railway, you will see stunning views from a slightly different angle than Orphan Rock. The railway is open every day of the year, making the trip along the rails every ten minutes.

Sight-seeing passengers can ride the steepest railway up from the Jamison Valley or travel on the cable car. Either option affords incredible scenic views of the Blue Mountains. The glass roof in the passenger cars allows for a fantastic view from every seat on the train.

Just take a look for yourself!

1. Where might the Scenic Railway originally lead to?

A．A mine.

B．A village.

C．A mountain.

D．A valley.

2. What can be known about the trail access to Orphan Rock?

A．It is a rock tunnel.	B．It is out of use.
C．It is partially open.	D．It is a 10-minute trip.

3. What might be the Scenic Railway trip like?

A．Eco-friendly.

B．Absurd.

C．Demanding.

D．Adventurous.