1 . Landscape architect Kotchakorn Voraakhom has designed a new green roof on the Rangsit Campus of Thammasat University, about 25 miles north of central Bangkok, Thailand. Her imaginative work challenges the common thinking that urbanization has a negative impact on the planet, whether flooding, excess (过度的) energy use, disrupted (扰乱) biodiversity or the heat island effect.
The 236, 806-square-foot structure, which opened in December 2019, includes a flood water management system and Asia’s largest rooftop organic farm. It combines modern landscape architecture with traditional agricultural knowledge, creating a green and friendly environment.
The green roof, containing an H-shaped landscape, looks like a futuristic hill with a brick building beneath it. The hill features a complex pattern of zigzagging terraces (之字形梯田) of planted beds, leading all the way down to the bottom. When rainwater hits the roof, it flows down the zigzags while being absorbed by the soil in the beds, The excess water is directed into four storage ponds — with a capacity of up to 3 million gallons. The process slows down the flow speed of rainwater runoff compared to a normal concrete rooftop. This keeps the area from flooding during heavy rains.
The roof’s terraces are filled with organically grown crops, including a drought tolerant variety of rice, many local vegetables and herbs. The farm can supply the canteens on campus with a large amount of rice, herbs and vegetables a year. The food waste is composted (把……制成堆肥) to fertilize the farm, and water from the storage ponds is used to water plants, creating an entirely localized and circular system.
The farm serves as an outdoor classroom and a source of local jobs, too. Farmers offer workshops on sustainable agriculture and nutrition as part of the university’s sustainability curriculum. “Students and community members are invited to participate in seasonal seeding, harvesting, and so on,” says Voraakhom. “The urban farm is training a new generation of organic farmers with real-world skills. It also promotes a sense of community.”
1. What can we say about Voraakhom’s work?| A．It’s short-lived. | B．It’s creative. |
| C．It’s demanding. | D．It’s time-consuming. |
| A．To store more water. |
| B．To plant diverse vegetables. |
| C．To slow the speed of water flow. |
| D．To make it look more attractive than other buildings. |
| A．It uses food as fertilizer. | B．It benefits the environment. |
| C．It improves students’ lifestyle. | D．It produces vegetables and fruits. |
| A．Students can learn hands-on knowledge on the farm. |
| B．Farmers working on the farm can become professors. |
| C．The farm prevents government from offering people jobs. |
| D．The farm harms the relationship between university and community. |
2 . Longmen Grottoes
As one of the three most notable Buddhist sculptures in China, the Longmen Grottoes have approximately 1,400 caves with over 100,000 statues. The grottoes were first dug and carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty. Representing the high point of Chinese stone-carving, the Longmen Grottoes are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Opening hours: 8:00 a, m. — 5:00 p. m.(Feb. 1st to Mar. 31st); 7:30 a. m. — 5:30 p. m.(Apr. 1st to Oct. 7th)
Entry: 100 yuan/adult 30% off each teen
White Horse Temple
Originally established under Emperor Ming during the Eastern Han Dynasty, White Horse Temple is the first officially-built temple in China after the introduction of Buddhism. As the cradle of Chinese Buddhism, it holds a vast collection of Buddhist statues and classic sutras. The temple is also famous for interior architecture inspired by the Buddhist styles of Thailand, India and Burma.
Opening hours: 7:30 a. m. — 7:00 p. m.
Entry: 50 yuan/person
Millennium City Park
The Millennium City Park in Kaifeng is a large-scale historical and cultural theme park which copies scenes from the famous ancient painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival. Visitors can watch folklore performances like those of the Song Dynasty and see reconstructions of grand imperial halls and gardens.
Opening hours: 8:30 a. m. — 6:00 p. m.(winter); 8:30 a. m. — 10:00 p.m.
Entry: 120 yuan/person(Mar. 1st to Nov. 30th); 90 yuan/person(Dec. 1st to Feb. 28/29th)
Kaifeng Prefecture
Kaifeng Prefecture was once the country’s political, economic and cultural center as well as one of the most booming cities in the world during the Northern Song Dynasty. Today, the rebuilt Kaifeng Prefecture is a scenic area built according to the architectural standards of the Song Dynasty. Visitors can read historical documents and watch performances.
Opening hours: 7:30 a. m. — 5:30 p. m.(winter); 7:00 a. m. — 7:00 p. m.
Entry: 60 yuan/person
1. How much will a parent with two teens have to pay to visit Longmen Grottoes?| A．100 yuan. | B．160 yuan. | C．240 yuan. | D．340 yuan. |
| A．Longmen Grottoes. | B．White Horse Temple. |
| C．Millennium City Park. | D．Kaifeng Prefecture. |
| A．They are tours about Chinese civilization. | B．Visitors can see ancient paintings. |
| C．They can be visited all year round. | D．The United Nations speak highly of them. |
3 . William Lindesay, a famous Great Wall expert and conservationist, and his wife Wu Qi have traveled the globe by the back paths, providing their sons with a unique growing environment. Sun hats, backpacks and sneakers (运动鞋)—these are the day-to-day must-haves for the family.
Most of their trips seem far from relaxing—cultural study in the hot and dry desert, a 53-kilometer hiking tour of New Zealand, a one-day climb to three English mountaintops and a six-day train ride from Beijing to Moscow.
Many assume the family must be wealthy and can afford their global travel, but they are not. Lindesay says they just choose to spend money on travel and eschew pricey hotels and restaurants where possible. Lindesay mentions the trip to Moscow as an example. Instead of taking a taxi from the railway station to the hotel, they took the subway. “We crossed the city for saving money, communicated with local people, and saw they are people just like us, everywhere. We arrived at our destination feeling comfortable.”
However, their journeys, which can last weeks or months, have sometimes been inconsistent with their children’s schooling. Wu remembers once Lindesay let their elder son ask for leave so that they could go to New York for a 45-day lecture tour. Therefore the son missed his final exam. Things like that bother the family all the time.
Lindesay attaches great importance to learning out of the classroom, saying that children might score well on school tests, but traveling outside, in distant lands with different languages, cultures, and political structures, is the real test. “You can only get streetwise on the street. You can only get worldly-wise when seeing the world,” he says.
1. How can we describe the Lindesays’ trips?| A．Pleasant. | B．Challenging. | C．relaxing. | D．Dangerous. |
| A．Avoid. | B．Visit. | C．Compare. | D．Evaluate. |
| A．They suffer from a tight budget. | B．They have scheduling conflicts. |
| C．They are faced with language barriers. | D．They hold different educational ideas. |
| A．Nothing is so necessary for travelers as languages. |
| B．There is no royal road to learning. |
| C．Actions speak louder than words. |
| D．Man who travels far knows more. |
4 . Here are four unique national parks in the US that will make you feel like you’re on another planet.
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
This national park in New Mexico is home to the largest area of gypsum sand dunes (沙丘) , making it a truly otherworldly destination in our own backyard. The sand may look like snow, but it can definitely get hot out there. Bring water and a sled (雪橇) , because it’s a popular place for sledding.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, Colorado
From some angles, you would think you’re in the middle of the Sahara while walking through the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado. But if you simply find a place with a good view, you can spot the beautiful Rocky Mountain. Occasionally, the nearby Medano Creek will overflow and create a sort of natural “water slide” that makes this usually dry area extra fun. The park is home to wetlands, lakes, and forests, in addition to sand dunes.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Even though it’s one of the least-visited national parks in the country, it’s definitely one of the best national parks in Florida. Located about 70 miles from Key West, this park is made up of several islands that feature blue waters, white-sand beaches, colorful marine life, and one of the largest 19th-century forts (城堡) in the US. The only way for anyone to access the park is by boat or seaplane, but the trip is well worth it.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
If you’re looking for interesting red and pink rocks, you can’t miss this national park, which is known for its fascinating rock, as well as its gorgeous starry (布满星星的) skies at night.
1. What can you do in the White Sands National Park?| A．See pink rocks. | B．Sled on the sand. |
| C．Swim in blue waters. | D．Climb high mountains. |
| A．White Sands National Park. | B．Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. |
| C．Dry Tortugas National Park. | D．Bryce Canyon National Park. |
| A．In a science magazine. | B．In a biology textbook. |
| C．In a travel brochure. | D．In a historical novel. |
5 . The State of Colorado has four of the best parks out of the 58 national parks in the United States. The parks have some of the best scenery of all the national parks.
Black Canyon (峡谷) of Gunnison National Park
This park offers the most breathtaking views from up in the mountains into the canvons below. While exploring the canyons, you will find that the walls drop nearly straight down into the narrow valleys of snake -like of rivers below. Visitors are offered more than 100 camping sites, and a lot of bird species and many animals are native to the area.
Rocky Mountain National Park
It is the only national park in the north central region in the state of Colorado. Elevations in this park are anywhere from 8000 feet to 14,259 feet at the top of Longs Peak. While traveling throughout this park you will notice two very different climates because of the difference the upper peaks of the Rocky Mountains make. You can enjoy 359 miles of hiking trails, a lot of places for camping, horse-back riding and beautiful scenery.
Mesa Verde National Park
This is probably the most interesting national park, offering a fascinating trip back in time to 600 AD up to 1300 AD. This park was declared a protected national park in-1906 because of the cliffdwellings(住所)that were found throughout the area, which were once-home to American Indians. Many of these dwellings can be walked through, while you imagine what each room may have been used for so many years ago
Great Sand Dunes (沙丘) National Park
The Great Sand dunes National Park lies in south central Colorado about 127 miles from Pueblo. This park has the tallest sand dunes in all of North America and has trails for hiking. The natural sandy beaches around the small rivers and lakes are good for swimmers.
1. In the Rocky Mountain National Park, tourists may NOT be able to| A．go sightseeing | B．boat | C．ride a horse | D．camp |
| A．the Rocky Mountain National Park | B．the Black Canvon of Gunnison National Park |
| C．the Great Sand Dunes National Park | D．the Mesa Verde National Park |
| A．Persuading people to visit Colorado while in America |
| B．Showing people which park is the best of the four in Colorado |
| C．introducing the best four parks in Colorado to people. |
| D．Telling people some traveling information in Colorado |
6 . Whether you’re after a quiet beach holiday or an adventure-packed trip, with over 700 islands and 30 territories, the Caribbean offers many choices. Here we will provide practical tips to help you plan your dream Caribbean vacation.
Choosing the Best Time to Visit
Generally speaking, the Caribbean has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather year-round. Hurricanes are common during the summer months, so it’s advised to avoid travel during this season if possible. The best time to visit typically starts in November and runs through April. Be sure to check local weather forecasts before your trip.
Experiencing the Local Culture
The Caribbean is home to a variety of cultures. The local culture is a key part of the Caribbean experience, so make sure to soak up as much as you can. Visit museums and historical sites to get a deeper understanding of the local heritage, or explore local festivals for a display of music, dance, and art. Moreover, the people of the Caribbean are well known for their friendliness, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation.
Planning Your Activities
Whether you’re into diving, hiking, shopping, or simply lying on the beach, you will be able to pick between endless activities. Besides, you can try your hand at deep-sea fishing, horseback riding, or even bungee jumping. If you’re looking for something more laid back, take a guided tour of the island’s botanical gardens or explorer its national parks. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to review safety guidelines and pack all the necessary equipment before your adventure.
In conclusion, the Caribbean offers a diverse travel experience that caters to different preferences and budgets. With careful planning and a bit of research, you can plan a vacation that is truly unforgettable. So don’t wait — start planning your dream Caribbean trip today!
1. Which month is the best time to visit the Caribbean?| A．July. | B．December. | C．August. | D．June. |
| A．Visitors can experience different cultures and activities. |
| B．Visitors can have the opportunity to play local music. |
| C．Visitors have to be concerned about the safety of accommodation. |
| D．Deep-sea fishing is not allowed for the reason of ocean protection. |
| A．A fashion magazine. | B．A shopping guide. |
| C．A geography textbook. | D．A travel brochure. |
7 . A new study in the journal of Tourism Analysis shows frequent travelers are happier with their lives than people who don’t travel at all.
Chun-Chu Chen, an assistant professor at Washington State University, conducted a survey to find out why some individuals travel more frequently than others and whether or not travel and tourism experiences have a lasting effect on happiness and wellness.
The results of his analysis show individuals who pay more attention to tourism-related information and frequently discuss their travel plans with friends are more likely to go on regular vacations than those who aren’t constantly thinking about their next trip. Additionally, participants in the survey who reported regularly traveling at least 75 miles away from home also reported being about 7% happier when asked about their overall well-being than those who reported traveling very rarely or not at all.
“While things like work, family life and friends play a bigger role in overall reports of well-being. The accumulation (积累) of travel experiences’ does appear to have a small yet noticeable effect on self-reported life satisfaction,” Chen said.
Participants in the study were asked about the importance of travel in their lives, how much time they spent looking into and planning future vacations, and how many trips they went on over a year. They were also asked about their life satisfaction. Out of the 500 survey participants, a little over half reported going on more than four pleasurable trips a year. Only 7% of respondents did not take any vacations.
As travel restrictions (限制) due to COVID-19 pandemic begin to relax in the future, the research could have important effects on both tourists and the tourism industry. Based on the results of the study, Chen said travel companies, resorts and even airlines, could launch social media campaigns, such as creating signs about the scientific benefits of vacation, to spark people’s interest in discussing their opinions about travel.
1. What is the benefit of frequent travelling according to the study?| A．Getting more tourism information. | B．Making more friends. |
| C．Bettering tourism industry. | D．Improving one’s well-being. |
| A．Why the professor carried out the study. |
| B．How the participants felt about the survey. |
| C．What the participants were interviewed about. |
| D．What the participants panned to do in the future. |
| A．Tourism industry should improve their service. |
| B．The results of the study will benefit tourism industry. |
| C．COVID-19 pandemic will be more serious in the future. |
| D．People will live a happier life after COVID-19 pandemic. |
| A．Travel more and be happier | B．Make good use of travelling |
| C．Prepare for the tourism development | D．Make travel plans with friends |
8 . Some Arrangements for the Beijing Tour
Day 1Any visit to Beijing is incomplete without a hike on the Great Wall. However, it is thousands of miles long and the Beijing section is only a small part of the Great Wall. The first choice is Badaling, but we recommend Juyong Pass, which is less crowded but no less impressive. Depending on your health and preference, you can climb very steep steps or have a walk on the relatively flat areas. There are many locations for great photo opportunities,
Day 2Start at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors used to hold ceremonies to pray. Stop at the Echo Wall and discover the wonder of voices bouncing (弹跳) back and forth. Pass through the guard-protected Golden Water Bridge, and go to visit the Palace Museum.
Day 3You can pay a visit to Capital Museum where the exhibits have more surprises. Take a walk along Wangfujing Street, a modern shopping street. The walking is much less intensive and the budgeted time much more flexible. You may want to finish the day off by catching a performance of Peking Opera and National Centre for the Performing Arts is an ideal place to go.
Day 4The Summer Palace in a northwestern suburb of the city is a beautiful place. A short taxi ride north will take you to Qianmen Street. This retail centre was renovated (翻新) for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Here are some of the oldest businesses of the city, including the famous Peking Duck.
1. Which day covers a visit to the Great wall?| A．Day 1. | B．Day 2. | C．Day 3. | D．Day 4. |
| A．To Capital Museum. |
| B．Ta the Summer Palace. |
| C．To the Palace Museum. |
| D．To National Centre for the Performing Arts. |
| A．Buy a taxi. | B．Go shopping. |
| C．Renovate the street. | D．Cook Peking Duck. |
9 . Amazing landscapes of China’s Xinjiang
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is located in the central part of the Eurasian Continent, on the northwest border of China. It covers about one-sixth of China’s total territory. Xinjiang was a key link on the Silk Road and a hub for east-west cultural exchanges in ancient times.
• Attractions in Xinjiang
Karakul Lake
The Karakul is a lake in Akto County along the highway, located 196 km from Kashgar City. Karakul is a very unusual plateau(高原) lake. In fact, it is the highest lake of the Pamir Plateau, at an altitude of 3,600 m. The view is breathtaking, thanks to the surroundings, snow-covered mountains and beautiful reflections in the crystal-clear water.
Tianchi Lake
Tianchi Lake, also known as Heavenly Lake, is located on the northern side of the Bogeda Peak in the Tianshan mountains. It is 120 km from Urumqi City and only a 90-minute drive, and the center of the Tianchi scenic area of startling contrasts-an alpine drift lake at an altitude of 1,980 m (6,496 ft) with glistening glaciers on the mountain peaks nearby when the sun is shining.
Kanas Lake
Kanas Lake is in the Kanas Geopark and is mainly made up of Crouching Dragon Bay, Moon Bay, Immortal Bay and the interesting mystery of the legendary big red monster fish! The water, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, decorates the world like a diamond.
• Delicious food in Xinjiang
Xinjiang boasts(自夸)a rich and unique food culture. Breakfast here includes melons, jam and milk tea while lunch is often served with delicacies featuring beef and mutton, such as roasted whole lamb. Dinner usually entails Nang, tea or noodles.
• Various products of Xinjiang
Xinjiang specialties include lavender, cotton, tomato, mutton, beef, jujube, and various fruits.
In addition, Xinjiang has the richest mineral resources in China, with 138 different types. Those resources discovered in other parts of our country make up less than 25%. Nephrite is one of China’s top five famous jades and most of it is found in Hetian, Xinjiang.
1. Which is the best choice for those living in Urumqi City?| A．Heavenly Lake | B．Karakul Lake | C．Kanas Lake | D．the Pamir Plateau |
| A．Milk tea | B．Baked Nang | C．Pulled noodles | D．Roasted whole lamb |
| A．More than 75 % | B．Less than 25% | C．Around 25% | D．Around 50% |
10 . Waynesville, North Carolina Travel Guide
About 25 miles southwest of Asheville, Waynesville is the perfect western Carolina mountain town with real charm. So why not visit it?
Best Things to Do in Waynesville
●Make the short drive to Waterrock Knob, where you’ll find one of the best trails and views in Western North Carolina.At 5,820 feet, it's the highest visitor center along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
●Go to Cataloochee Valley to see the elk(麋鹿).The valley is filled with wildlife and wildflowers.
●Visit Haywood's Farmers Market, filled with local products from produce to cheese to crafts. Fill up your bag with fresh fruit and sweet treats for a picnic around Lake Junaluska.
●Explore the Frog Level District located on Richland Creck,which features one- and two-story brick and frame buildings from the early 1900s.
Best Time to Visit
Fall is the most popular time for Waynesville tourism. The bright oranges, yellows, and reds of the fall leaves draw crowds from near and far-so you can expect the cost to mirror the demand. Spring, however, is the best time to visit Waynesville if you want to enjoy pleasant weather, and various fairs and festivals.
Where to Stay in Waynesville
You’ll feel at home instantly you pull up to The Yellow House on Plott Creek Road. Built in the Late 1800s, the hotel sits on five rolling acres of land, surrounded by walking paths, two ponds and a stream. There’re ten rooms and suites and each has its own private bath, fireplace and sitting area.
How to Get There
Ashevile Regional Airport is the closest airport. If you’re flying into the area, you’ll need your own transportation to travel around Waynesville. Downtown Waynesville is walkable but exploring further out into the Blue Ridge Mountains requires a car.
1. Where will you most probably have a chance to admire ancient buildings?| A．Waterrock Knob. | B．Cataloochee Valley. |
| C．Frog Level District. | D．Haywood’s Farmers Market. |
| A．The competitive cost. | B．The local cultures, |
| C．The agreeable weather. | D．The natural beauty. |
| A．Rent a car. | B．Feed some wildlife. |
| C．Hike on foot. | D．Grow fresh fruits. |
