1 . Harbin has witnessed a significant boom that has caused it to trend on social media this winter. By December 30, 2023, the city airport’s annual passenger throughput had gone beyond 3000 million. According to a new report, during the three-day New Year holiday, Harbin received 3.05 million tourists and made income of 5.91 billion yuan, both of which reached record highs.

Harbin, also known as China’s “ice city”, is famous for its ice and snow culture. For over 60 years, the city has had a tradition of holding an annual ice lantern exhibition, presenting the creativity and skill of its artists. Recently, the Ice and Snow World, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest ice and snow park, is just one of many attractions in the city. It features amazing ice and snow sculptures, including replicas(复制品) of famous landmarks, animals, and cartoon characters. In addition, visitors can also enjoy different kinds of snow sports, such as ice skating, ice fishing, and sledding.

Harbin spared no effort to show its sincerity and hospitality(热情好客) to tourists. At the Ice and Snow World, a lot of new experiences have been provided, such as hovercrafts and bicycles on ice, Ferris wheels, and hot air balloons. Tourists were welcomed with live performances at the airport, and dressing rooms were set up for them to change into warm clothing. Local residents supported by traveling during off-peak hours to reduce traffic and offering tourists free rides. For those unable to book hotels, the government opened the Provincial People’s Congress Service Center for low-cost stays.

“For individual travelers, a city’s infrastructure(基础设施) and public services form the foundation of tourism competitiveness. It is only when tourists feel the warmth of the city and the goodwill of its citizens that they blend into the lives of a travel destination,” said Dai Bin, president of China Tourism Academy.

1. What are the figures in the first paragraph mainly about?

A．The boom in Harbin’s tourism industry.

B．The popularity of Harbin’s new attractions.

C．The big investment in Harbin’s Ice and Snow World.

D．The local people’s great passion for the New Year holiday.

2. What do we know about the Ice and Snow World from Paragraph 2?

A．It is famous for its ice lantern exhibition.

B．It is the first ice and snow park in the world.

C．It offers various snow-centered activities for visitors.

D．It holds snow sculpture competitions for skilled artists.

3. What is Paragraph 3 mainly about?

A．New sporting events in the Ice and Snow World.

B．The measures to ensure tourists’ safety in Harbin.

C．Kind residents’ support for relieving traffic pressure.

D．Harbin’s efforts to improve tourists’ travel experiences.

4. Where does this text probably come from?

A．A diary of cultural tours.	B．A news report on tourism.
C．An advertisement for scenic spots.	D．A review of newly emerging cities.

2 . The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World

Library of Strahov Monastery (Prague, Czech Republic)

The oldest part of the Library of Strahov Monastery, the Baroque Theological Hall, was established between 1671 and 1674, making the establishment one of the oldest and best preserved historical libraries in the world. Over 200,000 volumes are collected here, with many, of the texts printed between 1501 and 1800.

Old Library of Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland)

Old Library of Trinity College was founded in 1592. Appropriately named the Long Room, this space is located within the Old Library at Trinity College. Previously, the room’s ceiling was flat and only shelved books on the lower level. However, the college was granted a free copy of every book published in Britain and Ireland, requiring the expansion of the cavernous space.

Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

In 1837, a group of 43 Portuguese immigrants and political refugees established the Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading to promote their culture in what was the Empire of Brazil. The library was designed by architect Rafael da Silva e Castro in a neo-Gothic style and was inspired by the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon.

Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine (Paris, France)

The library at the Cite de l’architecture et du patrimoine opened its doors in September 2007. It’s a must visit for any architecture lover. Not only because of the amazing location in a Romanesque (罗马式的) sistine, but also because its entire collection is dedicated to works about architecture, and landscaping. The library also houses the largest collection of preserved romanesque wall paintings in France.

1. Which library has the longest history?

A．Old Library of Trinity College.

B．Library of Strahov Monastery.

C．Cite de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine.

D．Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading.

2. What is the purpose of the establishment of Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading?

A．To remember a famous designer.	B．To accommodate poor Portuguese.
C．To spread Portuguese culture.	D．To preserve historical documents.

3. Which library attracts those interested in art and architecture most?

A．Library of Strahov Monastery.

B．Old Library of Trinity College.

C．Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading.

D．Cite de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine.

4 . The Sydney Opera House has become, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney’s best-known landmark and international symbol.

The base for the building was started in 1959 — years before the designs were finished. It took four years to design by Danish architect Jorn Utzon and by 1962 the designs were finalized and construction began. In total, it took 14 years to build and was officially opened on the 20th of October 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II.

The Sydney Opera House is a fascinating building and heart of the city’s cultural scene. It opened with a concert hall, an opera theatre, a drama theatre and a recital (音乐演奏会) hall, as well as restaurants and bars. A fifth theatre was added within the structure in 1998.

The Sydney Opera House cost some $160 million to build and was paid for by the public who bought $10 tickets in a series of lotteries with a first prize of $1million.

More information about the Sydney Opera House:

Conducts 3,000 events each year

Provides guided tours to 200,000 people each year

Has an annual audience of 2 million for its performances

includes 1,000 rooms

Is 185 metres long and 120 metres wide

Has 2.194 pre-cast concrete sections as its roof

Has roof sections weighing up to 15 tons

Has roof sections held together by 350 kms of tensioned steel cable

Has over 1 million tiles on the roof

Uses 6,225 square metres of glass and 645 kilometres of electric cable

1. When were the designs of the Sydney Opera House started?

A．In1960.

B．In1962.

C．In1958.

D．In1973.

2. The Sydney Opera House doesn’t consist of ______.

A．a drama theatre	B．an opera theatre
C．a concert hall	D．a reception hall

3. Which of the following is NOT true?

A．The Sydney Opera House has an audience of 2 million per year for its performances.

B．There are about 3,000 events held in the Sydney Opera House each year.

C．The Sydney Opera House is made up of more than 1,000 rooms.

D．The roof of the Sydney Opera House is made of concrete and steel.

5 . How to limit your environmental impact while travelling

Travelling unlocks a world of endless possibilities and adventures, allowing us to hike through breathtaking landscapes, encounter kangaroos and deer in their natural habitat, and witness the power of volcanoes.     1     Increased plastic waste and noise pollution can damage ecosystems. Thankfully, there are ways to limit our impact on the environment.

Try to travel by land instead of air. While air travel can often be quicker, it is typically one of the most polluting forms of transport.     2     For example, if you’re heading to Las Vegas from Los Angeles, driving for around four hours emits (排放) around 75% less CO₂ compared to the one-hour flight (provided you have several friends with you).

    3     A typical hotel uses about 73,000 gallons of water per year. As laundering towels (洗熨毛巾) is an energy-and-water-consuming process, many hotels often put up signs asking you to re-use your towels. By doing so, you’ll reduce your environmental impact.

Make the most of safe tap water (自来水). Drinking tap water may come as a shock to many travelers. But when you’re in countries where tap water is safe to consume, avoid bottled options. Not only are they more expensive, but they have a higher level of pollution compared to treated tap water.     4    

Respect the local environment. When visiting different destinations, we should recognize the importance of protecting the natural beauty. We mustn’t throw rubbish everywhere.     5     Additionally, supporting local conservation (保护) efforts, such as participating in community-led clean-up projects, can make a positive impact on the local environment.

A．Be a responsible hotel guest.

B．Explore with green tour companies.

C．Instead, carry a bottle and refill it wherever you can

D．And we should avoid activities that may harm wildlife.

E．However, tourism can also be harmful to the environment.

F．Low-cost airlines have made it much more affordable to travel.

G．Taking the train or driving in some countries may be better options.

6 . The Best School Camps in Victoria

Burnside Camp

Located on the Surf Coast near Anglesea, Burnside Camp is set over 4-hectare beautiful bushland (灌木丛) close to opollution-free peaches, Running throughout the year, Burnside Camp serves as a fantastic base for groups of up to 88 students. Camp programs centre on outdoor adventure activities. These include biking, canoeing, and exciting bush night hikes.

Mill Valley Ranch

Mill Valley Ranch is one of the best school camps in Victoria for large groups of students. It can accommodate up to 100 students. At Mill Valley Ranch, activity programs typically centre on confidence and character building. When outdoors, this sees young people given the opportunity to experience everything from horse riding to archery (射箭). However, it is also possible to organize a wide range of other team games and activities.

Camp Wilkin

Set in Anglesea, Camp Wilkin covers a 15-acre area home to resident kangaroos, which is in easy reach of quiet bushwalks and fantastic beaches. It offers the best school camp accommodation in Victoria for large groups, accommodating up to 163 students. And it also offers a variety of outdoor activity programs. Camp facilities include large meeting rooms suitable for everything from presentations to group learning activities.

Halls Gap

Halls Gap can hold up to 56 students. One of the best school camps in Victoria for natural sightseeing, it features reserved activities taking the form of short journeys to experience some of the largest waterfalls in Victoria. Halls Gap Camp students can also join in rock climbing. Such activities are in the company of local tour guides.

1. What can students do at Burnside Camp?

A．Learn to repair bikes.	B．Run their own startups.
C．Attend archery lessons.	D．Go on bush night hikes.

2. Which camp can hold the largest number of students?

A．Halls Gap.

B．Burnside Camp.

C．Camp Wilkin.

D．Mill Valley Ranch.

3. What is special about Halls Gap?

A．It is the best camp in Victoria.	B．It requires advance booking.
C．It features outdoor activities.	D．It centres on character building.

7 . The world is full of fascinating destinations. We are here for you, providing a private tour to suit your particular needs and help you enjoy a great travel around Austria.

Time

June to August is the busiest time of the year with crowds of tourists and lower room availability. If you want to avoid the crowded tourists, the best time to visit Austria lasts from April to May and from September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, better for enjoying outdoor activities such as sightseeing, biking, hiking and adventures. Winter is also a great time to visit since the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are held everywhere, attracting tourists from all over the world.

Cities

Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck are three must-see cities that shouldn’t be missed in your Austria tour packages. Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is famous for its lively art. Salzburg is also a great region where you can enjoy amazing views of the Eastern Alps. It’s also the birthplace of the famous composer Mozart and the film setting for the Sound of Music. Innsbruck, another significant place for sightseeing in Austria, is known for its mountainous backdrop and lots of natural beauty. There are also some. worthy medieval(中世纪的)towns to visit, such as Bad Ischl, Durnstein, Hallstatt, etc.

Transportation

Austria has a wide rail network, connecting all its domestic cities and neighboring countries. Riding on comfortable trains is the best way to travel through the green valleys, the historic towns and the scenic villages.

1. When is Austria the most crowded with tourists?

A．From April to May.	B．From June to August.
C．From September to October.	D．From November to December.

2. What is Vienna known for?

A．Its art.	B．Its mountains.
C．Its filming.	D．Its medieval towns.

3. Which is the best way to tour Austria?

A．Taking a bus.	B．Taking a bike.
C．Taking a train.	D．Taking a boat.

8 . There’s plenty of sunshine, sand, and celebration to go around in July. You deserve a vacation this month, and we have four places that are well worth visiting this July.

Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua is the onetime capital of Guatemala, a colonial-era city that earned UNESCO World Heritage site status more than 40 years ago for its extraordinary baroque architecture. There are grand buildings, cobbled streets, and, notably, ruins that were left after the last major quake in 1976—see the Cathedral of Santiago, for example.

Aix-en-Provence, France

The 75th Festival International d’Art Lyrique is happening in Aix-en-Provence, which runs from July 4 to 24. This is a world-class celebration of classical music, with a heavy emphasis on opera. Performances this year will include Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte, Kurt Weill’s Threepenny Opera, and Verdi’s Otello. It’s determinedly affordable and egalitarian, since the event is state funded, with tickets for performances starting at €37.

San Diego, California

From July 19 to 23 this year, costume play’s spiritual home returns to San Diego: the original, and still largest, Comic-Con, which first took place here in 1970 and was canceled due to COVID-19 for the previous two years. Last year, more than 135,000 people attended the event and we expect this year’s number to more than match that record.

Calgary, Canada

For 10 days this month, Calgary is the rodeo capital of the world. It hosts the Calgary Stampede from July 7 to 16, 2023. The world’s largest outdoor rodeo will take place at GMC Stadium. Here you will see people show their skills at riding wild horses and catching cattle with ropes. Programming will ensure that the native Indian stories of this region aren’t overlooked.

1. Why is the 75th Festival International d’Art Lyrique affordable?

A．Because tourists there are very rich and lead a good life.

B．Because the performers charge low to save money for the event.

C．Because all French citizens have easy access to the musical feast.

D．Because the tickets are priced reasonably due to government funding.

2. What can visitors do if they go around San Diego in July?

A．They can express their appreciation of their favorite comic characters.

B．They can enjoy programs about the native Indian stories of this region.

C．They can attend an affordable world-class celebration of classical music.

D．They can admire baroque architecture at a UNESCO World Heritage site.

3. Which place best suits visitors who want to view cowboy culture?

A．Antigua, Guatemala.	B．Aix-en-Provence, France.
C．San Diego, California.	D．Calgary, Canada.

9 . The best UK hidden beaches for the perfect holiday

If you’re considering where to go at Easter or other holidays and searching for some family holiday ideas, why not make the most of your time off by planning a trip to one of Britain’s best beaches? Escape the bank holiday crowds, take a trip to one of these more secluded (僻静的) spots and make some wonderful memories on your own private piece of coastline.

Charming coves at Nanjizal Beach

Cornwall is known for having some of the best beaches in the UK. However, across peak times such as the Easter holidays, they can become overrun with holidaymakers.

Nanjizal Beach is usually very quiet, apart from those walkers who have made the hike on the coastal path from either Porthgwarra, Lands End or Sennen Cove. There are numerous coves to discover and the ruins of an old watermill too. If all of that walking has made you warm, it’s also a great spot for swimming, with inviting shallow waters.

Don’t forget to pack a picnic though, as not only will you want to spend some time soaking in the salty sea air, it’s also a long walk back to the car.

Beautiful beaches at Rhu Point

Rhu Point features white sands and crystal blue waters. It might make you think that you’re in the Caribbean, rather than the west coast of Scotland, a wonderfully remote beach. It is simply attractive at low tide, and offers beautiful views once you arrive at the sandy shore. The walk to get there is also just as pretty; if the day is clear, there are some wonderful views over to the Isle of Skye.

Apart from some great rock pools nestling within the rocky outcrops (露出地面的部分), you can also collect shells which are common on this shoreline. If you’re looking for an Easter holiday getaway on a remote beach in a beautiful part of the country, this is a wonderful option.

1. What makes Nanjizal Beach an appealing place during peak times?

A．Its easy accessibility to tourists.	B．A large number of coves and ruins to explore.
C．Its warm atmosphere due to large crowds.	D．The availability of various water sports.

2. What is one recommendation given to visitors planning a trip to Nanjizal Beach?

A．Bringing along a guidebook for cave exploration.

B．Carrying a picnic for the long walk back to the car.

C．Leaving early to avoid heavy traffic on the coastal path.

D．Reserving a parking spot in advance to avoid inconvenience.

3. What do Nanjizal Beach and Rhu Point have in common?

A．They are rich in shell.	B．They feature white sands.
C．They have absorbing waters.	D．They are similar to Caribbean beaches.

10 . The Golden Gate Bridge is a well-recognized landmark in the United States. It spans (横跨) the Golden Gate Strait — a mile-wide stretch of water that connects the San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. It is also one of the tallest.

The idea for a bridge across the strait had been around for many years, because San Francisco suffered from its isolated location. Planning for the Golden Gate Bridge began in 1916, but the design underwent many changes before construction finally started in 1933.

Joseph Strauss was the chief engineer in charge of the bridge project. However, he had little experience with the construction of suspension bridges (吊桥). For this reason, other engineers, architects, and designers made great contributions to the design and construction of the bridge. For example, the bridge owes its art deco (装饰派艺术) style and distinctive orange color to the architects Irving and Gertrude Morrow. Charles Alton Ellis did much of the technical work necessary to build the bridge.

It was not easy to get the project started. Financing had to be found, and there was much opposition to the very idea of a bridge. The US Navy, for example, feared, that a bridge would block ship traffic. The Southern Pacific Railroad, which ran the ferry fleets (轮渡船队), feared competition from the bridge. Many experts did not believe that it would be possible to build such a long bridge under such difficult circumstances. There are strong currents and heavy winds on the bridge site, which made construction dangerous.

The construction of the bridge finally began in 1933. The construction work set new standards for safety — workers were among the first required to wear hard hats, and a safety net saved the lives of nineteen men while the bridge was built. The Golden Gate Bridge was completed in 1937, when the bridge was opened to pedestrians (行人). It was opened to cars one year later. The bridge was finished ahead of schedule and cost much less than originally budgeted.

Because the Golden Gate Bridge is the first sight for many people arriving in the United States by ship, it is sometimes called the “Statue of Liberty” for the West Coast.

1. According to the text, the Golden Gate Bridge                  .

A．is the best-known symbol of America	B．crosses the Golden Gate Strait
C．crosses the San Francisco Bay	D．is about a mile wide.

2. Why was the idea for the bridge put forward?

A．To give the West Coast a new tourist attraction.

B．To connect San Francisco to the Pacific Ocean.

C．To set up a well-known landmark.

D．To compete with the ferry fleets.

3. The idea for the Golden Gate Bridge                  .

A．was first suggested in 1916

B．was first put forth by Joseph Strauss

C．was perfected by Gertrude Morrow in 1933

D．was put forward long before construction started

4. What can we learn about the Golden Bridge from paragraph 5?

A．It was finished under budget.

B．It was delayed for one year.

C．It was opened to the vehicles in 1937.

D．It was the first to set safety standards.