1 . All young people dream of travelling the world. They are excited and very eager to see new sights. However, they have little idea how they would really do it if given the chances. Because their knowledge of geography is quite limited, they seldom know much about the places they wish to visit or how they would get there.

Already hundreds of thousands of Chinese student tourists are visiting these places — Wuyi, Lhasa, Lijiang, Dali, Vientiane and Phnom Penh. Indeed, these students will soon be the most travelled generation in China’s long history. The World Tourist Organization predicts that a quarter of a century from now the number of Chinese tourists going abroad will be twenty times what it is today. The largest percentage of these tourists will visit Southeast Asia. Not all Chinese who travel abroad will be tourists, however. More and more youths are deciding to volunteer their skills in this region, much like their peers in the Peace Corps and VSO.

Critical thinking skills required include planning for a trip and solving problems after the trip has begun. The focus is on how to read an atlas (地图集) to make travel plans and how to find ways of travelling. An atlas offers a wealth of information about geography and is one way to increase students’ awareness of their global environment. The use of an atlas especially addresses the needs of students with different visual and spatial (空间的) learning styles.

1. The main idea of the first paragraph is __________.

A．all young people wish to travel around the world

B．all young people love travelling, however, their geographical knowledge is limited

C．all young people like to learn the knowledge of geography

D．all young people are aware of the places they are going to

2. What does the World Tourist Organization predict?

A．The number of Chinese tourists going abroad will be twenty times what it is today in about ten years.

B．The number of Chinese tourists going abroad will be twenty times what it is today in about twenty five years.

C．Students will soon be the most travelled generation in China’s long history.

D．Chinese people travel abroad to relax themselves.

3. One way to increase students’ awareness of their global environment is for them to __________.

A．watch TV	B．listen to radio news
C．plan a trip	D．read the maps

4. What can we infer (推断) from the passage?

A．Students know nothing about how to plan a trip.

B．Southeast Asia will be the most popular place in the world.

C．Young people will be crazy about Internet travelling.

D．When we are travelling, critical thinking skills are necessary.

2 . From December 1st, 2023 to November 30th, 2024, visitors can stay in China for up to 15 days without a visa. Below are several easy steps for planning a first China tour.

Decide How Many Days to Stay

We suggest you take at least a week for your first trip to see the highlights in the top three cities: Beijing (3–4 days), Xi’an (2 days), and Shanghai (1–2 days).

To discover more of China, like charming Guilin and lovely Chengdu pandas, you would need a few more days.

Consider When to Travel to China

Things to do in Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai are seldom affected by the seasons.

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are generally the most comfortable and recommended times for a China tour. They are neither too hot nor too cold, but fall is generally drier and warmer than spring.

A more ideal travel time for you could be March and early April or September when there are smaller crowds, favorable prices, and still good weather.

China is a good summer holiday destination too.

Consider Your Budget

The biggest cost could be international airfares. The cost of airfares from the US or Europe to China varies a lot depending on when you fly and which airline you use, from around US$1,200 to US$3,000 for an economy round trip.

The biggest price difference between the off and peak seasons is in the price of hotels and airfares. Prices in peak seasons can go up by 50 to 100%.

For a private tour, the average cost per day is about US$220–350 per person, including flights/trains within China, 4- or 5-star hotels, lunches, attractions, guides, and private transport.

We Believe Private and Tailor-Made Tours Are Best

With our private tours, you would have much more personal choice in how your tour goes. You could have more hand-picked and interactive experiences, like visiting a local family with your own local guide.

With private guiding and transport, we would make full use of your time. You could focus on the sightseeing you want to do, skipping what’s not of interest and the long queues in the most crowded attractions.

1. If you have a tour in China in winter, which places are suitable for you?

A．Beijing and Guilin.	B．Xi’an and Chengdu.
C．Shanghai and Chengdu.	D．Beijing and Xi’an.

2. What can we know from the text?

A．A visa is needed for a 12-day tour.

B．The highest expense is the accommodation fee.

C．Travelling in March can save tourists money.

D．Prices in peak seasons usually go up by 150%.

3. Which of the following is NOT the reason why a tailor-made tour is recommended?

A．You have more choices about your route.

B．Your time will be maximized.

C．You are likely to interact with locals in person.

D．You will spend less on the tour.

3 . It seems every country has one major event on the annual calendar that claims to please all others. Here we’ve boiled down the options to the absolute top 4 events to add to your travel bucket list.

La Tomatina Buñol, Spain August

Tomato lovers get their fill on the last Wednesday of August as over 100,000kg of tomatoes are thrown, pressed and splattered (飞溅) in the town square. It’s the climax of a week-long celebration of Buñol’s patron saint, which leaves the town in a bright red smattering like a horror film scene. We don’t envy whoever has to clean up that mess!

Songkran Thailand April

A water fight on a national scale, Songkran in Thailand is the celebration of the Buddhist New Year. Wherever you are in Thailand — anywhere from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, Krabi or Koh Samui — you can expect to get thoroughly wet with everything from water guns to elephant trunks being employed for the purpose.

Snow & Ice Festival Harbin, China January — February

Harbin is transformed into a winter wonderland with ice sculptures across the city, decorated with lights and lasers, drawing thousands of artists and art enthusiasts alike. And if that’s not enough to appeal to you, there’s also the Ice Lantern Art Fair, dog sledding to watch and our favourite, “winter swimming watching”.

Holi Festival India February — March

A rainbow of colour and Hindu traditions combine to create this celebration of love, springtime fun and good triumphing over evil. Kicking off with a night-time bonfire where people gather, sing and dance, the next day is a carnival of colours where everyone plays about throwing dye powder, shooting water guns and coloured water-filled balloons, uniting rich and poor, children and big kids at heart.

1. A visitor who will only be free in summer holiday can go to _________ to attend the festival.

A．Thailand

B．India

C．China

D．Spain

2. What do Songkran and Holi Festival have in common?

A．They are both in celebration of the New year.	B．They both include water battles.
C．They both provide a bonfire party.	D．They both involve casting color powder.

3. Where does the text probably come from?

A．A research plan.

B．A news report.

C．A travel magazine.

D．A book review.

4 . Family Vacations in Hawaii

Whether your interests are history, native cultures, hiking, water sports, or simply relaxing in the sun, Hawaii has abundant choices to keep you and your family entertained.

Waikiki Beach

This famous two-mile stretch of sand is home to scores of family-friendly beach hotels and all kinds of action-packed excitement. Waikiki Beach is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for warm ocean water and golden beaches. Kids will enjoy walking along the beach, stopping for shaved ice or an ice cream and taking a dip in a safe area of the ocean.

Oahu’s North Shore

Some of the tallest ocean waves in the world are found at Oahu, Hawaii’s North Shore coastline during the winter months. These crashing walls of water are born for surfing and offer one of the best free shows on the islands. The North Shore is home to world-class surf contests, attracting the world’s top surfers.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Nothing appeals to the whole family like Hawaiian past coming alive. Besides, the colorful costumes, lively songs, and traditional dances in the Pacific region are presented here. You’ll see customs of Fiji, New Zealand, Marquesas, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and Hawaii all represented in Polynesian Cultural Center’s re-created island villages, which is decorated with palm trees and tropical gardens.

Waimea Canyon (峡谷) State Park

More than 3,500 feet deep, this landmark on Hawaii’s island of Kauai is the largest canyon in the Pacific. Unlike Grand Canyon, plentiful rain keeps Waimea Canyon and its surrounding area thick with vegetation (植被), and visitors are frequently treated to the sight of vivid rainbows. It offers a great canyon view and a covered picnic area.

1. What makes Oahu’s North Shore known to the world?

A．Its best free cultural shows.	B．Its family-friendly beach hotels.
C．Having the tallest coastline.	D．Being a perfect place for surfing.

2. Which place is most likely to attract those who are interested in history?

A．Waikiki Beach.	B．Oahu’s North Shore.
C．Polynesian Cultural Center.	D．Waimea Canyon State Park.

3. What is special about Waimea Canyon compared to Grand Canyon?

A．It has a covered picnic area.	B．It has a depth of over 3,500 feet.
C．It’s rich in plants and rainfall.	D．It owns a unique kind of vegetation.

5 . Many of us are familiar with the excitement of planning a vacation to an exotic destination. As the departure date approaches, anticipation builds, and the possibilities seem endless. However, upon returning home, the experience often fades quickly as we settle back into our routines. That incredible experience becomes like a dream — similar to watching a movie, but a lot more expensive. But does it have to be like this? What if it could be a transformative experience that enriches our lives?

Over 200 years ago, Mary Wollstonecraft, a philosopher and feminist, started a journey to Scandinavia during a difficult period in her life. Despite her initial intentions to win back her lover, she found comfort in documenting her travels in “Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.” Through her observations and reflections, she not only revolutionized travel writing but also healed herself emotionally.

Wollstonecraft’ s approach to travel offers valuable insights for modern-day travelers. Instead of simply sightseeing, she actively engaged with her surroundings, learning about local customs and history, and questioning her own assumptions. She embraced the unpredictability of travel, allowing herself to explore without strict plans.

Here are some goals we can construct from Wollstonecraft’s approach to travel: Try to actively know the place you are in. Observe the customs. Interact with the locals. Learn the whys behind the observation. Explore the history. Try to understand the answers in relation to what you are experiencing now. setting aside any previous assumptions. Notice how the journey is affecting you. What new insights do you have? Are your opinions and beliefs challenged? Don’t plan out every detail. Embrace uncertainty and explore.

So how do we put those goals into practice? Here is where mental models can enhance the travel experience. Exposing ourselves to diverse cultures and perspectives to broaden our worldview. Challenge confirmation bias (认知偏差) by engaging with ideas that differ from our own. Recognize that happiness and fulfillment can be achieved in various ways.

By including these principles into our travels, we can transform them from mere entertainment into profound end enriching experiences that leave a lasting impact on our lives.

1. What word best describes our feelings upon returning home from a vacation?

A．Excited.

B．Inspired.

C．Disappointed.

D．Astonished.

2. What is the function of the example of Mary Wollstonecraft in Paragraph 2?

A．To show the transformative power of travel.

B．To highlight the challenges of traveling alone.

C．To emphasize the importance of documenting experiences.

D．To prove the possibility of finding comfort in strict travel plan.

3. Which of the following is in line with Wollstonecraft’s approach to travel?

A．The map is not the territory.	B．Travel brings love back to your life.
C．Create your own sunshine every day.	D．Believe in miracles, trust the journey.

4. How can mental models enhance the travel experience?

A．Ignoring differing ideas to avoid bias.

B．Limiting exposure to new perspectives.

C．Seeking entertainment rather than enrichment.

D．Broadening worldview through diverse cultures.

6 . 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.

7 . Last July, I visited Cambridge, a historical university town in England. It is well known that Cambridge University is one of the best universities in the world, but few people know its unique university system. The trip made me know more about the school. It turned out so different from what I had expected!

At Cambridge, there are 31 colleges. These colleges are places where students live, enjoy entertainment, study at libraries and use leisure equipment. Once you enter a college, it becomes your community. Each college is different in terms of places, equipment and atmosphere (氛围). This is why, when applying to Cambridge, applicants (申请人) take great care to choose the right college for themselves. Sometimes, it is just a matter of whether it “feels right” for you.

I also had the chance to visit their Museum of Classical Archaeology (考古学). For someone who is crazy about classics (经典), Cambridge is the perfect place to come and learn from their museums. Classics have been interesting me since I was a kid, and I have developed a deep love for Greek mythology (神话) in comic books. In most museums that Cambridge has, it is easy to find exhibits (展品) that enable you to gain knowledge in any area of interest. There is a museum for almost everything you can think of, including earth sciences, art and — of course — classics.

If you ever have the chance to visit Cambridge, I would suggest visiting their museums as part of your trip. Not only would you be able to immerse yourself in the studying atmosphere, but you could enjoy the wonderful exhibits each museum offers.

1. How did the writer learn more about Cambridge University according to the passage?

A．By reading books.	B．By visiting it.
C．By watching TV.	D．By surfing the Internet.

2. Why should applicants be careful about choosing the right college?

A．Students have different interests.	B．Not all colleges are open to them.
C．The colleges are similar to each other.	D．Each college is different in its own way.

3. What is the third paragraph mainly about?

A．The writer’s deep interest in classics.

B．The great advantages of visiting Cambridge’s museums.

C．The large collection of exhibits in Cambridge’s museums.

D．The writer’s visit to the Museum of Classical Archaeology.

4. Which of the following words can be used to replace the underlined word “immerse” in the last paragraph?

A．Put.

B．Teach.

C．Value.

D．Dress.

8 . 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.

9 . Thailand tourism has always been the top destination for Chinese travelers due to its affordable prices and excellent services. Therefore, we recommend that you also travel to Thailand after the Gaokao to reward yourself for ten years of hard work and studying.

Grand Palace, Bangkok

The Grand Palace is a stunning complex of buildings that served as the official residence of the kings of Thailand from the 18th to the mid-20th century. It features complex architecture, beautiful gardens, and several impressive temples. The palace is open daily from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, and admission costs 500 baht (泰铢) per person.

Wat Arun, Bangkok

Wat Arun is a stunning Buddhist temple that sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The temple is known for its great design and impressive top, which are covered in colorful mosaics and seashells. It’s open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and admission costs 100 baht per person. Note that visitors are required to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the temple.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai

The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a busy market that offers a wide variety of goods, including clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The market is open every night from around 6:00 pm to midnight. Admission is free, but be prepared to bargain about prices.

Phuket Old Town, Phuket

Phuket Old Town is a historic district filled with colorful shop houses, cafes, and art galleries. It’s a great place to wander around and soak up the atmosphere. Some of the most popular attractions in the area include the Thai Hua Museum and the Phuket Trickeye Museum. Admission prices vary depending on the attraction.

1. Thailand is very popular among Chinese tourists for ______.

A．the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens

B．the wide variety of goods in the night market

C．the outstanding balance between cost and value

D．the impressive Buddhist temple by the river

2. Which attraction has dress requirements for visitors?

A．Grand Palace, Bangkok.	B．Wat Arun, Bangkok.
C．Phuket Old Town, Phuket.	D．Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai.

3. Which of the following is TRUE about Chiang Mai Night Bazaar?

A．Only top quality products are sold here.	B．All the goods here are handmade.
C．Some products are free.	D．There is no charge for entry.

10 . A three-day plan to Hangzhou

Day 1: West Lake — Hefang Street — Southern Song Imperial Street

In West Lake, you can just walk casually along the road, take a boat to the islands, or simply sit in a lakeside tea house and enjoy the beautiful views.

Hefang Street, the economic and political center of the city, is where you can experience how Hangzhou looked when it was the capital of China and, of course, purchase souvenirs.

Stretching more than 4 kilometers, Southern Song Imperial Street is a celebrated commercial street.

Day 2: Xixi wetland — Deshou Palace — Grand Canal

Xixi wetland is a natural shelter from the noise of the city and a cultural treasure.

Deshou Palace, once home to two Southern Song Dynasty emperors, was destroyed by a fire in 1206, but recently underwent a restoration. The complex now hosts exhibitions focused on the Southern Song Dynasty.

The Hangzhou section of the Grand Canal stretches a total length of 39 kilometers. A boat trip, taking in some striking scenery as well as the fascinating landscape of Jiangnan Water Town, is highly recommended.

Day 3: Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins Park — Liangzhu Museum — Hangzhou branch of the China National Archives of Publications and Culture

Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins Park are famed for its delicate jade products and grand water conservation system. It is recommended to take the three-hour sightseeing bus tour, during which you will be able to enjoy many scenic spots.

Liangzhu Museum specializes in collecting and displaying relics of the neolithic civilization (新石器时代文明) and the study of Liangzhu Culture.

Hangzhou branch of the China National Archives of Publications and Culture is home to China’s bibliographical resources (书目资源) — a must-visit for history lovers.

1. Where can you buy a souvenir?

A．Xixi wetland.

B．Liangzhu Museum.

C．Deshou Palace.

D．Hefang Street.

2. What can visitors do in both West Lake and Grand Canal?

A．Take a boat.

B．Enjoy quiet time.

C．Buy jade products.

D．See exhibitions.

3. Which of the following highlights the three-day tour in Hangzhou?

A．Scenery and food.	B．Entertainment and shopping.
C．Scenery and culture.	D．Shopping and food.