1 . Since living in China, I’d always heard that Sichuan province had the spiciest cuisine. I finally made my way to Chengdu to satisfy my eagerness.
With 45% of its local people aged between 14 and 45, making it one of China’s most youthful places, it boasted an energetic atmosphere dotted with trendy shops, cafes, and live music. People wandered leisurely along the streets, enjoying the free time with those who don’t work overtime.
As the sun sets, Chengdu truly comes alive. The city buzzes (充斥着) with countless bars and music venues. I chose a bar to hear myself think. My waiter brought me a cocktail with Sichuan peppers and I asked where I could taste the most special hotpot. She suggested Long Sen Yuan Hotpot. I made a reservation. Afterwards, I took a walk along the amazing Jinjiang River. I’m not a person for solo walks typically, but I was curious about the Jiuyan Bridge, the highlight of the area, which bears the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The next day, I went to Long Sen Yuan. Having ordered some food, I asked for the spicy broth(火锅锅底) and learned I could choose from three levels of spiciness. I ordered the spiciest broth available. The waiter made eye contact to warn about how spicy it was. “Bring it on,” I challenged. The hotpot lived up to its reputation. I found the first bite bearable. However, any experienced spicy food expert will tell you that spice builds as you eat, and I had a lot of broth to get through. By the end of the meal, I was sweating all over. The experience was perfect, and I would highly recommend it, I even shot a selfie with the waiter as a memory of my spicy adventure.
1. Why is Chengdu one of China’s most youthful places?A.Chengdu is a lively city in China. |
B.People in Chengdu don’t work overtime. |
C.The city has countless bars and music venues. |
D.Nearly half of the people are between 15 and 45. |
A.People lead a busy life. |
B.People’s life there is diverse. |
C.The highlight of the area is Jinjiang River. |
D.The restaurant can make people hear themselves think. |
A.The three levels of spiciness. | B.The process of ordering food. |
C.The experience of trying hotpot. | D.The reason of recommending the city. |
A.Admirable. | B.Doubtful. | C.Uncertain. | D.Worried. |
2 . Known for its beautiful natural environment, Guizhou contains a total of four World Heritage Sites, which is more than any other province in China.
The Fanjing Mountain, known as the “City of the Sky”, is famous for its Buddhist culture and the complex of temples. Compared with the world’s other mountains in the same latitude (纬度) zone, the Fanjing Mountain features the best-preserved animals and plants. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018.
Libo Karst, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage in 2007, is located in the southern borderland of Guizhou. Walking into Libo is a feast for the eyes. You would be amazed by one breathtaking sight after another, such as the Wolong Pond and the Laya Waterfall.
The Yuntai Mountain stands out like a piece of green agate (玛瑙) in its latitude zone. It is the oldest and best-preserved dolomite (白云石) karst landform in the world, which is extremely rare and highly valuable for scientific research. In 2014, the Yuntai Mountain was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its “uniqueness and typicality”.
Chishui Danxia is home to the largest Danxia landform area. The highlight of the tourist area, named Foguang Rock, is regarded as the greatest example of a Danxia landform in the world. When the afternoon sunlight hits it, it seems to glow like fire. There is a waterfall that is 42 meters wide and 269 meters high, which looks like a graceful white dragon. It was added to the UNESCO Wodd Heritage List in 2010.
1. What makes the Fanjing Mountain special in the same latitude?A.Its high value for scientific research. | B.Its being called the “City of the Sky”. |
C.Its rich Buddhist culture and temples. | D.Its best-preserved animals and plants. |
A.Dolomite karst. | B.Danxia landform. |
C.Laya Waterfall. | D.Foguang Rock. |
A.The Fanjing Mountain. | B.Libo Karst. |
C.The Yuntai Mountain. | D.Chishui Danxia |
3 . My family and I recently went to Australia, to see my grandparents. But before we visited them, we went sightseeing along the Great Ocean Road, on the Australian coast.
Dad had planned to drive, but even though he was used to driving miles without getting exhausted, he then read on the website that the road wouldn’t be an easy drive. Anyway, we thought he deserved to enjoy the fantastic views too, which he couldn’t do as our driver. So instead, we booked discount bus tickets and off we went.
Our first stop was where wild kangaroo lived — and Dad and I were taking a walk when a big one appeared! For a moment, it seemed to consider coming towards us, which made me a little nervous — but then it went off along the road and into the bushes.
That wasn’t the only wildlife we saw. I thought it unlikely we’d see famous Koala bears during our short visit. In fact, at our next stop, we saw roughly six million in that area! Sadly, some gum trees they were in had very few leaves left, which people told us was because of the Koalas, although I’d read that lack of water is indeed the problem.
Dad had booked a campsite for the night, with ready-made tents — for an adventure! I wasn’t sure about that, but they were really luxury tents, within walking distance of some famous rocks and other places we hoped to visit. However, Dad also said the sounds of wild creatures would help us sleep. That sounded worrying — until the “wild creatures” turned out to be frogs! So I was embarrassed by my fears and kept awake by the frogs! But we had fun making meals together.
In fact, this whole trip was fantastic!
1. How did the author’s family choose to travel at last?A.By car. | B.By bike. | C.By boat. | D.By bus. |
A.A little excited. | B.A little proud. | C.A little afraid. | D.A little upset. |
A.heard the sound of frogs | B.was a little cold |
C.dreamed of some famous places | D.was scared by a dangerous wild animal |
A.Long. | B.Wonderful. | C.Cheap. | D.Boring. |
4 . Canada is a vast and diverse country that offers plenty of incredible tourist destinations. From wonderful natural landscapes to lively cities, Canada has something for every traveler. Here’s a guide to some of Canada’s top tourist destinations.
Banff National Park, AlbertaLocated in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a breathtaking destination known for its turquoise (绿松石) lakes, snow-covered mountains, and plentiful wildlife. Explore the landmark-Lake Louise, hike to amazing viewpoints, and spend time in the natural hot springs.
Niagara Falls, OntarioNiagara Falls is one of the world’s most famous natural attractions. Witness the steep (陡峭的) power and beauty of the grand falls from various viewpoints. Take a boat tour, visit the Butterfly Conservatory, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Clifton Hill.
Toronto, OntarioAs Canada’s largest city, Toronto offers an impressive experience. Discover the famous CN Tower, explore the busy neighborhoods of Kensington Market and Distillery District, and visit world-class museums such as the Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario.
Whistler, British ColumbiaWhistler is a well-known winter sports destination, famous for its world-class ski slopes and winter activities. In summer, enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and golfing in the impressive mountain scenery.
1. What can visitors do in Banff National Park?A.Go boating. | B.Go skiing. |
C.Appreciate waterfalls. | D.Enjoy hot springs. |
A.Banff National Park, Alberta. | B.Niagara Falls, Ontario. |
C.Toronto, Ontario. | D.Whistler, British Columbia. |
A.Tourism. | B.Culture. | C.Fashion. | D.Sport. |
5 . Travelers love to explore and find out amazing places to visit. Do you know what are some of the coolest places in the world?
The Colosseum, Rome
It’s right in the middle of the city, so it’s very easy to visit. People from all around the world can take direct flights to Rome every day. You can even go there on a weekend if you want! When you visit Rome, you can walk through the streets with ancient buildings and see the Colosseum.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
When you walk through Angkor Wat, the famous ancient buildings, it feels like you’re traveling back in time! This is, without doubt, one of the most impressive sites in Southeast Asia and the main reason why many people visit Cambodia.
Machu Picchu, Peru
It’s famous because it’s located high up in the mountains, covered in jungles. The view there is amazing! It’s pretty impressive that the builders made this beautiful place in the middle of the jungle. Now visitor numbers are limited to a maximum per day.
These are just a few of the wonderful places to visit around the world. Therefore, if you ever have a chance, you should certainly check them out!
1. What can visitors experience in both the Colosseum and Angkor Wat?A.Fantastic sunset. | B.Direct flights. | C.Ancient buildings. | D.Unique jungle. |
A.Its location and view. | B.Its limited daily visitors. |
C.Its original amazing buildings. | D.Its ancient impressive ruins. |
A.In a novel. | B.In a travel magazine. | C.In a history book. | D.In a geography textbook. |
6 . For those who take interest in the wild, the following travel plan to great safari parks in Lake Nakuru and Masai is a perfect choice for you.
Day 1: Nairobi — Lake Nakuru
We’ll pick you up from your Nairobi hotel in the morning and drive to the Great Rift Valley, arriving for lunch with a short game drive and checking in at Lake Nakuru Lodge. Afterwards, there will be a game drive across the Pink Lake. You’ll have your dinner and spend your night at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
Day 2: Lake Nakuru — Masai Mara
After an early breakfast, we’ll leave Lake Nakuru for Masai Mara, checking in at Ashnil Mara or Mara Sorova camp and having lunch. After that, there will be another game drive through the park. Dinner and overnight will be provided by Ashnil Mara or Mara Sorova camp.
Day 3: Masai Mara
We’ll return to the camp for breakfast after an early morning game drive. Then spend a full day in the park with packed lunch in search of well-known animals like the zebra, giraffe, hippo and the dangerous crocodiles. Meals and overnight will be at Ashnil Mara or Mara Sorova camp.
Day 4: Masai Mara — Nairobi
After breakfast at your camp, check out of the camp and we’ll drive you to Nairobi, having lunch at Carnivore and dropping you off at your hotel or airport.
Package Includes:
●Park entry fees
●Accommodations in self-contained tents
●Three meals per day, prepared by our cook
Price not includes:
●Drinks
●Kenya visas
●Hotel accommodation in Nairobi and after the safari
1. Which hotel provides accommodation for Day 1?A.Lake Nakuru Lodge. | B.Ashnil Mara. |
C.Mara Sorova camp. | D.Nairobi hotel. |
A.Day 1. | B.Day 2. | C.Day 3. | D.Day 4. |
A.Park entry fees. | B.Self-contained tents. |
C.Dinners and lunches. | D.Visa fees in Kenya. |
7 . Four Unique U.S. National Parks
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
This national park is the site of the longest known cave system in the world,which is really proper for a park called “Mammoth(猛犸象).” It’s the ideal place for an adventure lover, with about 400 miles of caves and tunnels to explore. One of the most popular sections to visit within the caves is called Frozen Niagara, a special part of the caves that looks like a waterfall frozen in time.
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. There’s no accounting for Dry Tortugas National Park’s amazing beauty. Located about 70 miles from Key West, this park is made up of several islands that feature blue waters and white-sand beaches, colorful marine life, and the historic Fort(堡垒) Jefferson, one of the largest 19th-century forts in U.S. history.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
If you’re looking for interesting red and pink rocks, you can’t do better than Bryce Canyon. The national park is known for its fascinating rock formations and hoodoos(石林), as well as its starry skies at night. Some of the best places to visit in the park are the Natural Bridge, Fairyland Canyon, or any of the scenic viewpoints throughout the park.
Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada
It’s the hottest and driest national park in the country, but it’s also a place of beautiful desert views and interesting natural phenomena, like the sailing stones on the Racetrack Playa. Depending on where you are in the park the climate can be extreme — it’s home to snowy mountains, dry desert, colorful flower fields, and cool lakes. You might also recognize it as the planet of Tatooine from the original Star Wars movies.
1. What can you visit in Mammoth Cave National Park?A.Frozen Niagara. | B.Fort Jefferson. |
C.Natural Bridge. | D.Fairyland Canyon. |
A.In Kentucky. | B.In Florida. |
C.In Utah. | D.In Califomia and Nevada. |
A.Mammoth Cave National Park. | B.Dry Tortugas National Park. |
C.Bryce Canyon National Park. | D.Death Valley National Park. |
8 . The World’s Most Amazing Caves
Humans have been drawn to caves for thousands of years. Here are four of the world’s biggest caves.
Son Doong Cave, Vietnam
Son Doong Cave in the remote(偏远的)forests of Vietnam holds the title of the largest cave in the world. Son Doong is a spreading network of tunnels and caves, the largest of which could contain an entire New York City block with 40-story buildings. Parts of the cave’s top have fallen down,creating vast skylights that allow life to grow to a height of hundreds of feet beneath the forest floor.
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, the United States
Mammoth Cave in Kentucky is the longest cave system in the world, with 426 miles explored—and scientists guess another 600 miles have yet to be discovered based on measurements of air movement within the caves. Mammoth Cave has drawn visitors since the 1800s, and 10 miles of underground passages are accessible to tourists today.
Sac Actun. Mexico
The longest underwater cave system in the world, Sac Actun winds(蜿蜒)more than 215 miles under Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Adventurers can take a drop in the Sac Actun system through more than 248 cenotes(天然井)—the natural swimming pools that form when sinkholes connect the surface to the underwater caves.
Veryovkina Cave, Abkhazia, Georgia
Veryovkina Cave is the deepest cave in the world, spreading 1.4 miles beneath the surface. It takes professionals a week to make a round journey to Veryovkina Cave, They have to brave waterfalls, tight presses and sharp drops. But the payoff is excellent—Veryovkina
Cave’s end is a beautiful blue lake about 50 feet long and 25 feet wide surrounded by black black rocks.
1. What is special about Son Doong Cave?A.It lies far away from the forests. | B.It has some tall plants growing. |
C.It is the longest cave in Vietnam. | D.It is the highest cave in the world. |
A.They end up with beautiful lakes. | B.They attract few adventurers. |
C.They stay unexplored at present. | D.They have long cave systems. |
A.Half a week. | B.Two weeks. |
C.One week. | D.Over two weeks. |
9 . The Four Most Famous Bike Trails in the World
For vacation seekers who love to ride their bikes, these are the most famous cycling trails in the world.
La Route Verte, Canada
Recently completed, this incredible route runs the length of Quebec Province from east to west and features more than 2,485 miles of bicycle trails that have been carefully marked. The ever-changing terrain (地形) makes this the best route to cycle from the St. Lawrence River to the mountains of the Laurentides.
The Karakoram Highway, China-Pakistan
Easily the highest international road in the world, the Karakoram is also one of the most breathtaking in terms of incredible views of mountainous countryside. The snow-capped Karakoram Mountains are your constant companion as you travel this amazing countryside. There are many villages along the way as well, and some of the glaciers reach the roadway.
Mont Ventoux and Luberon, Provence, France
While the hills of Luberon are a challenge for cyclists, the rewards of visiting ancient Roman ruins are certainly well worth the trip. The mixture of sun, pine forests and blue fields of lavender that stretch on for miles is a splendid sight. The legendary Mont Ventoux, the sight of many great runs during the Tour de France, is the highlight of a trip to this region.
The Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
The Great Ocean Road is one of the engineering wonders of this country. The 243-kilometer road is windy most of the time, but offers beautiful views of the ocean and amazing geographic features such as the famous Twelve Apostles. If you don’t have time for the full run, the 60-kilometer journey between Torquay and Bells Beach can be ridden in a single day.
1. What is special about La Route Verte?A.It’s a newly-built route. |
B.It’s the shortest bicycle trail. |
C.It offers beautiful views of the ocean. |
D.It’s the highest international road in the world. |
A.La Route Verte. |
B.Mont Ventoux and Luberon. |
C.The Great Ocean Road. |
D.The Karakoram Highway. |
A.In a history book. | B.In a novel. |
C.In an art magazine. | D.In a travel brochure. |
10 . Are you looking for some good places for you and your four-leg friend? Here are some for you.
Tahmoor Gorge (峡谷)
The number and quality of swimming holes in this valley immediately take us back to some of our favourite places in Kakadu national park. The only difference here is that you don’t need a four-wheel drive, so the best way togo to the gorge is walking. This pet-friendly walk follows the Bargo River through an open gorge that gradually drops to a deep gorge. It is a popular place for locals on weekends. The further you run into the gorge, the less people there are.
Sirius Cove, Mosman
Sirius Cove is one of many quietly beautiful places along the Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach walking trail (路线). The deep, U-shaped bay, with a large grassy area, is popular with picnicking families and their dogs.
Kutti Beach, Vaucluse
We heard about it from a friend, but it is so hidden that it is not easy to find the entrance. Follow Wharf Road until it dead ends at the Vaucluse Amateur Sailing Club. Go right up to the building and look left. There is a very narrow set of stairs leading to the beach. Go down the steps and open the gate at the bottom. Follow the narrow road along the wall to the sand. The best bit? It’s dog-friendly.
MacKenzies Beach, Tamarama
From whale watching hot place MacKenzies Point, follow the sloped (斜的) road to MacKenzies Beach, a dog-friendly, short-time beach that only appears every couple of years when the right combination (结合) of wind and sand on the normal rocky reef. They say you aren’t a local until you’ve seen sand at MacKenzies.
1. What do we know about Tahmoor Gorge?A.It’s a must to drive there. |
B.It’s a popular place on weekdays. |
C.It’s a good way to go there on foot. |
D.It’s a popular place for foreign visitors. |
A.Tahmoor Gorge. | B.Kutti Beach, Vaucluse. |
C.Sirius Cove, Mosman. | D.MacKenzies Beach, Tamarama. |
A.They are beside the sea. |
B.They are dog-friendly. |
C.They are places where whales are seen. |
D.They are open to the public only on weekends. |