1 . China is one of the best tourist destinations with many great museums, which will show you the Chinese civilization for the past thousands of years.
The Palace Museum, Beijing
There are always long lines at the gate, but it’s worth the wait. The palace Museum had been the Chinses imperial (皇帝的) palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty.
When you wander in the museum, you will be amazed at this largest palace complex in the world! It has about 1,807,000 rare and valuable artworks that witness the 5,000-year Chinese civilization.
Opening Hours:
April 1 — October 31: 8:30 — 17:00
November 1— March 31: 8:30 — 16:30
Closed on Mondays (except for national holidays and July-August)
National Museum of China, Beijing
This is the second most-visited museums in the world. Opened in 2003, the museum is devoted to educating the art and history of China through its collections, exhibitions, and academic researches.
Here you'll find the most brilliant masterpieces in China. It is now holding approximately 1,400,000 amazing objects. These objects are like storytellers who reveal Chinese history from the Yuanmou Man of 1.7 million years ago to the end of the Qing Dynasty.
Opening Hours:
9:00 — 17:00
Closed on Mondays
Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses (兵马俑), Xi'an
The Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses is featured with thousands of life-sized terracotta figures of warriors and horses. They are arranged in battle formations and different from each other with individual characteristics.
Thousands of treasures still remain to be unearthed at this archaeological (考古的) site, and more mysteries of the Qin dynasty will be revealed someday in the future.
Opening Hours:
March 16— November 15: 8:30 — 18:00
November 16— March 15: 8:30 — 17:30
Shanghai Museum, Shanghai
Visiting Shanghai Museum is ranked No. 2 out of 10 things to do in Shanghai. Perhaps, this is the most modern museum in China, housing a diverse collection of around 1,020,000 artifacts that chart the nation's history.
There are eleven galleries in three exhibition halls, covering most of the major categories of Chinese art: bronzes, sculpture, ceramics (陶瓷制品), paintings, calligraphy, seals, jade, coins and Ming and Qing furniture.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 9:00 — 17:00
1. Which museum houses the largest collection?| A．The Palace Museum . | B．The National Museum of China. |
| C．The Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses. | D．The Shanghai Museum. |
| A．It is the most popular museum in the world. |
| B．It used to be part of the emperor's palace. |
| C．It shows Chinese history of all times. |
| D．It opens every day except Monday. |
| A．Its collections date back to the age of the Yuanmou Man. |
| B．The masterpieces are arranged in its many galleries. |
| C．It focuses on the archaeological findings of one dynasty. |
| D．Sculpture, ceramics and paintings are on show there. |
2 . Visiting During Coronavirus
Take time to walk in Shakespeare's footsteps, without the usual crowds. Your visit to Shakespeare's Birthplace will help us to ensure that Shakespeare's heritage survives this difficult period for future visitors to enjoy.
To keep our visitors and staff safe, we have introduced a timed ticket system. All tickets must be booked in advance, even if you have a pre-existing ticket. Groups larger than 6 are not allowed to book, meet, or interact at our site unless they are part of the same household. Sec below for more details and read about the extra safety measures we've put in place.
Please note that Anne Hathaway's Cottage. Shakespeare's New Place, Mary Arden's Farm and Hall's Croft will remain closed until at least spring 2021.
Pre-booking is essential
Online booking is essential to secure your time slot. We'll be unable to grant you entry without a pre-booked, tinted entry ticket. Tickets will be released every Friday, with availability up to 2 weeks in advance.
Before your visit
Please bear the following things in mind, and check our website and social media for updates before travelling.
● If showing COVID-19 symptoms please stay at home.
● Wear a face covering in indoor spaces (unless exempt).
● We may conduct temperature checks.
● Bag searches are in operation.
● We do not offer cloakroom/baggage store facilities.
● Be ready for cashless payments.
NHS Covid-19 Test and Trace app
Visitors are encouraged to download the NIIS Covid-19 Test and Trace app prior to arrival at Shakespeare's Birthplace and "check-in" by scanning the QR code available at the ticket desk and entrance to the shop.
1. Which of the following can you visit before spring 2021?| A．Shakespeare's Birthplace. | B．Anne Hathaway's Cottage. |
| C． Mary Arden's Farm. | D．Hall's Croft. |
| A．A ticket released on Friday. | B．An online booked annual ticket. |
| C．A pre-bought season ticket. | D．A pre-booked, timed entry ticket. |
| A．You must stay at home for 14 days. | B．Your bag will be searched. |
| C．You should take enough cash with you. | D．You must have your face covered. |
3 . Lonely Planet Trips
Here are some travel destinations by Lonely Planet. Reading them, you’ll be in a flash.
Bhutan
The Kingdom of Bhutan, located on the Silk Road in South Asia, claimed the No. 1 spot partly for its majestic beauty and because it had become the first fully organic nation by 2020. The kingdom has lush subtropical plains in the south and sub-alpine Himalayan mountains in the north, which include Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest peak and is believed to be the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
North Macedonia
If you want an alternative to Europe's more popular travel spots, North Macedonia could be for you. Its mountains and their trails are “blissfully quiet” and the locals are “unfailingly helpful” according to Lonely Planet. Among its destinations is Ohrid, a charming, old town dotted with medieval ruins and churches, lined with cobblestone streets, and overlooking Lake Ohrid.
Eswatini
The kingdom offers multitudinous climate and topography differences, and is known for its wide varieties of wild animals, which include more than 500 bird species and 107 mammal species. The nation has seven nature reserves, four frontier conservation areas and three wildlife reserves.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is beloved for many reasons, from its coffee to its epic surfing. It’s also notable for its reliance on green energy sources. In fact, 90% of its energy is created by regenerative sources such as wind and hydro. It is also one of the world’s most biodiverse countries — home to half a million species. Of course, no trip to Costa Rica is complete without a visit to the Sloth Sanctuary.
1. What can tourists appreciate in both Bhutan and North Macedonia?| A．Organic products. | B．Subtropical jungles. |
| C．Medieval architecture. | D．Mountain scenery. |
| A．Pleasant quietness. | B．Topography varieties. |
| C．Abundant wildlife. | D．Cobblestone streets. |
| A．Renewable resources. | B．Biodiverse plants. |
| C．Frontier preserves. | D．The Silk Road. |
4 . Sanxingdui Museum
Address: Sanxingdui Ruin Site, 133 Xian Road, Guanghan, Deyang, Sichuan province
Hours: Comprehensive Gallery （the first exhibition hall）: 8: 30-18: 00
Bronze Gallery（the second exhibition hall）: 8: 30-18: 30
Last tickets sold at 17: 00
Closed in the morning of Chinese New Year's Eve
Ticket booking: 0838-5651526
General admission: Gallery ticket 80 yuan
Note: Children shorter than 1. 2m（including 1. 2m）can visit the gallery free of charge.
The ticket must be used on the day it is sold and authorizes one visit to each gallery.
Sanxingdui, the ruins of the capital of the ancient Shu,a Kingdom of over 4,000 years ago, is located in Guanghan City, Sichuan province. The site covers an area of 120,000 square meters. In 1986,a great number of relics were brought to light, six of which are evaluated as national treasures, representing the best of copper arts in China. Sanxindui is recognized as one of the world's most important ancient sites because of its vast size, age and cultural contents.
The ancient Kingdom of Shu, dating from 4,800 to 2,600 years ago, still has many unsolved mysteries, but visitors to the Sanxingdui Museum are lucky enough to be able to unlock some of its history and culture.
1. How much should a couple and their child over 1. 2m pay for the admission?| A．240yuan. | B．160 yuan. |
| C．120yuan. | D．200 yuan. |
| A．It covers an area of 1,200 square meters. |
| B．There are six treasures represent the best of iron arts in China. |
| C．Sanxingdui is considered as the world's most important ancient site. |
| D．There are still many unsolved mysteries waiting for people to discover. |
| A．Science. | B．Tour. |
| C．Technology. | D．Nature. |
5 . With news that many countries in Europe are reopening to tourism in time for summer, travelers with their sights set on Asia are anxiously awaiting word on when they’ll be given the green light to visit their favorite destination. As of now, those with Thailand in mind will need to wait at least a few more months before packing their bags.“It is still dependent on the outbreak situation, but I think at the earliest, we may see the return of tourists could be the fourth quarter of this year,” Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said.
And even then, he says, there will likely be restrictions on who can visit and where they can go. “We are not going to open all at once,” he adds. “We are still on high alert, we just can’t let our guards down yet. We have to look at the country of origin (of the travelers) to see if their situation has truly improved. And lastly, we have to see whether our own business operators are ready to receive tourists under the ‘new normal’.” Basically, a country will open borders with destinations that also have their coronavirus(新冠病毒) situation under control. Once Thailand does open to international tourists, they’ll likely only be able to visit certain spots, says Yuthasak. “We have studied a possibility of offering special long-stay packages in isolated and closed areas where health monitoring can be easily controlled -- for example, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui. This will be beneficial for both tourists and local residents, since this is almost a kind of quarantine(隔离).”
Yuthasak says they’re finishing up a framework to restart tourism, but baby steps are needed to relight international tourism. “The next step is bilateral agreements between countries,” he says. “Thailand’s good standing in the face of the crisis with China, along with strong demand, make it a logical short-term solution for overseas tourism to return to the Kingdom.” For now, Thailand isn’t taking any chances and the country’s borders are firmly shut.
1. When will Thailand reopen to tourists according to Yuthasak Supasorn ?| A．We don’t know yet. | B．Maybe in two months. |
| C．Perhaps about in October. | D．At the end of this year. |
| A．They will ask where the tourists will go. |
| B．They will send guards to follow the tourists. |
| C．They will ask business operators to decide. |
| D．They will check where the tourists come form. |
| A．Tourists can’t visit spots as many as they like. |
| B．Tourists will stay in isolated and closed areas. |
| C．Tourists will get food and drink form government. |
| D．Tourists can’t stay long in Thailand. |
| A．Come and visit Thailand. | B．Thailand isn’t reopening yet. |
| C．Thailand’s tourism is back to life. | D．Why tourists like Thailand. |
6 . Some of the best cycling routes in the world pass through its most beautiful scenery. Here are some of world’s best bike routes for cyclists who either are up for breaking a good sweat or simply seeing the world without leaving an ugly carbon footprint behind.
The Great Windy Road, Victoria, Australia
If you like a challenge, take on this 243-kilometer windy road along Australia’s south-eastern coast. If a day is all you’ve got, take the 60-kilometer route from Torquay to Bells Beach. There you’ll cycle through rural farmland, enjoy the sweeping ocean views from cliff tops, and snake past the wetlands around Lake Connewarre.
Udaipur City Tour, Rajasthan, India
Biking is arguably the best way to explore Udaipur, Venice of the East.
Cyclists often need to cycle past herdsmen and their goats and camels, sharing narrow, old pavements in this romantic place. But surrounded by ancient castles, temples and grand palaces, Udaipur brings about one of the best biking experiences, allowing cyclists to truly discover rural India.
The Karakoram Highway, China-Pakistan
The Karakoram Highway is the highest international road in the world, reaching an altitude of 4,700 meters at the Khunjerab Pass. Starting in Kashgar, China, cyclists can travel up to 1,200 kilometers on mostly unpaved roads, but the views are as breathtaking as the riding.
Route of the Hiawatha, Idaho-Montana, United States
Take your family out to Montana this summer and cycle along the most scenic disused railroad in the country. The railroad turned bike trail turns into 24 kilometers of leisure biking that takes you over seven trestles(高架桥) and through 10 tunnels, with the longest one, the Taft Tunnel, stretching for 2.7 kilometers.
1. In which tour can you enjoy the seaside scenery?| A．The Great Windy Road. | B．Udaipr City Tour. |
| C．The Karakoram Highway. | D．Route of the Hiawatha. |
| A．Go to Venice. | B．Feed wild animals. |
| C．Visit cultural relics. | D．Enjoy modern architectures. |
| A．It is a totally undeveloped route. | B．It goes along an abandoned railway. |
| C．It owns the longest tunnel in the world. | D．It lies higher than other international roads. |
7 . Living in cities is wonderful, but the cost in some of the big U.S. cities, such as New York and Los Angeles, is a big problem for living there. Fortunately, this country has many good cities where the cost of living is more affordable.
Pittsburgh,PA
Pittsburgh is a great city to have busy and noisy activities without feeling overwhelmed(不堪重负的). One of the best advantages here is the low cost of housing and other fees. Even when you live there, the view of the city from Mount Washington doesn’t get old. Three major sports teams have stadiums there, and the energy in Pittsburgh on game days is something that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Grand Rapids, MI
While the transportation costs are a bit above average, Grand Rapids makes up for that with low housing and health care costs. If you love public art and craft beer, Grand Rapids is a great choice. The city gives people a small-town feeling, with people always waving hello as you walk by. There are 1200 acres of parks within the city. If you’re looking for more water than the river offers, Lake Michigan is less than an hour away.
Knoxville,TN
Knoxville’s housing costs are below the national average. It is known as the most dog-friendly city, which is probably the best selling point a city could have. The Knoxville Museum of Art has fun classes so you can continue to learn and improve skills throughout your lifetime.
Buffalo, NY
New York City may not be affordable, but Buffalo certainly is. It’s also one of the most beautiful cities to live in with all the views next to rivers.You’ll also have one of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders, Niagara Falls, a short drive away. There are great skiing and ice-skating areas in Buffalo.
1. What is special about Pittsburgh, PA?| A．It always hosts many sporting activities. |
| B．It offers the lowest cost of housing. |
| C．It becomes active on game days. |
| D．It allows people to climb Mount Washington. |
| A．It is full of warmness. |
| B．It is a small city. |
| C．Its transport network is developed. |
| D．Its health care is good for old people. |
| A．Pittsburgh, PA. | B．Grand Rapids, MI. | C．Knoxville, TN. | D．Buffalo, NY. |
8 . Four Bookstores Worth Visiting Around the World
◆ Word on the Water
London, England
This floating bookstore in the Regent's Canal is known as "The London Bookbarge". Formerly mobile, it has now found a permanent home where visitors can browse all year round, warm themselves up by a wood-burning fire in the winter and enjoy the performances of music and poetry on the rooftop stage in the summer.
+44 7976886982, https://www.atlasobscura.com
◆ EL Ateneo Grand Splendid
Buenos Aires, Argentina
This theater-turned-cinema-turned-bookstore is an example of the connection between the performing arts and books. It preserves the traditional ceiling and special curtains of the former theater and books line the walls, including where the audience once sat in box seats.
+54 1148136052, https://www.atlasobscura.com
◆Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller
Melbourne, Australia
This shop sells only antique and second-hand books. Visitors can search for the strange collection of owl figurines (猫头鹰雕像) scattered throughout or they can check out the shelves to find classics，such as a collection by Jane Austen printed in 1833 selling for ＄15, 000.
+61 (0)396548506, https://www.kaycraddock.com
◆ Zhongshuge Bookstore
Hangzhou, China
Each location of this Chinese bookstore chain is architecturally unique, but the location in Hangzhou stands out. Stairs and seats built into round bookshelves combined with mirrored ceilings give the optical illusion (视觉幻象) of countless books. Other optical illusions include a tunnel of books and what appears to be a long roller coaster of books in the children's book room.
+86 057188003279, https://weibo.com/67661899
1. To appreciate poetry shows, you'll dial___________.| A．+54 1148136052 | B．+44 7976886982 |
| C．+61 (0)396548506 | D．+86 057188003279 |
| A．Word on the Water. | B．Zhongshuge Bookstore. |
| C．EL Ateneo Grand Splendid. | D．Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller. |
| A．Its special designs. | B．Its floating locations. |
| C．Its performing arts. | D．Its second-hand classics. |
9 . I've had many wonderful holidays，but my favorite memory is that of a few summer weeks spent in Italy when I was about 13.My mom had to go to a clinic there for treatment，and we all went together as a family and took the opportunity to have a beautiful vacation as well.It was the first time abroad for me and it was a vacation that broadened my perspective，taught me a lot，and helped shape a bit of who I am today.
Although we did visit many famous places in northern Italy，we stayed mostly in a little town where some friends of my parents lived.Nothing helped me understand Italian culture better than my stay in this picturesque，almost magical town that many haven't even heard of.
Thanks to the holiday spent in Italy，I，quite a shallow girl，also discovered my passion for music，which stayed alive in me to this day and will probably stay forever.My parents' friends had a son，Ricardo，who was a pianist.Dad had repeatedly but unsuccessfully tried to make me study an instrument and stick to it.However，when I heard Ricardo play，I instantly fell in love with music and felt a great desire to learn it.Ricardo taught me the first song I ever played on the piano，a silly，playful little tune that I still know by heart.
We took a short trip to the Italian Alps at some point.I had never seen such majestic beauty before! The snowcovered peaks，the intimidating rocks，the fresh，harsh air — what an experience! And what I remember impressed me the most was the fact that，although this was a popular touristic area，the region was incredibly clean，still “natural”，with places that seemed to never have been touched by humans.Then，the shallow teen that I was learned what a real treasure nature is and how important it is to protect it.
1. What was the main purpose for the author and her family to go to Italy?| A．To cure the author's mother of her illness. |
| B．To have a family reunion while travelling. |
| C．To broaden and shape the author's perspective. |
| D．To experience and learn from another culture. |
| A．Her father's instructions. |
| B．Ricardo's performance. |
| C．The piano she played on. |
| D．The local music culture. |
| A．stick to her own passion |
| B．balance between cultures |
| C．get rid of her shallowness |
| D．cherish and protect nature |
| A．My Favorite Holiday Memory |
| B．A Trip Shaping My Personality |
| C．Lessons from a Foreign Culture |
| D．My Passion for Music and Nature |
10 . Qibao Ancient Village
Qibao, located in the center of Minhang District, Shanghai, is a village with a history of one thousand years. In the village, wine and tea are served on old-fashioned square tables together with long benches, long-mouth copper pots and flat-end chopstick used. The most famous snacks in old Shanghai are square pastry, rice wine and steamed salted pork in wine.
Entrance Ticket: 45 yuan per all-in-one ticket (preferable price of 30 yuan is available now), covering almost all tourist attractions inside the village.
Jinshan Village of Farmer Painting
Villagers skillfully make good use of folk arts such as printing and dyeing, embroidery (刺绣), wood carving. They take the various folk customs and the busy scenes of labor of villagers in the lower Changjiang valley as the theme of paintings and create farmer paintings in a simple style.
Entrance Ticket: 30 yuan per person
Merry Countryside Tour in Zhonghua Village
The village provides tourists with accommodations, tours, chess, cards, fitness and entertainment through renting out separate farmhouse and sells tourist products and agricultural by-products related to the merry countryside tour.
Entrance Ticket: Free
Pudong Lingkong Agric Gardening
It is one of Shanghai countryside tour scenic spots, which features art of teapots, crop plantation and export. The Geological Science Popularization Hall stores up tens of thousands of rare stones collected all over the world.
Entrance Ticket: 50 yuan per person
1. Which tour is offering a discount on the entrance ticket now?| A．Qibao Ancient Village. |
| B．Jinshan Village of Farmer Painting. |
| C．Merry Countryside Tour in Zhonghua Village. |
| D．Pudong Lingkong Agric Gardening. |
| A．traditional snacks | B．folk arts |
| C．farming | D．rare stones |
| A．Finance. | B．Tourism. |
| C．Education. | D．Agriculture. |
