1 . I. M. Pei, one of the world’s most famous building designers, died at age 102. Mr. Pei created buildings which are known and appreciated around the world. Mr. Pei’s style of architecture is called “modern” or “modernist”. This style of architecture makes use of newer building materials, such as concrete(混凝土), glass and metal. Modernist buildings are often designed with straight lines, without a lot of decorations. Modern architecture appeared at the end of the 19th century from changes in technology, engineering and building materials, and from a wish to break away from historical architectural styles and to invent something that was totally functional and new.
Mr. Pei designed many different kinds of buildings, including libraries, concert halls, office buildings, hotels, hospitals and skyscrapers. But he’s probably famous for some of his museums, like the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. Perhaps Mr. Pei’s best-known building is the Pyramid he created as a new entrance to the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. Like many of Mr. Pei’s designs, it wasn’t all that popular at first, but over time, people came to love it. Now it is one of the main reasons why people visit the museum. Another famous building of his is the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, China. Mr. Pei said he wanted it to look a bit like bamboo.
Mr. Pei put a lot of thoughts into his designs. He studied carefully before he designed each building. For example, he didn’t like rock and roll music, but he went to rock concerts before he designed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. He read books, studied music and visited many musicians. He preferred his students or teammates who came from different cultural backgrounds.
Not all of Mr. Pei’s buildings were triumphant. The Hancock Tower in Boston is one example. The huge glass-covered skyscraper was nearly finished when the bad thing happened. Some glass began falling out of the building. They had to be replaced with plywood(胶合板) until a solution could be found. The problem was a headache and took years to fix.
1. What does Mr. Pei’s architecture look like?| A．Simple. | B．Strange. | C．Traditional. | D．Classical. |
| A．The East Building of the National Gallery of Art. |
| B．The new entrance to the Louvre Museum. |
| C．The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. |
| D．The Bank of China Tower. |
| A．To enjoy the music. | B．To meet the singers. |
| C．To ask for advice on his design. | D．To prepare himself for a design. |
| A．Unique. | B．Successful. | C．Completed. | D．Famous. |
2 . With the approaching of New Year, more and more visitors will come to China. Don’t know where you should go? Here are some places recommended for you.
Shanghai Expo Culture Park
The Shanghai Expo Culture Park will soon open its northern section to the public, in which the major attractions include a traditional garden that is similar in design to Shanghai’s famous Yuyuan Garden and a 400-meter avenue exhibiting the history of the area, while in the southern section lies a grand theater.
Macao Tower AJ Hackett Bungee Jump
The Macao Tower, 338 meters tall, is the world’s 10th highest tower, with a variety of activities, such as eating and entertainment. One of the activities which enjoy good fame is the bungee jump. The AJ Hackett Macao Tower Bungee Jump is 233 meters high, making it a Guinness World Record as the highest commercial (商业的) bungee jump in the world. Raise your arms and off you go!
Harbin’s Frozen World
For those who have never been to Harbin, there is an almost endless list of things to do. At Harbin Ice—Snow World, you can not only see the world—famous ice architecture, but also have great fun! You can have hotpot at the restaurants which are made of ice, enjoying the product of both ice and fire, go down the world’s longest ice slide (滑梯) and join in the popular Ice and Snow Electronic Music Festival to welcome 2024.
The winter is cold and the night is long, so why not go to the theatre? Harbin was listed by the United Nations as a “music city” in 2010. Harbin Grand Theater is where artistic souls defrost (化霜) a little to share their love of art.
1. Where should visitors go if they want to do extreme sports?| A．Shanghai Expo Culture Park. | B．The Macao Tower. |
| C．Shangha’s Yuyuan Garden. | D．Harbin Ice—Snow World. |
| A．Attend a famous music festival. | B．Play with both ice and fire. |
| C．Turn water into instant ice. | D．Learn to make ice architecture. |
| A．They have a high tower. | B．They have a long ice slide. |
| C．They have a grand theater. | D．They have traditional architecture. |
3 . The Huaqing Palace Heritage Site
Star Pool
It was built in 644 AD for Emperor Taizong of the Tang dynasty (朝代). It is said that at first there was no cover for the pool so that he could enjoy the shining stars of the night while taking a bath.
Huaqing Hot Springs
They were named "The First Hot Springs in the World" in the Tang dynasty by Emperor Xuanzong. The water temperature stays at 43°C all year round. It was first used as an imperial pool during the Zhou dynasty (1046 BC-256 BC)
Tang Well
It has a long history of over 1,300 years and measures 1.9 metres long, 1.26 metres wide and 8. 3 metres deep. It was used just by Yang Yuhuan for drinking water.
Imperial Concubine Pool (贵妃池)
It was built in 747 AD for the famous beauty Yang Yuhuan. It takes the shape of a Chinese crab apple (海棠) flower, and is where Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Yuhuan took baths every winter.
Address: At the foot of Lishan Mountain in Litong, 30 kilometres east of Xi'an.
Opening hours: From March to November: 7:00 - 18:00
From December to February: 7:30 - 18:30
Bus routes: 914, 915, U5, and 306
1. Which of the following has the longest history?
| A．Star Pool. | B．Huaqing Hot Springs. |
| C．Tang Well. | D．Imperial Concubine Pool. |
| A．It is half-divided. | B．It is flower-shaped. | C．It is for drinking. | D．It has no cover. |
| A．It is on the mountain top. | B．It is 30 kilometres west of Xi'an. |
| C．It has five bus routes travelling along. | D．It stays open for eleven hours a day. |
4 . Green architecture is designed in an environmentally-friendly way. Many people think interest in green architecture has only begun in recent years.
To make it, much of green architecture focuses on building intelligently. For example, plumbing systems (管道系统) may be designed to use less water while still functioning normally.
Many architects build environmentally to show people that it’s possible. And they want to show the fact that being environmentally-friendly does not have to make a building bad-looking.
The green design can be kept in mind when we build various future buildings, ranging from a private home to a tall office building. Green designs can also be applied to remodeling (改造) and repairing existing buildings.
| A．The goal is to make a building prettier. |
| B．Not many buildings have great green designs. |
| C．A green building’s design need solve many problems. |
| D．In fact, humans have tried green architecture for thousands of years. |
| E．After all, pulling down a building can quite damage the environment. |
| F．Actually, many of the green designs can make a building more beautiful. |
| G．And smart lighting would turn off when people are not around to save energy. |
5 . Where would you like to go for your New Year vacation? Here are the best ski resorts of comfort and joy during the holidays and the rest of the ski season.
Kitzbuhel, Austria
The most prized downhill on the ski racing calendar, Kitzbuhel also attracts a host of festive fans with its fairy lights, and performances of jazz bands. By day, you can enjoy 230 kilometers of runs over the Kitzbtihel Alps, and fill up on hearty Tyrolean classic foods.
Val Gardena, Italy
This attractive valley is a New Year present waiting to be unwrapped. The three towns that make up Val Gardena—busy Ortisei, peaceful Santa Cristina and the higher Selva—traditionally go big on the festive season, combining their Italian, Austrian and Ladin heritage. The 175-kilometer skiing takes place below the towering Sassolungo mountain.
Alpbach, Austria
Alpbach is often considered Austria’s prettiest village. Low at 1,00 meters, it may not always have snow on the ground. There are 91 kilometers of runs stretching up to 2,025 meters with a beautiful spread of mountain huts.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe will celebrate its 85th winter of lift service this season and it’s a fine place to enjoy New Year. The skiing, up the road at Stowe Mountain Resort, offers options for all levels through forests from Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont.
1. What can visitors enjoy in Kitzbuhel?| A．Firework display. | B．Running race. | C．Spicy food. | D．Live music. |
| A．The new year gift. | B．The busy towns. |
| C．The diverse culture. | D．The traditional industry. |
| A．Alpbach. | B．Val Gardena. | C．Kitzbuhel. | D．Stowe. |
6 . China Small Group Tours
◆Tour Route 1: 11 Days Private Beijing - Lhasa - Xi’an - Shanghai
Tour Highlights:
Must-see sights in China — the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors
Follow us on a Buddhist pilgrimage to Tibet & appreciate the profound culture
Have a leisurely walk or an exciting bicycle ride on the time-honored City Wall of Xi’an
View the soaring city skylines and feel the pulse of modern Shanghai
From $ 2, 459 per person
◆Tour Route 2: 11 Days Private Bejing - Xi’an - Chonqing - Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai
Tour Highlights:
Must-see sights in China — the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Wariors
Try biking on the Ming Dynasty City Wall of Xi’ an, or tour by electric car
Enjoy the Three Gorges (三峡) scenery on Yangtze River & feel totally relaxed
From $ 1, 879 per person
◆Tour Route 3: 12 Days Private Bejing - Shanghai - Xi’an - Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin - Hong
Kong
Tour Highlights:
Must-see sights in China — the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors
Experience the Bund, classical garden, modern and old in contrast in Shanghai
Feel the lively atmosphere & explore busy markets freely in Hong Kong
Walk into a local family, learn to cook Chinese food & dine with the hosts in their home
From $ 2, 499 per person
◆Tour Route 4: 12 Days Private Bejing - Xi’an - Chengdu - Guilin - Shanghai
Tour Highlights:
Must-see sights in China — the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Giant Pandas
Come to Chengdu, the hometown of giant pandas to visit and observe the cute creature
Cruise on the meandering Li River & admire Guilin landscape
Walk into a local Chinese family, interact & dine with the hosts in their home
From $2, 079 per person
1. What do Tour Route 1 and Tour Route 2 have in common?| A．They have cycling activities. |
| B．They include a visit to Tibet. |
| C．Visitors enjoy the Three Gorges scenery. |
| D．Visitors pay the same amount of money. |
| A．Tourists can travel by bike. |
| B．Tourists can visit a huge dam. |
| C．Tourists can dine with a family. |
| D．It is the most expensive of the four. |
| A．Tour Route 1. |
| B．Tour Route 2. |
| C．Tour Route 3. |
| D．Tour Route 4. |
7 . San Francisco Fire Engine Tours
Back to the Fifties Tour
Running: August 16th through August 31st
This tour transports you back in time to one of San Francisco’s most fantastic periods, the 1950s! Enjoy fun history as we take you through San Francisco for a free taste of ice cream.
Departing form the Cannery: 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $90
San Francisco Winery Tour
Running: February 1st through April 30th
This delicious tour goes through the city on its way to Treasure Island where we will stop at the famous Winery SF. Here you can enjoy 4 pours of some of the best wine San Francisco has to offer. (Included in tickets price)
Departing from the Cannery: Tell time upon request.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $90
Spooky Halloween Tour
Running: October 10th through October 31st
Join us for a ride through the historical Presidio district. Authentic fire gear (服装) is provided for your warmth as our entertainers take you to some of the most thrilling parts of San Francisco.
Departing from the Cannery: 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Price: Available upon request
Holiday Lights Tour
Running: December 6th through December 23nd
This attractive tour takes you to some of San Franciso’s most cheerful holiday scenes. Authentic fire gear is provided for your warmth as you get into the holiday spirit.
Advance reservations required.
Departing from the Cannery: 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Price: Available upon request
1. Which of the tours is available in March?| A．Back to the Fifties Tour. | B．Spooky Halloween Tour. |
| C．San Francisco Winery Tour. | D．Holiday Lights Tour. |
| A．Go to Treasure Island. | B．Visit the Presidio district |
| C．Enjoy the holiday scenes. | D．Have free ice cream. |
| A．Take some drinks. | B．Make reservations in advance. |
| C．Wear warm clothes. | D．Set off early in the morning. |
8 . Barcelona FC Museum
Opening hours: 6th April — 4th October: (Monday to Saturday)10:00 — 20:00; the rest of the year: 10:00 to 18:30.
Admission: 8.50 Euros for entry to the museum and 17 Euros for a guided tour.
Disabled Access: Yes.
When you buy your ticket you have two choices. You can buy a ticket for the museum to see the football stadium or you can buy a dual (双的) ticket for 15 Euros where you get to see the museum and the scenes at the club.
La Pedrera
Opening hours: November — February: 09:00 — 18:30
March — October: 09:00 — 20:00.
Admission: 9.50 Euros. Save 20% with the Barcelona Card.
Disabled Access: No.
This building used to be called Casa Mila but nowadays it’s more commonly known as La Pedrera. It is made of bricks and has colorful tiles (瓷砖).
Miro Museum
Opening hours: Check the website for details as they vary depending on the time of the year.
Admission: 8 Euros. Save 20%with the Barcelona Card.
Disabled Access: Yes.
This museum has a wide range of Miro’s work dating back as far as 1914. This artwork collection not only includes his paintings but also a good selection of sculptures.
Picasso Museum
Opening hours: Check the website for details as they vary depending on the time of the year.
Admission: 9 Euros for main exhibition — extra for special showings. Save 50% with the Barcelona Card.
Disabled Access: Yes.
The museum has arranged Picasso’s paintings in chronological (按年代排列的) order from his early days to his final works. Arranging the paintings in this way gives you an attractive insight into the development of Picasso thinking over time and shows how he developed his well-known designs. Very popular art gallery.
1. If your parents visit the stadium and the club with a tour guide in Barcelona FC Museum, they should pay_________.| A．34 Euros. | B．47 Euros. | C．51 Euros. | D．64 Euros. |
| A．Miro Museum was built in 1914. |
| B．Picasso Museum may attract painting fans. |
| C．La Pedrera is well-known for its colorful tiles. |
| D．Barcelona FC Museum doesn’t accept the disabled. |
| A．They are famous for their building style. |
| B．They are available for the disabled people. |
| C．Their opening hours are changeable in different seasons. |
| D．Tourists have a discount of 20%with the Barcelona Card. |
9 . Four of the Best Botanic Gardens and Experiences in San Diego
San Diego Botanic Garden
With nearly four miles of tacks stretching over 37 acres, you can wander among plants and environments from desert to tropical forest and everywhere in between at the San Diego Botanic Garden. Twenty-nine different gardens flower with more than 5,000 species of trees and bamboos from around the world. Adults $12; students, seniors, military $10; kids 6 & under free.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
One of the loveliest stretches of coast in San Diego, this area is also just one of two places that are the native home to Torrey pine trees (托里松). The other is Santa Rosa Island, in the Channel Islands off Santa Barbara. These trees are believed to be the world’s rarest pine, best seen from the network of short hiking tracks crisscrossing the headland. Adults $18; kids $10.
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
For nine weeks beginning on March 1, 50 acres of a hillside in Carlsbad bursts into endless rows of red, violet, yellow, pink, and other colors of Persian buttercups (波斯毛茛). The fantastically photogenic fields are cut across by walking paths and roads for car rides. Bringing food for colorful picnics is encouraged. Adults $18; kids $9.
Edna Harper’s Topiary Garden
Twenty-five years ago, a neighbor’s Cape honeysuckles (好望角金银花) started climbing to Edna Harper’s garden. The artist welcomed the invaders (入侵者) and began shaping them into elephants, dinosaurs, and many other shapes. These impressive pieces of work are only made using plants, an eye for detail, and lots of hard work. Free.
1. How much should a father and his 5-year-old daughter pay for their visit to the San Diego Botanic Garden?| A．$12. | B．$22. | C．$27. | D．$28. |
| A．San Diego Botanic Garden. | B．Edna Harpers’ Topiary Garden. |
| C．Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. | D．The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. |
| A．Cape honeysuckles. | B．Persian buttercups. | C．Torrey pine trees. | D．Bamboos. |
10 . While beach vacations may be a great way to take your mind off work, lakes surrounded by mountains make for an even more wonderful experience. If you are looking for some peace on your vacation, we have some recommendations for you in the Caucasus (高加索).
Lake Sevan
Lake Sevan is located in the central part of Armenia, in the Gegharkunik province. It is the largest lake in Armenia, 6,200ft above sea level. Along the lake shore, there are various accommodations such as resorts and hotels with plenty of activities to take part in such as windsurfing, swimming and sunbathing. While there, do not forget to visit one of the famous cultural sites with remarkable history, the Sevanavank Monastery, and it offers a great view of the lake as well.
Paravani Lake
Paravani Lake, 6,801ft above sea level, is in the south of Georgia, near the Javakheti Plateau. At this level, altitude sickness can appear and it is a good idea to be prepared to adapt to it properly, or bring medicine for altitude sickness. Being a volcanic lake makes for a more interesting experience. The lake is best known for fishing. Do not come here during the winter months when the lake freezes.
Lake Cildir
Lake Cildir is in the Ardahan province, east Turkey, near the borders of Georgia and Armenia. It is a large freshwater lake of eastern Turkey, and many tourists don’t notice this beautiful attraction. Lake Cildir is surrounded by mountains of the Caucasus. The lake freezes during late November. If the winter is not extremely cold, you can try some lake activities like ice skating and ice fishing.
Lake Van
Lake Van is the must visit of all lakes in this list, the largest lake in Turkey. Lake Van is on the eastern shore of Turkey and is also the most accessible lake there. It’s 5,380ft above sea level, and unique to many lakes around the world: the water is high in salt content.
1. If you want to visit some historic sites during your travel by a lake, you can go to________.| A．Lake Cildir | B．Paravani Lake | C．Lake Sevan | D．Lake Van |
| A．Lack of medicine. | B．Altitude sickness. |
| C．Volcano eruptions. | D．Low temperature all the year. |
| A．Its water is high in salt. | B．It is a volcanic lake. |
| C．It is globally the largest lake. | D．It is surrounded by mountains. |
