1 . 72 hours in Beijing
Traveling to China is no longer a luxury for many foreign passport holders. The Chinese government has permitted a 72-hour visa-free policy that offers access to visitors from 53 countries including the US, France and Austria. Let’s start with the capital of China, Beijing. Here’s the pick of the best in Beijing.
Mutianyu Great Wall
Your trip to Beijing isn’t really complete without seeing one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World”-the Great Wall of China. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is by far the most well-preserved of all. Taking a one-hour bus ride, Mutianyu would be your ideal location for a half-day of hiking away from the large crowds in the city. Also, the authorities have allowed tourists to paint graffiti on a specific section of the Great Wall since 2014. The Great Wall was designated (把……定名为) a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.
Summer Palace
Located in northwestern Beijing, the Summer Palace is by far the city’s most well- preserved royal park. With its huge lake and hilltop views, the palace offers you a pastoral escape into the landscape of traditional Chinese paintings. The Summer Palace was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998.
798 Art Zone
This would be on the top of my list! Named after the 798 factory that was built in the 1950s, the art zone is home to various galleries, design studios, art exhibition spaces, fashionable shops and bars. You could easily spend half your day wandering around the complex, feeling the contrast of the present and the past.
Sichuan Provincial Restaurant
While in Beijing, apart from trying the city’s best-known Peking duck, the Sichuan provincial restaurant is one of places where you can enjoy regional delicious food. It offers one of China’s eight great cuisines, Sichuan cuisine, which ranges from Mapo tofu to spicy chicken.
1. When was the Summer Palace added to the UNESCO World Heritage List?| A．In 1950. | B．In 1987. | C．In 1998. | D．In 2014. |
| A．Mutianyu Great Wall. | B．798 Art Zone. |
| C．The Summer Palace. | D．The Sichuan Provincial Restaurant. |
| A．The foreigners to stay in Beijing for 3 days. |
| B．The tourists who prefer to travel for free. |
| C．The visitors coming from every corner of China. |
| D．The foreigners coming to Beijing for the first time. |
2 . From coast to coast, Canada is a beautiful country filled with an endless variety of landscapes and many well-known jewels to explore, which offers a perfect getaway option sure to suit everyone.
VANCOUVER ISLAND, BCVancouver Island is the largest island on the Pacific Coast of North America. This spectacular island offers some awesome adventures, including hiking, diving, surfing and camping. Your weekend getaway to Vancouver Island kicks off with a beautiful ferry ride. The Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay ferry passes close to the beautiful Gulf Islands and rocky coves, so keep an eye out for seals and whales! The trip by car and ferry, or bus and ferry, takes about four hours from downtown Vancouver.
WHISTLER, BCWhistler, one of the largest ski resorts in North America, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts all year round. From powder hounds (粉雪滑雪) in winter to water sports, biking, and hiking during the summer, there is plenty to explore. In addition, Whistler was a major part of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
KELOWNA, BCKelowna is popular with tourists as it is the premier wine destination in British Columbia. Spending the day tasting the local wines and eating at some of the winery restaurants is a perfect way to enjoy a summer’s day here. Golf, hiking, biking, and boating on the lake are all popular summer activities here as well.
1. What do we know about VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC?| A．It is the largest island of North America. | B．It can be reached by train. |
| C．It is a good place for visitors to camp. | D．It was a major part of the 2010 Winter Olympics. |
| A．Hiking. | B．Biking. | C．Diving. | D．Skiing. |
| A．Research paper. | B．Travel brochure. | C．Geography textbook. | D．Travel journal. |
3 . We The Curious
Formerly known as At-Bristol, this harbourside science museum relaunched in 2017 as We The Curious to better reflect its mission to get kids to ask questions and engage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem subjects) in creative ways.
Best things about itMy kids don’t shy away from telling me if they think a museum is boring but here they were too busy rushing from one hands-on exhibit to the next to have any such complaint. They dressed up as bees to catch pollen (花粉) made cheese, watched ice form, weighed human brains and stretched out strips of DNA to compare the genetic sequence (基因序列) of a monkey and an armadillo.
Value for money?Given that the science museums in London, Manchester and Newcastle are free, it does jar (不一致) having to pay £14.50 for adults and £9.50 for kids (aged 3—15) to get in. Kids under 3 are free. I did have to push them out the door at the end of the day. Weeks on, they still refer back to things they learnt there.
Getting thereWe The Curious is near the National Cycle Network (routes 3, 4, and 33). The museum has lots of bicycle parking. Alternatively, it’s a 10-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads railway station or a five-minute taxi ride or 17-minute ferry ride. If driving, follow the We The Curious brown signs and park at the Millennium Square car park for free.
Opening hoursMonday to Friday 10 am—5 pm, 10 am-6 pm at weekends and Bristol school holidays; closed 24—26 December.
1. What highlights We The Curious?| A．A long and splendid history. | B．Mental health support for children. |
| C．Educational and fun activities. | D．A hands-on products exhibition. |
| A．£29. | B．£33.5. | C．£38.5. | D．£48. |
| A．It charges parking fees. | B．It opens all year round. |
| C．It is conveniently located. | D．It offers many types of bikes. |
4 . Immersive cultural tourism has recently gained immense popularity, riding on the wave of consumer demand for interactive and engaging experiences.
“Immersive” has become a buzzword in recent years. It involves deep absorption in an environment or activity. It takes two primary forms: one constructs real or virtual worlds, transporting individuals into new worlds; while the other employs online platforms like livestreaming, videos, and augmented reality to immerse people in specific events.
Immersive cultural tourism is reshaping travel by offering deeper, more meaningful experiences that go beyond the conventional aspects of “travel, shopping, and entertainment”. It encourages in-depth exploration and interactive leisure, as demonstrated by various attractions.
In Xi’an, the Tang Dynasty Everbright City transports visitors to the magnificence of the Tang Dynasty, and the Tang Dynasty Treasure Box interactive game has gained popularity. In Yangzhou, the China Grand Canal Museum digitally showcases the Grand Canal’s history and culture, offering a comprehensive exploration experience. In Dunhuang, the Ancient Sound of Dunhuang allows visitors to explore mural paintings in an immersive manner.
These attractions breathe new life into traditional culture and present it in a fresh light. From a content perspective, immersive cultural tourism covers various cultural themes, including historical, revolutionary, and ecological aspects. These experiences immerse tourists in the past, present, and even the world of imagination. From a technological perspective, it makes use of innovations like 5G, high-quality screens, virtual reality and artificial intelligence, enabling visitors to engage in a storyline.
Immersive cultural tourism is transforming the way people travel by offering in-depth exploration, interactive experiences and meaningful learning opportunities. It promotes tourism from the shallow focus on sightseeing to a complete engagement with culture and history. Additionally, it plays an irreplaceable role in promoting cultural heritage, sharing China’s stories, enhancing cultural confidence, and fostering cultural development, making it a vital part of the travel industry.
1. What are the two basic forms of immersive cultural tourism?| A．Traditional and modern activities. | B．Real-world and digital exploration. |
| C．Real or virtual worlds and online platforms. | D．Livestreaming and augmented reality. |
| A．By showcasing ancient mural paintings. | B．By promoting modern shopping technology. |
| C．By offering a digital exploration experience. | D．By immersing visitors with interactive game. |
| A．Various cultural themes. | B．Ineffective storytelling techniques. |
| C．Basic Internet and high-quality screens. | D．Virtual reality and artificial intelligence. |
| A．The impact of immersive cultural tourism. |
| B．The decline of traditional travel practices. |
| C．The significance of budget-friendly travel options. |
| D．The rise of advanced technology in the tourism industry. |
5 . Welcome to “Cash Poor Points Rich”, a new travel blog dedicated to sharing experiences with credit card points and miles to help you get big travel but for small spend. With the right planning and maximization of available resources, traveling as a college student may be easier than you think.
Chengdu, China
If visiting a place with happy locals is a priority for you, there’s no better city to hit than Chengdu. It is home to pandas and spicy things. Moreover, the city’s abundance of cultural and historical sights, together with its laid-back lifestyle, make itself one of the most attractive and livable large cities too. Past travelers have spent, on average,￥158 on meals and about a quarter of that on local transportation for one day.
Con Dao Island, Vietnam
Tourism is picking up in Vietnam lately, where you can travel for about ￥100 per day if you play your cards right. Con Dao Island Nation Park, a group of dramatic tiny islands off the southern coast, is a great destination to see sea turtles and other wildlife while exploring the area on foot. Its thick jungle will give you a good chance to uncover a paradise of your own.
Zakynthos Island, Greece
If you’re looking for an affordable European summer beach vacation, consider Zakynthos Island. Food is cheap and mouthwatering. There are plenty of free things to do, although the favorite is spending time on the beautiful beaches edged by electric blue water. There are countless options for swimming in the appealing sea, along with charming villages and museums to explore.
New Orleans, U. S.
New Orleans is an incredibly unique place in the U.S., full of fascinating history, absorbing culture, delicious food, and a constantly buzzing nightlife scene. There are actually a couple of hostels in and near the French Quarter that offer reasonable accommodation rates for students.
1. How much on average might be spent on meals and transportation in Chengdu per day?| A．￥13. | B．￥100. | C．￥158. | D．￥200. |
| A．Abundant cultures. | B．Free tourist attractions. |
| C．Impressive sea views. | D．Large museums. |
| A．It offers unique services for students. |
| B．Hostels there are clean and modern. |
| C．The price of hostels there is affordable for students. |
| D．It has the longest history in New Orleans. |
6 . The following are a series of new parks that have opened around the world in the last two years.
Katmandu Park, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Opened in March 2023 on the east coast of the Dominican Republic, the park is full of mystery. According to legend, explorer Kilgore Goode was on an adventure through Nepal when he came across the “Desirata” jewel, protected by a fierce yeti(雪人).
Tickets from $120 for adults; $85 for children.
Ghibli Park, Japan
Located outside of Nagoya, Japan, Ghibli Park opened in late 2022. Within the 17.5 forested ground of the Expo 2005, guests will find five areas that recreate several animated(栩栩如生的)famous scenes.
Tickets from $15 for adults; $7.50 for children.
Peppa Pig Theme Park, Florida
The world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park opened in 2022 in Winter Haven, Florida, and has been delighting children ever since. Dedicated to the classic British animated TV show, where little Peppa has everyday adventures with her friends and family, the 4.5-acre park welcomes pint-sized guests with well-designed, multi-sensory activities across six playscapes.
Tickets from $34 for adults; $25 for children.
Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park, Malaysia
Located within Resorts World Genting, about an hour’s drive from Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur, Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park opened in February 2022. Across the 26-acre park, which cost $800 million and took nearly 10 years to create, visitors will find 26 attractions across nine areas inspired by movies and explorations.
Tickets from $34 for adults; $29 for children.
1. How much will the Smiths with their two children pay to visit Ghibli Park?| A．$30. | B．$37.5. | C．$45. | D．$118. |
| A．It is located in Asia. | B．It has been opened for ten years. |
| C．It is the biggest theme park in the world. | D．It has nine attractions in all. |
| A．They were all built in the same year. | B．They are all involved in adventures. |
| C．They all took a long time to create. | D．They are all family-friendly parks. |
7 . 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 |
| A．Grand Palace, Bangkok. | B．Wat Arun, Bangkok. |
| C．Phuket Old Town, Phuket. | D．Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai. |
| 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. |
8 . The UK is home to 26 world-ranked universities of the top 200 globally. At the heart of each university is the library, a space for students to access resources, absorb knowledge and gather thoughts. Here are some of our must-visit libraries across the UK.
The British Library, London
Located in London, the British Library is home to over 170 million items. The collections offer a glimpse into literary heritage over the ages, from books to maps to manuscripts. Visitors can browse treasures including Leonardo da Vinci’s notebook. Students with a reading pass are known to spend hours at a time in the reading rooms.
Bodleian Old Library, Oxford
Dating back to 1488, the Bodleian Old Library has three notable reading rooms. It is celebrated for its late Gothic architecture. You may recognize the elaborately carved ceiling from scenes in Harry Potter. Students at the university automatically get access to the library.
John Rylands Library, Manchester
Opened in 1900, this library is part of the University of Manchester, one of the top five universities in the UK. This library offers limitless research potential for students. Whether you want to make use of the rich collections available, or simply explore the site, this library should be on everyone’s must-see list.
The Mitchell Library, Glasgow
The Mitchell Library is one of Glasgow’s most famous landmarks. On the top of the copper dome (圆屋顶) is a bronze statue of the Roman goddess, Minerva. Visitors can climb the dome for the city’s most distinctive rooftop views.
1. Which library requires a reading pass to enter the reading room?| A．The British Library. | B．The Mitchell Library. |
| C．John Rylands Library. | D．Bodleian Old Library. |
| A．join research groups |
| B．admire Gothic architecture |
| C．enjoy Glasgow’s rooftop views |
| D．refer to Leonardo da Vinci’s notebook |
| A．Culture. | B．Fashion. | C．Science. | D．Entertainment. |
9 . Cannes(戛纳)is a place that offers lots of different ways to spoil yourself. During the Cannes Film Festival in May, nothing changes, except that there are more people doing this, and that they talk about film. Here’s a guide to what you should do during the festival, both film-related and not.
Hotel Intercontinental Carlton
The film festival is a busy time for Cannes. The best way to appreciate the crowds might be having a dinner on a terrace(露天平台). Head to the Hotel Intercontinental Carlton and wander the lobby to take it all in. If you’re lucky you might be able to secure a table in the restaurant. Dress to impress or you won’t stand a chance of getting in.
Cinema de la Plage
Throughout the Cannes Film Festival, one of the best places to soak up some of the wonderful atmosphere is the open-air Cinema de la Plage at Mace beach. If you haven’t secured a ticket in advance for a seat, there’s no need to worry. You can spread a blanket out on the ground, open up your pre-prepared picnic, and enjoy the movie.
Marché Forville
The Marché Forville is a must-see for any visitor to Cannes and a foodie
La Croisette
La Croisette is the most famous walk in Cannes and is listed under the cultural inventory of France itself. Stroll the whole length, stop for a coffee, and end your walk by sitting on one of the free blue chairs along the way while taking in the view. It is also a great place to admire Cannes’ sculptures.
1. What is probably the intention of the text?| A．To introduce French culture. | B．To present dining locations. |
| C．To publicize a film festival. | D．To suggest tourism activities. |
| A．Hotel Intercontinental Carlton. | B．Cinema de la Plage. |
| C．Marché Forville. | D．La Croisette. |
| A．Attending fashion shows. | B．Watching movies outdoors. |
| C．Tasting imported farm produce. | D．Experiencing sculpture production. |
10 . The Lakes Aquarium (水族馆) is on the south-western tip of Lake Windermere. It has a large number of strange and wonderful aquatic wildlife.
Contact details: lakesaquarium.co.uk/info@lakesaquarium.co.uk/Parques Reunidos YouTube channel.
Cost: Adult £8.50
Children aged 3 to 15 £6
Children under 3 Free
Seasonal opening: Open daily from 10 am; Close 4:30 pm.
●Things to see
The lakes of Cumbria may appear peaceful on the surface. However, they hide a whole world of interesting and curious creatures (生物), with many of them on show at the aquarium. There are sections covering both local lakes and those from further ones. In the Lake District section you can view native creatures such as crayfish and perch, as well as mammals such as harvest mice.
Children are encouraged to learn more about the water cycle and how this influences the landscapes we see around us. There is an Asian otter enclosure (水獭围场) with feeding times and talks. Watch out for the piranhas in the Americas section, and visit the creatures of the rainforests like marmosets.
●Guided tours
The advised group size for a guided tour is 25 people-larger groups will be divided. We recommend that you allow at least one to one and a half hours for the guided tour.
●Birthday party
A guide will be present at your party on a special tour of the aquarium. Party bookings for 10 paying visitors at most.
Booking and information for party tours: call 015395 30153 203.
1. If Mr Brown wants to visit the Lakes Aquarium with his 2-year-old son, how much does he have to pay?| A．£6. | B．£14.50. | C．£8.50. | D．£17. |
| A．Crayfish. | B．Piranhas. | C．Harvest mice. | D．Perch. |
| A．Experience the special birthday party. |
| B．Join a large group of 26 people. |
| C．Bring some food and drinks along. |
| D．Spend at least one hour on the guided tour. |
