1 . Do you fancy seeing some sights that aren’t heaving with other visitors? You might have to travel a bit off the beaten path while you’re in Italy. We’ll take you through four of the best hidden gems that you can find in the country.
Chioggia, Venetian Lagoon
Arranged across five islands, Chioggia is enchantingly spliced by beautiful canals. The adjoined town of Sottomarina throws in a six-mile sandy beach. Further south are more beaches plus empty riversides lovely for cycling—which, unlike Venice, one can also do in Chioggia.
San Nicolò dei Mendicoli, Venice
San Nicolò dei Mendicoli church was a key filming location in the 1963 film Don’t Look Now. “Mendicoli” is translated as “beggars” in Venetian language; this area once housed poor fishermen and the church used to shelter the homeless. Beyond set-jetting (电影主题旅游), further incentive to visit is provided by some superb Renaissance ceiling frescos and the celebrated Resurrection of Christ oil painting.
Borromini’s Perspective, Rome
There’s a beguiling reason to visit this impressive Centro Storico palace. On its first floor, find a peaceful orange tree courtyard and look down the colonnaded (柱廊式的) gallery whose distant statue of Mars is about 35 metres away. In fact, the passage is actually only eight metres long, and its god of war merely 60 centimetres high. Not that you’ll believe it until stepping forward.
Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, Florence
In Florence, visiting one particular apothecary (药商) is a must, partly because the Santa Maria Novella is thought to be the world’s oldest pharmacy. Today, while admission to the neighbouring, tremendous Basilica (大教堂) costs €7.50, pharmacy entry is free. Friendly staff will guide you through handmade soaps, lotions, potpourri (精油) and fragrances made according to centuries-old recipes.
1. Which is Not the reason to visit San Nicolò dei Mendicoli church?| A．Shelter the homeless | B．Watch a religious oil painting |
| C．Appreciate ceiling frescos | D．Experience set-jetting |
| A．Learn centuries-old recipes | B．Visit the world’s oldest church |
| C．Explore an impressive palace | D．Buy handmade soaps and lotions |
| A．They all recommend church-visiting. | B．Their beauty are under-explored. |
| C．Travellers can visit some historic buildings. | D．They are well-known among people. |
2 . Popular destinations boosted by films, TV dramas
Over the past year, several films and TV dramas have put their shooting locations into the public spotlight.
1. Dali in Yunnan province
With the premiere of the TV drama Meet Yourself earlier last year, the Dali Bai autonomous prefecture in Southwest China’s Yunnan province emerged as a highly sought-after tourism destination.
The drama was filmed in Dali, showcasing main locations such as Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town, Fengyangyi village, Shaxi Ancient Town and Xizhou Town.The idyllic scenery and relaxing pace of life depicted in the drama proved to be a soothing balm for many, leading to a tourism boom in Dali during the Spring Festival holidays.
2. Jiangmen in Guangdong province
Thanks to the success of the hit show The Knockout, Jiangmen in Guangdong province soared as a prominent tourism destination last year, where the drama was filmed.
As a prominent hometown for many overseas Chinese, the city boasts historical cultural street scenes, exotic South Asian-style architecture, and a diverse array of flavorful snacks, attracting a throng of tourists and TV fans.
3. Taiyuan Ancient County in Shanxi province
Full River Red, the highest-grossing blockbuster during last year’s Spring Festival, has set the Taiyaun Ancient County in Shanxi on fire with excitement. The film was directed by iconic director Zhang Yimou and draws inspiration from a famous poem by the patriotic general Yue Fei of the Southern Song Dynasty.
Filmed within a residential compound made up of five enclosed courtyards in an ancient town relic site in Jinyuan district, Taiyuan city, Shanxi province, the movie captures the essence of the country’s intricate, winding alleyways and distinctive ancient courtyards, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
4. Shanghai
Shanghai has once again captured the public’s attention with the recent popularity of the TV series Blossoms Shanghai. Key filming locations such as Huanghe Road, Peace Hotel, and Tai Sheng Yuan restaurant have emerged as highly sought-after tourist destinations. Dishes featured in the show, such as Spare Ribs with Rice Cakes and Stir-fried Rice Noodles with Beef, have become culinary favorites among tourists exploring Shanghai.
The iconic No. 27 on the Bund, where Miss Wang worked in the TV series, has transformed into Jiushi Art Museum, while the Pujiang Hotel has found new life as the location of the China Securities Museum.
1. Why did the TV drama Meet Yourself make Dali in Yunnan province popular among tourists?| A．Because it showcased the beauty of Erhai Lake. |
| B．Because it provided a relaxing escape from daily life. |
| C．Because it was filmed in many ancient towns. |
| D．Because it featured the local culture and snacks. |
| A．A poem by a patriotic general. | B．An ancient town in Taiyuan. |
| C．The director Zhang Yimou. | D．The intricate alleyways of Shanxi. |
| A．The popularity of local dishes. |
| B．The historical significance of the city. |
| C．The release of the TV series Blossoms Shanghai. |
| D．The beautiful natural scenery of the city. |
3 . Best Tours of France 2024
If you’re planning a visit to France, we’ve picked the best tours in France where the experience is built around the things you want to see and do.
Loire Valley Bike Tours — the very best way to travelOne of the best ways to visit the castles, vineyards, pretty little villages, historic towns and beautiful gardens of the Loire Valley is on two wheels... Loire Brakes guided tour s are relaxing(e-bikes provided), and you’ll stay in a comfortable and cosy farmhouse and visit the very best of the Loire Valley with local guides Denise and Kevin. A superb slow travel experience for those who like to discover real France and enjoy the most delicious food and wine. loirebrakes.com
Tours for those who love the authentic (真实性)Discover southern France — from attractive Carcassonne to the postcard-pretty blooming lovely lavender fields of Provence, as well as Normandy, Bordeaux and Dordogne. On these luxury, small group tours you’ll get to experience France like a local, experience the best cuisine and wine, and discover the beauty and culture of France. www. tripusafrance.com
Tailor-made toursOsprey Boutique Travel creates unique and authentic travel experiences. Their tailor-made tours are particularly made to each client’s preferences, based on personally tested experiences and native French special knowledge. With Osprey, expect access to wonderful experiences at famous wineries and Michelin-starred restaurants, creating a lifetime journey. Find out more: ospreybt.com
Culture & cookery tours in ProvenceCooking classes with chefs in their homes where you’ll cook authentic French dishes. Shop at fascinating street markets with chefs, and dine at the most delicious restaurants in beautiful towns of Provence on this fully accompanied, small-group, delicious and cultural trip of a lifetime. goutetvoyage. com
1. If you like experiencing slow travel, which place should you visit?| A．Normandy. | B．Carcassonne. |
| C．The Loire Valley. | D．Towns of Provence. |
| A．loirebrakes.com | B．ospreybt.com |
| C．goutetvoyage.com | D．www.tripusafrance.com |
| A．Those who hope to run the restaurants in future. |
| B．Those who enjoy natural and beautiful scenery. |
| C．Those who are fond of French romantic culture. |
| D．Those who want to experience French cooking culture. |
4 . Spring breakers don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy life in the sunshine for a week. U. S. News carefully considered everything to bring you the best inexpensive spring break destinations.
Key West
This small island in the Florida Keys is known for its odd residents and best snorkeling (浮潜) opportunities. While you’ll find plenty of spots for partying along rowdy Duval Street, you can also soak up some culture at the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. Plus, Key West offers several budget-friendly vacation rentals, so you can save your cash for bars and boat tours.
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is a tried-and-true Florida spring break location that is sure to please the masses. Scope out a spot across the town’s 27 miles of white sand beaches to sunbathe, play volleyball or scan the horizon for bottlenose dolphins. Hotel prices are reasonable if you book your accommodations in advance. Just note: This town bans alcohol consumption on the beach during March, so you’ll have to enjoy your adult beverages elsewhere.
South Pad re Island
With hotels offering nightly rates around $200 or less and DJs and celebrities holding court at nightclubs, South Padre Island, Texas, is a hot spring break destination for college students. This South Texas local e is only about 30 miles north of the U. S.-Mexico border, meaning you’ll get to enjoy warm weather without having to leave the country. As an added bonus, the island offers a free public shuttle system, so budget-conscious travelers won’t have to worry about spending money on a rental car.
1. What can tourists do in Key West?| A．Have a good surfing. |
| B．Bath e in the sun on the beach. |
| C．Throw a party anywhere on the island. |
| D．Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. |
| A．The hotel prices are low whenever you go. |
| B．It is a perfect destination for spring vacation. |
| C．You can drink some wine on the beach in March. |
| D．You can see the bottlenose dolphins in person. |
| A．They are budget-friendly. | B．They are alive with wildlife. |
| C．They offer a taste of culture. | D．They offer free public shuttle system. |
5 . To appreciate Dubai, you could start by going skiing. The ski resort, located inside one of the city’s shopping malls, looks from the outside like a silver spaceship. You put on a thick coat, pull on your gloves and then marvel at what strong air-conditioning can do. At the exit, you can buy a souvenir T-shirt. A cartoon thermometer in Celsius announces: “I went from +50 to minus 8!”
Indoor skiing in the desert has become a symbol of Dubai’s status as a wealthy, modem metropolis. This small fishing village, Dubai’s fortunes changed forever with the discovery of oil in the 1960s. Since then. it has evolved to become the largest city. But the rapid growth has come at a price. To power its cars and air-conditioning, the city has produced large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO. ) from fossil fuels. Now it is making some big changes.
To reduce its dependence on cars and lower its emissions, Dubai has invested in solar energy, green buildings, and a comprehensive public transportation system. In addition, all new buildings must meet strict energy regulations.
The most striking development can be found where the city’s suburbs meet the desert. Unlike much of Dubai, the Sustainable City to the south feels more like a close-knit-village community. About five hundred low-rise houses are distributed along attractive, tree-lined streets. They all face north, away from direct sunlight, and are close together to provide natural shade. Each building has reflective windows and wall paint, which reduce the heat absorbed from the sun. Rooftop solar panels and energy-saving lights contribute to the community’s energy efficiency. As a result, residents of the Sustainable City now consume 50 percent less energy than people living in other parts of Dubai.
By 2050, the government intends to obtain 75 percent of the city’s energy from renewable sources-mainly solar. It also wants to have the smallest ecological footprint in the world. The plan is ambitious. But if successful, even guilt-free skiing in the desert could become an reality.
1. Why does the writer start the passage by describing a ski resort?| A．To demonstrate the problems of living near a desert. |
| B．To describe an expensive and unsuccessful building project. |
| C．To give an example of how Dubai is a wealthy modern city. |
| D．To provide a warning of what Dubai might be like in the future. |
| A．distinctive | B．isolated | C．massive | D．uniform |
| A．Installation of energy-efficient lights. | B．Avoidance of the sunlight from north. |
| C．Placement of solar panels on rooftops. | D．Arrangement to allow natural cooling. |
| A．How Oil Has Changed Dubai. | B．Dubai’s Economic Future. |
| C．The Costs of Green Living. | D．Building a Sustainable City. |
6 . Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii
Go Surfing at Kahalu’u Beach
Hawaii is known as a surfer’s haven, making it one of the best places to learn to surf. The Big Island offers surf spots for all ability levels. Head to Kahalu’u Beach, and take a two-hour lesson from one of the knowledgeable instructors at Kahalu’u Bay Surf and Sea, which is also a good place to snorkel (浮潜), offering fun for the whole family.
Take a Helicopter Tour
Many spots on the Big Island are hard to reach by land. But in a helicopter, you can view cliffside views and waterfalls. From the sky, you can also see active volcanoes up close. Some tours circle the island, while others take you out at sunset during “the golden hour” to enjoy beachscapes.
Ride an ATV
Like helicopters, ATVs can reach hard-to-see locations on the Big Island. Book an ATV tour that takes you to majestic waterfalls where you can swim in crystal blue pools. On an Adventure Farms Tour, guides relay the rich history of Polynesia as you drive through the villages of Hawaii, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
Bike Downhill in Waimea Canyon
A Waimea Canyon Bike Tour will take you on a 13-mile journey by bike from the edge of Waimea Canyon to the beaches of the Pacific Ocean. In your van ride up to the edge, your guide will tell the history, culture and folktales of the area, while you take in the native plants, birds, and trees. The second part of the experience is all about fun as you make your way to the Pacific Ocean on a cruiser bike made for downhill coasting. This trip is recommended for experienced bikers only.
1. Which activity is probably the most suitable for a family?| A．Riding an ATV. | B．Taking a helicopter tour. |
| C．Going surfing at Kahalu’u Beach. | D．Biking downhill in Waimea Canyon. |
| A．Access to hard-to-reach locations. | B．Learning about the history of Polynesia. |
| C．The chance to swim in crystal blue pools. | D．Appreciating hard-to-sec fantastic views. |
| A．Visitors have chances to swim in the water. | B．Visitors can enjoy amazing views at sunset. |
| C．Visitors have access to rare plants and birds. | D．Visitors can learn about the local history. |
7 . Explore these lesser-known U.S. by ways for maximum autumn splendor — from Wisconsin to West Virginia.
Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Scenic Byway
Wisconsin’s 70-mile Lake Superior Scenic Byway traces the coastline of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. About a third of the way through the route, you’ll arrive at Frog Bay National Tribal Park, the nation’s first tribal national park. Here, visitors can hike along several short trails. The autumn colors of all kinds of leaves peak in mid-to-late October.
West Virginia’s Seneca Skyway
Seneca Rocks, a stunning formation with dozens of surrounding hiking trails, was once used by the U.S. Army for wilderness assault training. Stay in the wild without a tent by overnighting at the top of a 65-foot-tall fire tower in Seneca State Forest.
Arizona’s White Mountain Scenic Road
Arizona is one of the best places in the Southwest for changing leaves — if you know where to look. Start at 7,000 feet in the town of Pinetop-Lakeside, where giant maples offer pops of color between the world’s largest contiguous stretch of ponderosa pines.
South Carolina’s Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway
The leaves of red maples, box elders, and scarlet and black oaks turn late in northern South Carolina — usually from mid-October to early November. That’s the perfect time to take a spin along the 110-mile Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway. It takes visitors through six state parks, offering several overlooks for epic views.
1. What can people do at the Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Scenic Byway?| A．Hike along the Seneca Rocks. | B．Take a spin. |
| C．Visit a tribal national park. | D．Stay in the wild without a tent. |
| A．Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Scenic Byway |
| B．West Virginia’s Seneca Skyway |
| C．Arizona’s White Mountain Scenic Road |
| D．South Carolina’s Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway. |
| A．A guidebook. | B．A movie poster. |
| C．A sports magazine. | D．A science report. |
8 . Would you take a trip if you couldn’t use your cellphone? A new tour company called Off the Grid is asking travellers to put their cellphones away and not even use them for photos. The company founder, Zach Beattie, is developing his business, using money he saved from a tech job at a mapping company. He’s hired guides for every trip but will help lead the first few himself.
The first trip is to Lisbon, Portugal, in July. It takes 7 to 10 days, with small groups of up to 16 people. Prices range from $1,500 to $1,650, including accommodations, meals and ground transportation. The plan includes at least three excursions (远足) and two social events, with an emphasis on unique experiences over bucket-list sightseeing. The tour also includes surfing lessons, yoga on the beach, a day of sailing and dinner with a local family.
“When you’re somewhere new, there’s a lot to see and a lot of cool and interesting people to meet,” Beattie said. “Your phone can distract (使分心) you.” The phone ban won’t be enforced quite as strictly as it seems at first glance. “We want it to be voluntary,” he said. “We’re not collecting phones and throwing them in a locked trunk. It’s held by you, but put in your pocket, and you state your intentions for the week, whether that’s checking your social media once or twice a day or a total blackout.”
Tour-goers also get a “dumbphone” without Internet access that’s loaded with numbers for group leaders and other participants, both for emergencies and to promote socializing. Participants may bring regular cameras, but Beattie is hiring a photographer for each tour so there will be plenty of photos to remember the trip. Once the trip is over, participants will have access to those photos for use in social media posts.
1. What can be learned about Zach Beattie?| A．He set up his business at his own expense. |
| B．He is always guiding every trip personally. |
| C．He forbids tourists to take along cellphones. |
| D．He used to earn his living in a tour company. |
| A．The trip features sightseeing. |
| B．Participants live in homestays. |
| C．Air ticket is covered in the cost. |
| D．Tourists experience water sports. |
| A．Lock their phones in a trunk. |
| B．Post their photos on social media. |
| C．Free themselves from their phones. |
| D．Shift their focus onto dumbphones. |
| A．Take photos. | B．Access the Internet. |
| C．Record the trip. | D．Contact group members. |
9 . Popular destinations boosted by films, TV dramas
Over the past year, several films and TV dramas have put their shooting locations into the public spotlight.
Dali in Yunnan provinceWith the premiere of the TV drama Meet Yourself earlier last year, the Dali Bai autonomous prefecture in Southwest China’s Yunnan province emerged as a highly sought-after tourism destination.
The drama was filmed in Dali, showcasing main locations such as Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town, Fengyangyi village, Shaxi Ancient Town and Xizhou Town. The idyllic scenery and relaxing pace of life depicted in the drama proved to be a soothing balm for many, leading to a tourism boom in Dali during the Spring Festival holidays.
Jiangmen in Guangdong provinceThanks to the success of the hit show The Knockout, Jiangmen in Guangdong province soared as a prominent tourism destination last year, where the drama was filmed.
As a prominent hometown for many overseas Chinese, the city boasts historical cultural street scenes, exotic South Asian-style architecture, and a díverse array of flavorful snacks, attracting a throng of tourists and TV fans.
Taiyuan Ancient County in Shanxi provinceFull River Red, the highest-grossing blockbuster during last year’s Spring Festival, has set the TaiyuanAncient County in Shanxi on fire with excitement. The film was directed by iconic director Zhang Yimou and draws inspiration from a famous poem by the patriotic general Yue Fei of the Southern Song Dynasty.
Filmed within a residential compound made up of five enclosed courtyards in an ancient town relic site in Jinyuan district, Taiyuan city, Shanxi province, the movie captures the essence of the country’s intricate, winding alleyways and distinctive ancient courtyards, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
ShanghaiShanghai has once again captured the public’s attention with the recent popularity of the TVseries Blossoms Shanghai. Key filming locations such as Huanghe Road, Peace Hotel, and Tai Sheng Yuan restaurant have emerged as highly sought-after tourist destinations. Dishes featured in the show, such as Spare Ribs with Rice Cakes and Stir-fried Rice Noodles with Beef, have become culinary favorites among tourists exploring Shanghai.
The iconic No. 27 on the Bund, where Miss Wang worked in the TV series, has transformed into JiushiArt Museum, while the Pujiang Hotel has found new life as the location of the China Securities Museum.
1. Why did the TV drama Meet Yourself make Dali in Yunnan province popular among tourists?| A．Because it showcased the beauty of Erhai Lake. |
| B．Because it provided a relaxing escape from daily life. |
| C．Because it was filmed in many ancient towns. |
| D．Because it featured the local culture and snacks. |
| A．A poem by a patriotic general. | B．An ancient town in Taiyuan. |
| C．The director Zhang Yimou. | D．The intricate alleyways of Shanxi. |
| A．A personal travel blog. | B．A tourism promotion website. |
| C．A film press release. | D．A cultural journal. |
10 . Spain is a country that continues to surprise and let us tell you it’s not all sunbathing and shopping! We’re outlining our top 3 reasons to discover Spain along with our holiday suggestions to help you make up your mind.
Stunning sceneryFrom the dramatic, imposing mountains to the countless glistening beaches that dot its coastlines, Spain is a country full of natural beauty and inspiring landscapes. If breath-taking views and unique scenery captures your attention then our top suggestion is to experience a holiday to Tenerife where you can enjoy the inspiring its volcanic views and panoramic scenery. The largest of the Canary Islands, just south of Spain, Tenerife has a rugged, volcanic landscape as well as over 200 miles of coastline boasting a huge variety of flora and fauna.
Beautiful beachesDid you know that Spain has over 5,000 miles of coastline and thousands of beaches? Wherever you go, you are never far from a beach. From undiscovered, hidden alcoves to popular tourist resorts, there’s a beach for everyone and with over 300 days of sunshine each year you’re guaranteed the weather to enjoy them! This beautiful country also has the most blue flag beaches in the world so now you’ve no excuse! With thousands of beaches to choose from, where will you go?
Fabulous foodFor many people, one of the highlights of Spain is, of course, the amazing food on offer. The country’s vibrant cities offer up Michelin-starred restaurants and lively tapas bars, while small-town cafés and restaurants offer up traditional dishes such as paella, seafood stew, and chorizo, made with love from family recipes.
Spanish cuisine is known for being delicious, healthy, and full of flavour, so there are many unique dishes available that will tempt your taste buds. If we’ve made you hungry, then you should take a holiday to Costa Brava, a Spanish foodie destination that should not be missed!
1. What is the top suggestion for experiencing stunning scenery in Spain?| A．The beaches of Costa Brava. |
| B．The mountains in the northern region. |
| C．A holiday to Tenerife. |
| D．The hidden alcoves along the coastline. |
| A．Conventional cuisines and trendy bars. |
| B．Volcanic views and countless coastlines. |
| C．Sufficient sunshine and striking beaches. |
| D．Marine creatures and mouthwatering seafood. |
| A．To inform. | B．To report. | C．To review. | D．To entertain. |
