An ancient Chinese legend states that there is only one true path up Mount Hua — the 12 km track rising 1,800 m that took 3,000 years     1     (build). I still remember     2     (amaze) by photos of people standing on the Changkong Plank Trail (长空栈道), a wooden path only over 30 centimetres in     3     (wide), with part of their bodies hanging over the cliff. Years later, I found myself     4     (enthusiastic) pursuing the same ambition.

This is where I began—a trail initially pleasant and easy. While many chose to take the cable car     5     (mean) to minimize effort, I avoided the shortcut to the South Peak. I followed the river past some Taoist temples and climbed higher up steep stairs that     6     (carve) expertly into the stone. It took hours     7     I reached higher altitude where view expanded.     8     all directions, equally impressive summits stretched out before me.

Vertical (垂直的) ladders made higher points accessible, often with only chains to arrest your fall. By afternoon, I had reached the very spot     9     had captured my imagination about China. I just stood still, mouth open, leaning right out over the edge,     10     stared down into the vacant space below. Eventually, gathering my courage, I took a few photos. Who would have thought this girl would complete the world’s most dangerous hike?!

A skywell, or “tian jing” in Chinese, is a typical feature of a traditional home in Southern and Eastern China. They are commonly seen in homes     1     (date) to the Ming and Qing dynasties, which     2     (design) to house different generations of relatives. Despite their varied sizes and designs, these skywells are typically square and located in     3     heart of the house. They serve to allow in light, enhance airflow, and harvest rainwater.

Since decades ago, the government     4     (advocate) green buildings, promoting environmentally-friendly practice. The increased interest towards traditional Chinese architecture is leading to the restoration of historic buildings with skywells     5     modern use. Architects are also looking towards the principles behind skywells while designing new buildings     6     (save) energy. The Dongguan TBA Tower in Guangdong Province, for example, brings natural airflows into every floor with internal “windpipes”    7     function in a similar way to skywells. The aim is to keep the building's temperature     8     (comfort) in all seasons, using only natural airflow.

The fact that skywells still exist today shows     9     clever ancient builders were in using nature's elements to create energy-sufficient and sustainable living spaces. These timeless architectural     10     (wonder) continue to inspire architects in their efforts to find green solutions for cooling homes and buildings.

In the gentle winter sunlight, Gulangyu Island lies like a pearl in the ocean, quietly revealing     1     (it) unique charm. This small island is a witness     2     history. Every brick seems to tell stories of the past.     3     (original) named “Yuanshazhou” and also known as “Yuanzhouzi”, it     4     (refer) to as “Wulongyu” during the Southern Song Dynasty. Later, due to the sound resembling a drum, it was renamed “Gulangyu.” Famous for its natural landscapes and cultural heritage, Gulangyu boasts     5     (attraction) such as Sunlight Rock, Shuzhuang Garden, and more. Figures like Ba Jin and Lin Yutang found inspiration here,     6     (enrich) the island’s intellectual heritage.

During the winter, life here seems to slow down. In the early morning, it’s preferable to walk through the alleys     7     (surround) by European-style buildings. Breathing in the air filled with the smell of the sea     8     (bring) an extraordinary sense of freshness and joy.     9     walk to Sunlight Rock on the island offers a view of the entire city of Xiamen. In the afternoon, one can enjoy a rich cup of coffee in a café by the sea,     10     feels like being in a moving painting with the occasional fishing boat passing by. As the sun sets, the entire island is enveloped in a golden sunset. At this moment, Gulangyu becomes even more gentle and romantic.

Recently, Guangzhou has successfully hosted the “Understanding China” International Conference 2023, the 5th World Media Summit, and other significant events, once again highlighting its role as    1    window for the world to comprehend China’s high-quality development. So,     2    Guangzhou? Let’s find out.

    3    (gain) a deeper understanding of China, one must experience its history and culture. With a history of over 2, 000 years and a rich cultural heritage, Guangzhou offers a variety of historical and cultural    4    (treasure). In this city, you can sip a cup of coffee while watching Cantonese opera in Yongqingfang or taste Cantonese dim sum while gazing at Western-style architecture on Shamian Island.

Economy is another crucial aspect in understanding China. In recent years, Guangzhou has    5    (active) participated in the Belt and Road international cooperation, gradually    6     (establish) a comprehensive, multi-level, and wide-ranging pattern of opening-up. As a thousand-year-old commercial city known for the Canton Fair, Guangzhou has drawn    7    (globe) attention with its open genes and prosperous economy.

Connecting with the world also requires a highly    8    (develop) transportation network. Guangzhou has constructed a modern three-dimensional transportation system that links airports, seaports, railway ports, and digital ports, providing easy access    9    both domestic and foreign participants.

Guangzhou’s openness, inclusiveness, vitality, and innovative spirit make it an ideal choice for hosting international events, which, in turn,     10     (help) the economic and social development of the city.

The Yellow River No.1 Tourist Highway,built in 2018 in Shanxi province,was designed     1     (string) together scenic spots along the river. Visitors can both enjoy overnight accommodations in unique cave dwellings (窑洞), with a special chance to sleep on a“Kang”—a comfortable clay-and-brick bed heated from within     2     taste delicious farm-to-table cuisine while experiencing the beauty of the Yellow River.

Thanks to this initiative, Laoniuwan village,an intersection     3     the Great Wall meets the Yellow River, has been transformed into a popular tourist destination.The villager Guo Jianhua’s hostel has witnessed a booming business, with over 100 tourists staying and dining at his establishment,     4     (generate) a daily income of approximately 3,000 yuan.

“Previously, I     5     (register)by the local authority as financially disadvantaged. However, I was able to establish this hostel with the     6     (assist) of poverty alleviation loans. In just a few years, I have not only overcome poverty but also got my quality of life significantly     7     (improve),”Guo said.

Meanwhile, new businesses are also emerging. Since its opening in September last year, the Zhangjiawan recreational vehicle camp located along the highway     8     (welcome) more than 10,000 vehicles, with nearly 10 percent of them being RVs. “Even the local products are selling     9     (well),”Guo said, owing this success     10     the increasing number of tourists and the improved transportation facilitated by the tourist expressway.

Cultural tours light up nightlife

During the peak summer travel season, many popular tourist destinations in China have experienced overwhelming crowds, making it     1     (challenge) for tourists to secure tickets.     2     (consequent), cultural venues in many places have recently had their opening hours     3     (extend), allowing people to explore during the evening hours.

As the sun began to set, tourists started their evening explorations with a museum in the ancient city of Xi’ an in Shaanxi Province. “We’ve heard that the art museum has lengthened the opening hours     4     10 pm. So we decided to visit here before     5     (enjoy) the night scene of the Grand Tang Mall when the lights are all on,” said Chen from Chongqing.

In ancient China, when night fell, people would engage in activities     6     they could recite poems, appreciate the moon’s beauty and engage in tea fueled conversations. To meet     7     (people) growing demand for night travel, China develops a night culture and a night tourism economy. In recent years, some places     8     (win) fame for night fairs and performances. Even at 10:30 pm, subways in many cities remain packed with people and the night fairs continue with diners.

Nighttime cultural tours have changed     9     conventional tourism model of traveling during the day and sleeping at night, contributing to increased nighttime spending and boosting the     10     (grow) of entertainment and accommodation.

Think of travel in Greece, and your mind may wander to images of ferries cruising(巡航)across the Aegean Sea. Taking to the water is essential if you plan to travel between the Greek islands, but there     1     (be) plenty of other ways to enjoy Greece’s amazing landscapes, including planes, trains, buses     2     bicycles.

Cycling in Greece is growing in     3     (popular), best done in spring and fall rather than high summer. Strong leg muscles are     4     must to tackle the mountains, or you can stick to some of the     5     (flat) coast roads than the mountain roads. Some are bicycle-friendly, but others have such steep roads     6     cycling is not recommended.

Overall, cycling infrastructure around Greece leaves something to be desired. Bicycle lanes are rare to nonexistent, and there is a real danger from speeding cars —     7     (drive) by locals and tourists alike.

Bicycles may be carried for free on some ferries, while on others, there may be a fee, or they may not be allowed at all because of a lack of space on board.

You can rent bicycles in most tourist hangouts, but they are not as     8     (wide) available as cars and motorcycles. Prices range     9     €10 to €20 per day,     10     (depend) on the type of bicycle. Always make sure the rental cost includes the use of a helmet.