1 . Amsterdam is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, famous for its beautiful canals, top art museums, cycling culture and so on. It is the capital city of the Netherlands and often referred to as the “Venice of the North” because of its expansive system of bridges and canals. Here are some of the key points to remember as you plan your trip to Amsterdam.
Must-See Attractions
Most visitors begin their Amsterdam adventure in the Old Centre, which is full of traditional architecture, shopping centers, and coffee shops. You’ll also want to check out Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter in the South District, which is great for shopping at the Albert Cuyp Market and having a picnic in the Vondelpark. The top museums to visit there are the Rijksmusuem, the Ann Frank House, and the Van Gogh Museum.
If You Have Time
There are several other unique districts in Amsterdam, and you should try to explore as many of them as time allows. The Canal Ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was originally built to attract wealthy home owners and is a center for celebrity spotting and nightlife today. The Plantage area has most of the city’s museums and the botanical gardens.
Money Saving Tips
●Unless you really want to see the tulips(郁金香) blooming, avoid booking between mid-March and mid-May. This is when hotel and flight prices rise.
●Look for accommodations in Amsterdam’s South District, where rates are generally cheaper than in the city center.
●Buy train tickets at the machine instead of the counter to save a bit of money.
●Instead of hiring a tour guide, hop on a canal boat. They’re inexpensive and will give you a unique point of view of the city.
Check out our homepage to view price comparisons for flights, hotels, and rental cars before you book.
1. What can be learned about Amsterdam from this passage?| A．The Van Gogh Museum lies in the South District. |
| B．The Canal Ring is a place to attract garden lovers. |
| C．The Old Centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| D．Amsterdam is called the “Venice of the North” because of its location. |
| A．arrange a guided tour | B．buy train tickets at the counter |
| C．reserve a hotel in the South District | D．book flights between mid-March and mid-May |
| A．A magazine. | B．An essay. | C．A report. | D．A website. |
Going to Antarctica, one of the remotest destinations on the planet, is not an easy (or affordable) endeavor. Perhaps the difficulty is part of the attraction—the seventh continent remains at the top of many travelers’ wish lists. The striking white desert, with its dramatic, snowy peaks and vibrant turquoise water, as well as its exotic wildlife, including emperor penguins and Weddell seals, can truly offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Hawaii
Hawaii is underrated. To be sure, it is a gorgeous place with breathtaking sunrise and sunset, and every beach is seemingly prettier than the next, but its beauty goes much deeper than its preternatural appearance. Extraordinary beaches—some even boast green and black sand (Papakōlea Beach and Punalu’u Beach, respectively)—have their expected appeal, but visitors who take time to venture out away from the coast quickly discover Hawaii’s charms are everywhere.
Canada
Skiing, surfing, hiking and the Northern Lights, eclectic cuisine, world-class shopping, diverse and rich cultures—this is Canada. The 13 provinces and territories make up the world’s second-largest country by the total area. It has something wonderful for every type of traveler. Nature lovers take solace in mountains, glaciers, waterfalls and the Atlantic or Pacific coastlines while sophisticated eaters nosh at Michelin-starred restaurants and hole-in-the-wall restaurants alike.
Singapore
Travelers don’t want to spend any more time in an airport than they have to. But Singapore Changi Airport is not an ordinary airport. While the rest of the world was staying at home, Singaporean locals had paid to hang out at Changi Airport, whether it was co-working in one of the lounges or camping alongside the world’s highest indoor waterfall, which opened in 2019.
1. Which place would you like to choose if you are an animal lover?| A．Hawaii. | B．Antarctica. | C．Singapore. | D．Canada. |
| A．It can almost satisfy all kinds of travelers. |
| B．It attracts many locals. |
| C．It has some extraordinary beaches. |
| D．It is the second most beautiful place in the world. |
| A．They can decorate the lounges together. |
| B．They can enjoy world-class shopping. |
| C．They can appreciate the world’s highest indoor waterfall. |
| D．They can experience Michelin-starred restaurants. |
3 . The official operation of Universal Beijing Resort (UBR) made Beijing the hottest tourist destination recently. After about 20 years’ preparation, China’s first Universal Studios theme park, and also the biggest Universal Studios theme park in the world, has attracted great attention. It marks the entry of another international chain into China’s thriving theme park industry.
China has become the largest market for theme parks across the world. Today there are nearly 3,000 theme parks in China and over 400 among them are large-scale.
The popularity of theme parks partly comes from the intellectual property they have acquired over the years, which can include characters and stories. Take the Shanghai Disney Resort as an example. From Mickey Mouse to Snow White, Disney had a lot of elements to draw from in designing the theme park. A fan of Disney’s animations Mr. Wu said that he had visited the resort so many times because of his love of the characters and themes throughout the park.
Theme parks have played a leading role in promoting tourism and other relative kinds of consumption (消费). For the past five years, the Shanghai Disney Resort has welcomed 83 million visitors, earning over 40 billion yuan in total. Disney’s impressive performance was carefully viewed by other international firms eager to take part in China’s theme park economy, Steinbock pointed out. According to Steinbock, capital investment in China’s theme park projects in the first half of the 2020s could reach $20 billion. “These huge investments show foreign investors’ rising confidence in China’s business environment.”
“Although the COVID-19 pandemic has created a huge impact on the global tourism market, we are still very positive on the business environment of the Chinese market,” said Tom Mehrmann, president and general manager of UBR.
1. What can we learn about the UBR according to the passage?| A．It has been prepared for a decade. |
| B．It is the biggest them park in China. |
| C．It contributes to the popularity of Beijing. |
| D．It marks the theme park industry entered China. |
| A．increasing | B．rewarding | C．entertaining | D．decreasing. |
| A．The pandemic has no impact on Chinese tourism market. |
| B．More international investment will enter Chinese theme park industry. |
| C．Theme park is the one and only way to promote Chinese consumption. |
| D．Shanghai Disney Resort has received more than $20 billion investment so far. |
| A．To advertise the UBR to attract more tourists. |
| B．To praise China’s ability to control the pandemic. |
| C．To explain why theme park is so popular in China. |
| D．To introduce the development of China’s theme park industry. |
4 . Travel is one of the most exciting experiences a human being can have. Imagine how Italian traveler Marco Polo must have felt when he found himself on Chinese soil, seeing a way of life quite different from anything he’d seen before.
And how marvelous must it have been to listen to Zhang Qian when he returned to China from his journey through Central Asia and West Asia? His brain must have been packed with everything he’d seen and heard, leading to the founding of the Silk Road.
Some people have traveled all over the world, and travel is a way of life to them. They perhaps know what to expect before they travel. That’s why the best travel is when it’s for the first time. Imagine a person who has always wanted to travel to the United State. Of course, they’ve probably seen the Statue of Liberty a thousand times on TV, and the White House, and all the other famous sights. But none of that would compare to the thrill of looking out of the cabin window as the plane lands, watching the cities and streets of the real America come into eyes.
Although travel is often just for recreation, it’s also educational: We may not know that we are getting an education, but we still are.
We’re learning every day: new words in a new language, new people, and new ways of life. But this learning takes place in the school of the world, not the classroom. One of the lessons we learn is undoubtedly a moral one. As we get to know foreign places, we come to understand that there are many different ways to live, and that the way we live isn’t necessarily the best way. The British politician Benjamin Disraeli summed this up well when he said, “Travel teaches toleration.”
1. The author uses Marco Polo and Zhang Qian as examples to __________.| A．explain how the Silk Road was founded |
| B．present travel as a fantastic experience |
| C．show how the way people travel has changed |
| D．describe important cultural exchanges in history |
| A．one’s first trip is usually the most challenging |
| B．no other trip is better than one’s first trip |
| C．there is always much to learn on one’s first trip |
| D．people usually make better preparations for their first trip |
| A．traveling should be included in formal education |
| B．traveling improves people’s confidence in their lifestyle |
| C．a foreign journey may raise people’s cultural understanding |
| D．there is more to learn from adventures than being in classrooms |
5 . Got 48 hours to relax yourself? You’ll make full use of your time and have great fun at these fantastic places.
Alabama:Gulf Shores.
For relaxing weekend getaways in Alabama, head south to the white-sand beaches of Gulf Shores. Get on the water for some deep-sea fishing.
Alaska:Homer
How does fresh seafood sound? You’ll find it in Homer, located in south-central Alaska. Get your fill of fishing in Kachemak Bay, explore local trails and enjoy birding in this remote natural scenery.
Arizona:Sedona
Adventurous types can get their fill in the magical red rocks of Sedona, which is said to be the location of healing centers of energy. People flood into the area to meditate, practie yoga and more. Seona also offers fantastic hiking, off-roading, biking, and even climbing.
Arkansas:Hot Springs.
Relax and renew in Arkansas’ hot waters in Hot Springs. Make time for a visit o Bathhouse Row, a national historic landmark of eight bathhouses, and Superior Bathhouse Brewery, which produces beer made of the hot spring water inside the National Park. Don’t miss these National Parks that are off the beaten path.
1. Which activity can be found in both Gulf Shores and Homer?| A．Going fishing | B．Taking a flight |
| C．Enjoying beautiful birds | D．Visiting historic sites |
| A．Its bathhouse | B．Its paths |
| C．Its self-made beer | D．Its architecture |
| A．Research | B．An encyclopedia |
| C．A brochure | D．A diary |
6 . There are many resorts in the world. Make your Branson, Missouri vacation easy by booking a complete vacation package with general attractions, shows and more. Located in the rolling hills of the Ozarks, Branson also features numerous outdoor activity options for a varied vacation experience.
Two-night Branson Getaway Package
When planning a wonderful holiday to Branson, book the Two-night Branson Getaway Package, which includes two nights of staying, dinner and a show at the Dolly Parton’s Stampede, and admission to the traditional Acrobats (杂技) of Shanghai!
Price: Adult: $156.
Children: Ages 3-19: $81.22, Ages 0-2: Free.
Branson Dolly Parton’s Stampede Getaway
Whether you are planning a weekend holiday in Branson or a short mid-week trip, you will love the Branson Dolly Parton’s Stampede Getaway, which includes two nights of staying and Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner and Show!
Price: Adult: $ 156.
Children: Ages 3-19: $73.01, Ages 0-2: Free.
Silver Dollar City Package
Have the ultimate vacation in Branson with the Silver Dollar City Package, which includes two nights of staying, a two-day pass to Silver Dollar City, and dinner and a show aboard the Showboat Branson Belle!
Price: Adult: $315.
Children: Ages 3-19: $74. 00, Ages 0-2: Free.
Branson’s Fun for Kids Vacation
For an exciting vacation in Branson that children will simply love, book Branson’s Fun for Kids Vacation, which includes two nights of staying, admission to the Branson’s Wild World VIP Animal Adventure, Escape Mini Golf & Jungle Arcade, Hamners’ Unbelievable Magic Show, Fritz’s Adventure, a one-day pass to Silver Dollar City and admission to the Dolly Parton’s Stampede!
Price: Adult: $ 474.
Children: Ages 3-19: $68.78, Ages 0-2: Free.
1. Which vacation package will you choose if you want to watch a Chinese traditional art?| A．Silver Dollar City Package. | B．Branson’s Fun for Kids Vacation. |
| C．Two-night Branson Getaway Package. | D．Branson Dolly Parton’s Stampede Getaway. |
| A．$389. | B．$463. | C．$704. | D．$778. |
| A．Two nights of staying. | B．Silver Dollar City tickets. |
| C．A show at the Dolly Parton’s Stampede. | D．Admission to the Acrobats of Shanghai. |
7 . Boats Once in the Canal Became Touring Boats
The River Thames, England
Boating along the River Thames will introduce you to historical places, from the old colleges of Oxford University to the royal (皇室的) palaces of Hampton Court and Windsor Castle, as well as to small English pleasures, such as local pubs and teahouses. For fans of Downton Abbey, the Magna Carta, which can hold eight guests at most, offers a special boat shaped around the show.
Book Now.
Southern Burgundy, France
Burgundy is a wine lovers’ paradise (天堂). Is there a better way to taste-test all the different wines that the place offers than to boat with a wine taster? Captain Jason Ashcroft runs the Saroche with his wife, chef Dawn Coles, and together they create delicious local wine and foods. Other interesting parts of the tour as you boat along the Canal de Bourgogne: a visit to a 15th-century hospital, Hospice de Beaune and wine-tasting at a vineyard (葡萄园).
Book Now.
Mosel River, Germany
The best time to take a boat tour in Germany is in the fall, when the leaves are turning. Boats along the Mosel River include visits to Germany’s oldest town, as well as to fairy-tale castles like Burg Eltz and to port towns including Koblenz. Taste Teutonie wines and cooking onboard, and relax in beer gardens at various stops in old-fashioned cities and towns along the way.
Book Now.
River Po and Bianco Canal, Italy
Italy is all about amazing food, art, and culture, and this boat tour will give you a taste of all three. The tour goes from the Venetian Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and crosses the Canal Bianco. Guests will be able to experience the greatness of Venice as well as smaller, less-visited cities such as Chioggia, Adria, and Ferrara. In Mantua, you will have the opportunity to appreciate a large collection of artworks.
Book Now.
1. What can visitors see while touring the River Thames?| A．A vineyard. | B．Fairy-tale castles. |
| C．A famous university. | D．A UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| A．Enjoy wines. | B．Tour port towns. |
| C．See an old hospital. | D．Visit the oldest towns. |
| A．Mosel River, Germany. | B．Southern Burgundy, France. |
| C．The River Thames, England. | D．River Po and Bianco Canal, Italy. |
8 . France has the most beautiful castles (城堡) throughout Europe. Here are some of the best French castles to visit. You’ll surely want to visit one of them during your travels in France. Have a look and enjoy!
Chateau de Versailles
The Chateau de Versailles is about 20 kms southwest of Paris. When the castle was built, Versailles was a small village. Today, however, it is a famous area in Paris. The castle was built as a small hunting lodge (乡间小屋) for Louis XIII in the 1620s. Years later, he made it bigger. Later, Louis XIV also made it larger, making it one of the largest palaces of the world.
Chateau de Chambord
The Chateau de Chambord is one of the largest castles around the world. It sits in the Loire Valley. Beijing at the heart of Europe’s largest enclosed wooded park, Chambord, it was built for King Francis I to serve as bunting lodge. It is one of the world’s most well-known castles in the world because of its French Renaissance (文艺复兴) building.
Chateau de Chenonceau
As one of the most famous castles in the Loire Valley, the castle was built during the 11th century on the River Cher. It was passed through many hands. The castle was not destroyed during the French Revolution because it was the only bridge across the river for many miles.
Chateau de Chantilly
This historic castle sits in the town of Chantilly, France. This beautiful castle is made up of two buildings: the Petit Chateau built around 1560 for Anne de Montmorency, and the Grand Chateau which was destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in the 1870s. There are many interesting pieces of 17th century history concerning (关于) the castle. Every two years a fireworks competition is held in the castle gardens.
1. What do we know about the Chateau de Versailles?| A．It was first built for Louis XIII. |
| B．It sits in a small village. |
| C．It serves as a hunting place. |
| D．It was the largest castle in the 1620s. |
| A．It was built by a famous French king. |
| B．It hid in the Loire Valley. |
| C．It was for from Paris. |
| D．It played a very important role. |
| A．The Chateau de Chenonceau. |
| B．The Chateau de Versailles. |
| C．The Chateau de Chantilly. |
| D．The Chateau de Chambord. |
9 . My husband, our children and I have had wonderful camping experiences over the past ten years.
Some of our
Another time, we rented a boat in Vallecito Lake. The sky was clear when we
Now, every year when my husband pulls our camper out of the garage, we are filled with a sense of
| A．ideas | B．jokes | C．memories | D．discoveries |
| A．camped | B．drove | C．walked | D．cycled |
| A．annoyed | B．surprised | C．disappointed | D．worried |
| A．unhurt | B．unfortunate | C．uncomfortable | D．unafraid |
| A．due to | B．instead of | C．apart from | D．as for |
| A．worked | B．happened | C．mattered | D．changed |
| A．signed up | B．calmed down | C．checked out | D．headed off |
| A．arranged | B．interrupted | C．completed | D．recorded |
| A．wind | B．noise | C．temperature | D．speed |
| A．find | B．hide | C．start | D．fix |
| A．luck | B．answer | C．wonder | D．signal |
| A．patiently | B．tirelessly | C．doubtfully | D．helplessly |
| A．sorry | B．brave | C．safe | D．right |
| A．relief | B．duty | C．pride | D．excitement |
| A．failure | B．adventure | C．performance | D．conflict |
10 . Paris is the most wooded (树木茂森的) city in Europe, and around one quarter of its area is taken up by parks, gardens and other green spaces.
Jardin des Plantes: over 28 hectares
This impressive botanical garden is home to four museums, including the Natural History Museum, which houses a variety of African animals. The gardens themselves boast thousands of species of plants. This is a lovely place to relax and explore the beautiful surroundings.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: over 24 hectares
If you want to get off the tourist trail and hang out with true Parisians, this park is the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic or a leisurely wander. It is in the 19th district and is one of the largest parks in Paris. Cross its lake on the suspension bridge, or admire the waterfalls and attractive temples.
Jardin du Luxembourg: over 25 hectares
These beautiful gardens were first laid out in 1612 as the gardens of the Luxembourg Palace. They include a geometric (结合图形的) forest, French and English style gardens, as well as a large pond. There is so much to see and do with activities especially for children, such as slides, rides and puppet shows, as well as leisure and sporting activities for adults. The gardens are home to more than one hundred sculptures.
Le Parc de la Villette: 55 hectares
This urban cultural park is so much more than just a park as it is home to numerous music venues, exhibition spaces and cafes. It is also home to no less than 12 gardens, which all follow different themes. The Passenger Gardens, for example, which are built on what was once the sheep market, support a variety of ecosystems, demonstrating the importance of biodiversity.
1. Which green space probably suits students who are interested in botany?| A．Jardin des Plantes. | B．Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. |
| C．Jardin du Luxembourg. | D．Le Parc de la Villette. |
| A．They feature American style gardens. | B．They are favorite gardens for the French. |
| C．They house a variety of African animals. | D．They used to be royal gardens. |
| A．Visiting museums. | B．Attending concerts. |
| C．Admiring waterfalls. | D．Watching puppet shows. |
