With the rise in COVID -19 cases, this year’s May Day holiday didn’t offer the usual opportunities for travel that it generally would. However, some of my favorite spots remained open. I     1     (take) the chance to visit one of them, Beihai Park. And I was able to explore it in     2     (great) detail and restudy it from a fresher point of view.

Actually, I had visited Beihai Park many times in all seasons. This time, rather than heading straight to     3     (it) most popular site, the White Pagoda, I explored some of the temples and places to its south.     4     the mass of crowds constantly forcing me forward, I felt much less pressure to move from place to place.

I was able to take my time and focus more on the     5     (unbelievable) complex details of these buildings, in particular the mythical creatures on the corners of the     6     (roof ). The size and amount of these creatures played multiple role for buildings in the past, both     7     (represent) its significance -- the greater the number of creatures, the more important it was.

    8     these creations follow a general style, the colors and designs on display have a unique flavor. The park has amazing feature and pieces of culture and history     9     are not obvious at first sight. By making the most of the current situation, I’ve been able to have     10     better understanding of it and realize that I still know so little about it.

4 . On September 15, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras celebrate their own independence days. On October 16, Mexico follows suit. Each country above has its own nature, but what combines them is local traditions and Spanish culture. Here are four destinations worthy of planning a trip.

Tazumal, El Salvador

El Salvador is home to some rather impressive Mayan ruins that show off this once great civilization. Tazumal is one such place, which is believed to be more than 7,000 years old and was left abandoned sometime around the 13th century. However, large areas were extensively restored in the 40s’ and 50s’, giving visitors a taste of the past.

Antigua, Guatemala

The 16th-century city of Antigua is surrounded by volcanoes, churches, and Baroque buildings, combining European style with pre-Hispanic traditions, making its way to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s possible to visit most of its attractions on foot, including the Arco de Santa Catalina, the Central Park, and the Palacio del Ayuntamiento.

Comayagua, Honduras

Honduras may be well-known for its beaches, and one worthy of your travels is the city that was once the capital: Comayagua. Founded in the early 1500s, a visit here is like traveling back in time. Several museums showcase the cultural richness and the must-see clock in the central square, which is the oldest clock in the continent, dating back to the 12th century.

Veracruz, Mexico

Veracruz is a natural beauty with beaches that stretch for as far as the eye can see, deep blue waves and powerful waterfalls. When visiting Veracruz, stop by the Zocalo in Downtown Veracruz, where locals gather to listen to “son jarocho”, a regional folk music style that started right here. Couples also gather to dance in the square. But not just any dance, rather they take part in Danzόn, a traditional couples dance iconic (标志性的) to this particular state.

5 . As much of the world is slowly reopening following the pandemic, it’s time to take those long-postponed travel plans off the shelf and make them a reality. This year, Lonely Planet highlighted its top 10 cities, regions and countries — see part of lists below.

Want to explore Mayan ruins, swim in electric-blue waters and view rich wildlife? Belize has all of this and more, accessible via direct flights from multiple North American cities. If you’re waiting for Australia to open up its borders, try Belize instead. US travelers won’t need to worry about jet lag (时差). Meanwhile, the language-cautious will appreciate that Belize’s national language is English.

Egypt is home to the Pyramids of Giza, one of the seven wonders of the world. Despite their more than 4, 500 years of history, we are still learning more about these architectural marvels every year. The 207-foot-tall Pyramid of Dozer, the oldest of the group, was reopened to the public just last year.

In Musandam, Oman, bordering the Strait of Hormuz, mountains reach heights of 2, 000 meters to create an amazing backdrop for narrow stretches of Water. Within the same trip, you can also experience “the Empty Quarter,” a wide area of desert where Oman meets Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Anguilla is an overseas British territory (领土) and the attractive Caribbean Island deserves a closer look. CNN contributor Hannah Seligson once spoke highly of the island’s “greenish sea, 33 public beaches, 26℃, amazing hotels and food”.

6 . DOWN TO THE WOODS

To mark Earth Day on 22 April, consider a trip that celebrates all the natural beauty and variety of the world’s forests.

Isle of Wight

A safe bet for spotting the active red squirrel is Brighstone Forest where, in the summer, you might also hear the call of the nightjar, a bird known for its frightening call. Stay in a log cabin (原木小屋) near Calbourne and enjoy breakfast — with eggs laid on site by free-range hens from a farm. Tom’s Eco Lodges at Tapnell Farm Park has several options for families, from £900 per week, including log cabins and travelling tents.

Sweden

The vast pine forests of central Sweden are an ideal place to enjoy a true back-to-nature experience. In the daytime, you can hike, swim or canoe before returning to enjoy a campfire dinner of local ingredients. You can also set off on a guided trip for seeing large deer at dusk. Responsible Travel has a three- night eco-lodge (生态旅馆) break from £630 per adult, children (12-15) from £303, international flights not included.

Ecuador

In Ecuador’s Choco cloud forest, more than 3,000ft above sea level, follow misty trails around species of plants found nowhere else on the planet. You’ll also spot hummingbirds as you pick your way between huge trees. Black Tomato offers five nights in Ecuador, from £3,875 per person including international flights and three nights’ full-board, at the eco Mashpi Lodge.

Carmarthenshire

In the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains, you’ll find a mixed woodland of various trees. Activities include mountain biking in the Tywi Valley and waterfall hikes with views across the Brecon Beacons. Book the beautifully Glan-yr-Afon Riverside Cottage, surrounded by grasslands and mountain streams. From £597 for three nights, based on four sharing.

8 .

Despite being located in a bustling urban part of Huanggang in Hubei, Xiao Yaqin’s apartment block stands out because of its green appearance resulting from being wrapped in green plants. “ It makes me feel very comfortable. When you open the window, fresh air keeps rolling in, ” the 65-year-old said excitedly.

He was one of the first group of residents that recently moved into China’s first “ vertical (垂直的) forest ” residential project, consisting of two 80-meter-tall, 25-story buildings.

The project is the result of cooperation between Easyhome and Italian architect Stefano Boering, often called “ the father of the vertical forest ” . There are 404 trees and 4,620 shrubs (灌木丛) in the vertical forest, which is classified as the “ fourth generation ” of housing. Grasses, flowers and climbing plants cover 2,408m² of the floor area. The plants are estimated to be capable of absorbing 22 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere per year, while generating 11 tons of oxygen.

However, its development hasn’t been met without doubt. For example, mosquito infestations (感染) are one of the reasons why people are reluctant to move in. The irrigation system required to ensure the survival of the plants in the vertical forest and the need to have gardeners cut the branches mean much higher maintenance costs than in regular buildings.

It is not yet known what the future of fourth-generation housing will be in China, but it has at least brought urban residents a new life experience. Xiao, the retiree, said his new apartment has met his expectations for better quality of life. “ You feel you are close to nature, even if you don’t open the window, ” he said.

10 . Whether you want to absorb yourself in luxury (奢华) or make memories that will last a lifetime, consider South Carolina for your next beach vacation!

Folly Beach

Sometimes called one of America last true beach towns, Folly Island is charming, with clothing shops and seafood restaurants of every kind along Center Street. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a surfer, cyclist, boater, you love fishing, or you’re interested in the island’s rich sea-wildlife, complex history, Folly Beach is a great place for culture too.

Hilton Head

Famous for its luxury accommodations, low country-beaches, and 30 world-class golf courses, and 300 tennis courts, Hilton Head was the first eco-planned destination in the United States. While Hilton Head is famous for its expensive offerings, there’s plenty of exploring for families and nature lovers.

Edisto Beach

Edisto Beach is a great place for nature lovers. A vacation at Edisto beach includes adventure in the great outdoors. Hike, fish, and explore the beach. Edisto Beach provides affordable beach fun, like oceanfront and forest campsites.

Bull Island

Bull Island is known for its bird-life, with more than 293 species recorded there. Kids love spotting an American Bald Eagle. Naturalist-guided tours are great for all ages if observing black foxes is on your bucket list.