1 . Canadian journeys
Travel brings the joy of new worlds, different ways of living, art, and storytelling over shared meals. Often we seek travel in a foreign country to brighten our life this way. But over the past decades, Canadian hosts have developed exceptional experiences that explore geography and diverse cultures closer to home.
At Maple Leaf Adventures, we’ve been part of that evolution(演变) of travel on the West Coast. We design locally run and environmentally conscious trips that are off the beaten track. The following are some short getaways and longer journeys we’ve developed to take you away from everyday life and into the magic of discovering beauty, ideas and joy in attractive places.
Wild BC Coastal Summer
These 5-to-9-day trips along the wild outer coast explore whales and other marine mammals (海洋哺乳动物), and the remote beaches and rainforest inlets that make British Columbia (BC) an impressive nature getaway. Every July and August, charging $4, 500 per person plus taxes.
Great Bear Rainforest
These 5-to-9-day trips explore the fjords (峡湾) and islands of the world's largest temperate rainforest. Highlights include bears, coastal wolves, whales and new research uncovering their wonders. Every spring, summer and fall, charging $5,300 per person plus taxes.
Salish Sea Culinary (烹饪的) Adventures
Explore the breadth of BC food, drinks, people and places through these 5-day culinary adventures in the beautiful southern Vancouver Island / Salish Sea region. Every October, charging $3, 200 per person plus taxes.
Haida Gwaii
These 8-day adventures explore the breadth of Haida Gwaii, from ancient to modern, north to south, rainforest to outer islands, including a week in Gwaii Haanas, a place of some well-known Haida village sites. Typically, each spring and summer, charging $6,950 per person plus taxes.
1. Who might be the author of the text?| A．A villager from Gwaii Haanas. |
| B．A tourist traveling on the West Coast. |
| C．A travel agent of Maple Leaf Adventures. |
| D．A Canadian working in a foreign country. |
| A．It is available in all seasons except winter. |
| B．It is especially designed for bear lovers. |
| C．It provides food and drinks for free. |
| D．It charges no taxes. |
| A．Haida Gwaii. |
| B．Great Bear Rainforest. |
| C．Wild BC Coastal Summer. |
| D．Salish Sea Culinary Adventures. |
2 . Backpacking Tour of China
Are you looking for an oriental adventure? Join our 9-day tour and explore China—a country famous for its delicious food, cute pandas and the longest wall in the world! Our China backpacking tour combines history and culture, exciting activities and popular sites.
Day 1—Hong Kong
•Start your adventure at the hotel
•Receive a full introduction from the tour leader
•Board a famous Chinese high-speed train to get to the mainland of China
Day 2 to 4—Chengdu
•Meet your new adventure leader
•Spend the afternoon learning some helpful Mandarin phrases at a free lesson
•Visit the lovable pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding as they eat their bamboo shoots for breakfast
•Board the night train to Xi’an
Day 5 to 6—Xi’an
•Visit the unmissable Terracotta Warriors
•Cycle around the ancient city’s walls on a bike
•Explore the Bell and Drum Towers
•Experience a Chinese night out
Day 7 to 8—Hangzhou
•Head to the famous West Lake, a UNESCO Heritage Site
Take a boat to one of the islands
•Hike up to Jiuyao Mountain to see the impressive sunset
•Visit China National Tea Museum
Day 9—Macao
•Visit the historic center and spend time at the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel Travel across the sea on a high-speed ship back to Hong Kong, arriving at 20:30.
•Time to say goodbye at the hotel that you started at. Congratulations, you’ve completed your tour of China!
1. Where can you get a better idea of China’s tea culture?| A．In Xi’an. | B．In Chengdu. | C．In Hangzhou. | D．In Hong Kong. |
| A．Visit cultural heritage sites. | B．Learn to communicate in Chinese. |
| C．Enjoy the beautiful sunset scenery. | D．Go on a bike tour on the city’s walls. |
| A．By train. | B．By plane. | C．By subway. | D．By sea. |
3 . For those who have never been to Harbin there’s almost an endless list of things to do. Here are several activities that have to be included.
Turning water into instant ice
One can’t go to the Ice Snow World without stopping by the Sun Island Snow Expo. After all, the former is for appreciating illuminated (照亮的) ice at night, and the latter is for checking out snow in the daytime. Tourists from the south might be astonished by the bright sunshine reflected in the snow, so don’t forget the sunscreen.
This is also a good place to toss water and watch it turn into ice instantly. Find a safe place with no one nearby, and enjoy the unique phenomenon.
Snow tubing (雪地滑轮胎) on the Songhua River
In winter, the Songhua River turns into “thousands of miles of ice” and becomes a natural ice-skating rink. The frozen river offers opportunities for many different winter activities. But make sure the ice is solid before going stomping (跺脚) in the snow.
Speeding down Yabuli Ski Resort
One place you shouldn’t miss when visiting Harbin is Yabuli Ski Resort, where you can ski down splendid snow-covered mountains. The snow is thick and moderately hard. There are junior, middle and senior ski runs. Professional staff are available to improve your skiing ability.
1. Which is a good place to enjoy a night scene?| A．The Songhua River. | B．The Ice-Snow World. |
| C．Yabuli Ski Resort. | D．The Sun Island Snow Expo. |
| A．Get professional guidance for free while skating. |
| B．Choose different routes based on their skiing ability. |
| C．Go down the world’s longest ice slide on Songhua River. |
| D．Toss water and watch it turn into ice wherever you want. |
| A．Travel. | B．Health. |
| C．Entertainment | D．Business. |
4 . In recent years, with a rising awareness of sports and health, travelers are beginning to upgrade their expectations. Here are several selected places around China that have a perfect mixture of recreation and sports.
Wanlong Ski Resort, Hebei Province
Wanlong Ski Resort in Shijiazhuang City is nicknamed “heaven for ski lovers”. The 2022 Winter Olympics will be held here, which will boost ski development and tourism activities in Hebei Province. If you happen to be a skiing fan, try the professional trails here!
Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, Shandong Province
The Olympic sailing center has become a new landmark in Qingdao, a coastal city in East China’s Shandong Province. It was a host venue of the sailing games for the 29th Olympics in 2008 and the 13th Paralymic Games. You could visit the match venue and enjoy a cruise around Qingdao.
Shapotou Scenic Zone, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region
Shapotou Scenic Zone in Northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region is a transition zone between grassland and deserts. Apart from its unique natural landscape, Shapotou offers sports programs like sand skiing and rafting across the Yellow River.
Wulong Karst Region, Chongqing
Wulong is about 130 kilometers from downtown Chongqing. The 2,900-square-kilometer district is full of karsts, caves, forests, springs and primitive wilderness. UNESCO named Wulong’s karsts as a World Natural Heritage in 2007. Sports options here include mountain climbing and hiking.
1. What’s the unique feature of Wanlong Ski Resort?| A．It is a good place to go sand skiing. |
| B．It is between grassland and deserts. |
| C．People can enjoy sailing games there. |
| D．It is famous as “heaven for ski lovers”. |
| A．Shapotou Scenic Zone. |
| B．Wanlong Ski Resort. |
| C．Wulong Karst Region. |
| D．Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center. |
| A．To introduce some places to visit. |
| B．To explain the importance of sports. |
| C．To compare the tourism of these places. |
| D．To prove the perfect scenery in China. |
Xi’an, known as one of the “Four Ancient Capitals of the World”, together with Cairo, Athens and Rome, is always
Because of
During the past years, an increasing number of tourists from the western world
6 . The Best American National Parks to Visit for Christmas
The Christmas season can be stressful if you spend every moment cleaning, cooking, and hosting guests. Or the holidays can be a joyful celebration of beauty and peace if you plan an escape to one of America’s splendid national parks.
Yellowstone National Park
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Yellow stone, the country’s first national park, is your top choice. Your family can enjoy a quiet and private getaway（假日休闲地）at Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins. Sit by the fire with hot cocoa and look out at the vast wilderness all around you. Also you can photograph a bison and other wildlife on a winter photo safari.
Rocky Mountain National Park
If you really want to get away from it all over the holidays, plan a trip to a park less traveled in the winter. Rocky Mountain National Park is quiet and uncrowded, but the wildlife is still active. Seeing a moose（麋鹿）in its natural habitat is an experience you won’t forget. Sledding and skiing are also exciting possibilities.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park offers a fun holiday experience for families. Families can get on the Polar Express that runs from Arizona to the South Rim of the park through early January and enjoy a pleasant ride complete with hot chocolate and cookies. When you reach the “North Pole”, Santa Claus is waiting with a gift for each child. It’s the best way for your kids to enjoy the magic of Christmas.
Virgin Islands National Park
If snow isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Virgin Islands National Park is perfect for you to escape winter. With white sandy beaches, clear blue water, and more than 800 subtropical plants, you will feel like you traveled outside the U.S. to a tropical area. Cinnamon Bay is a major spot for Christmastime visitors looking for water sports like sailing, diving, and snorkeling（浮潜）.
1. In which park can you both see animals and go skiing?| A．Yellow stone National Park. | B．Rocky Mountain National Park. |
| C．Grand Canyon National Park. | D．Virgin Islands National Park. |
| A．Art lovers. | B．Explorers. |
| C．Outdoor photographers. | D．Families with children. |
| A．Various water sports. | B．Beautiful train rides. |
| C．The quiet environment. | D．The snow-covered landscape. |
7 . When you want to get away from it all, it's hard to beat a small town holiday. Whether you're interested in history, culture, outdoor adventure, shopping therapy, food or a lazy day on the water, there's a small town for you.
We asked our network of contributors to nominate（提名）their favorites across the categories, and now we need you to vote for your favorites. You can vote once per day, per category until voting ends on Monday, June 29 at noon.
Best Coastal Small Town
Move over L. A., Miami and Honolulu! Our 20 nominees for Best Coastal Small Town offer uncrowded, simple and affordable seaside or lakeside fun in small packages that prove bigger isn't always better.
Best Historic Small Town
The USA has a rich and exciting history, and visiting the places which most affected it is so much more fun than reading about it. These 20 nominees for Best Historic Small Town have big histories and small populations, making them fun and affordable ways to dive into our nation's past.
Best Cultural Small Town
What each of these small towns lacks in size, it makes up for with a big cultural punch-museums, art galleries, performing arts and busy event calendars.
Best Food Small Town
Tasty things sometimes come in very small packages. These 20 small towns-each with a population of under 25,000-have big food scenes with chef driven restaurants, local flavors and plenty of variety, especially given their small size. Which is your favorite?
1. Where can visitors go when they want to know much about the nation's past?| A．Best Coastal Small Town. | B．Best Historic Small Town. |
| C．Best Small Town Cultural Scene. | D．Best Small Town Food Scene. |
| A．They can go to the seaside. | B．They can take delicious food. |
| C．They can vote for your favorites. | D．They can go on a visit to art galleries. |
| A．Small size. | B．Many flavors. | C．Some restaurants. | D．Less than 25,000 people. |
8 . If you are seeking a nice vacation destination for your family, the country of Greece should be at the top of your list. Apart from being one of the most beautiful places on the earth, it is also home to some of the best food and wine that has ever been produced.
Good accommodation is hard to find. Whether hotel or resort, chances are they’re all booked. Because of this, you better know when to book reservations.
Not all beaches are safe. Just like in any other country, not everything is as safe as it seems. Some of Greece’s beaches can be dangerous. Milos is home to some of the most beautiful but dangerous beaches in Greece.
You’ll need cash.
| A．Vegetarian options are limited. |
| B．Meat-based dishes are quite tasty. |
| C．Tsigrados, a beach from there, comes with a warning sign. |
| D．The best time is during low season and shoulder season. |
| E．Make sure you have adequate money before you fly to Greece. |
| F．You can book a room with a bird’s eye view of the fantastic beaches. |
| G．But there are a few things you should be aware of before travelling to Greece. |
9 . Travel to Yunnan in the Four Seasons
Spring: March to May
Spring in Yunnan is warm with few rains, and the temperature changes quickly.
Average temperature: 6 – 20℃ (43 – 68℉)
Clothes: jackets , hoodies(连帽衫), long sleeves, jeans
Recommended tour destinations: The spring in Yunnan is the best time to visit blooming flowers and newly sprouted(发芽的）plants. Luoping, Dali and Lijiang are the most beautiful places in Yunnan during this time. You may go to Luoping for the seas of yellow rape flowers, and enjoy the cherry blossoms around Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake in Dali.
Summer: June to August
It’s not as hot as other places in China, and it’s often rainy. You may take an umbrella and raincoat with you.
Average temperature: 15 – 26℃ (59 – 79℉)
Clothes: T-shirts, short sleeves, thin pants…
Recommended tour destinations: In summer, you may appreciate lotus flowers in Puzhehei Scenic Area, stroll around Lijiang Ancient Town, visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Shuhe Ancient Town and Lugu Lake in Lijiang.
Autumn: September to November – BEST Months to Visit Yunnan
Both the temperature and the rainfall decrease in autumn. It’s cool and clear to go for pleasant trips.
Average temperature: 17 – 25℃ (63 – 77℉)
Clothes: T-shirts, jeans, basketball coat…
Recommended tour destinations: To see the most beautiful autumn leaves and flowers in Yunnan, you can go to Gudong Gingko Village in Tengchong, Stone Forest in Kunming and Potatso National Park in Shangri-La.
Winter: December to February
It’s sunny and dry usually with a lower temperature, even so it’s still warmer than the northern China. Lots of visitors go there to escape from bitter cold and consider it the best time to visit Yunnan China.
Average temperature: 8 – 19℃ (46 – 66℉)
Clothes: sweaters, overcoats, jackets, thick pants…
Recommended tour destinations: There are varied scenic spots and activities to do in winter. The world heritage Yuanyang Rice Terraces is fantastic with the glittering watering fields all over the mountains. Xishuangbanna houses the only tropical rainforest in China, which is also a popular winter destination.
1. What do we know about Spring in Yunnan?| A．It enjoys a significantly high temperature. |
| B．It rains quite a lot with changeable weather. |
| C．You may appreciate blooming flowers and newly sprouted plants at this time. |
| D．You may pack jackets ,short sleeves and thin pants in your luggage then. |
| A．It is still hot and rains a lot in Autumn in Yunnan . |
| B．Summer in Li jiang is much the same as other places. |
| C．You may appreciate lotus flowers in Lijiang Ancient Town. |
| D．Stone Forest features beautiful autumn leaves and flowers. |
| A．Luoping | B．Xishuangbanna |
| C．Lijiang | D．Kunming |
10 . If you’re planning to visit Japan, it is a good idea to understand some basic customs.
DON’T WALK AND CHEW GUM.
Americans are always in such a hurry that we grab lunch at the drive with one hand while holding onto the steering wheel with the other.
The Japanese don’t walk around while eating or drinking. This seems strange in a culture that like vending machines (自动售卖机). In fact, the Japanese will often get a snack or soda out of a vending machine and then stand there, next to the vending machine, until they’ve finished it.
SURGICAL MASKS
Seeing photos of people in Japan wearing surgical masks, you might wonder if surgical masks are just a fashion. Meanwhile, in America, we cough into the open air, and sneak out of restrooms without washing up.
In Japan, it’s not nice to share germs (细菌). If you’re sick and you must leave your home, you put a surgical mask because that’s polite. Surgical masks are also worn out of caution — if you travel in a packed train during flu season, it’s a good idea to do so.
THE MISUSE OF SOY SAUCE
You’re probably used to eating white rice with soy sauce (酱汁) all over it in American Asian restaurants, but don’t do it in Japan. Soy sauce in Japan is not meant for drowning out the subtle flavor of white rice.
About YOUR SHOES
Wearing shoe in the house is just not something people do in Japan. You should remove your shoes immediately after entering a Japanese home and also when entering most historic buildings.
1. The author is telling American tourists in Japan to ________.| A．drink while walking | B．eat while driving |
| C．eat food quickly | D．drink near the vending machine |
| A．a fashion | B．a danger |
| C．good manners | D．a good idea |
| A．get a snack | B．remove your shoes |
| C．put soy sauce over the rice | D．wear a mask |
