2 . Down House, home of Charles Darwin:

Fun fact

Charles Darwin, his wife, Emma, and their children lived at Down House for 40 years from 1838. Several rooms appear as if the family still live here: with croquet sets thrown into an under-stairs cupboard, a half-played game of backgammon on a side table and Emma’s knitting(毛线) left on a chair in the drawing room. Upstairs, an exhibition showcases Darwin’s voyage aboard HMS Beagle, including a reconstruction of his cabin. Outside, visitors can explore the sheltered gardens which Darwin used as an open-air laboratory, and the greenhouse in which he planted rare plants and devised botanical experiments.

No room at Down House escaped Darwin’s experiments. In the drawing room he once placed a jar of earthworms on the grand piano to see whether they could hear.

Getting there

A 15-minute drive from the A21/Farnborough. Free parking. The R8 bus from Orpington stops nearby (except Sundays) or the 146 bus from Bromley North and South terminates (终点站) in Downe village, half a mile from the property. The nearest railway stations are Chelsfield or Orpington, about four miles away.

Value for money?

It’s ￡12 (adult), ￡7.20 (child), or ￡31.30 (family with 2 adults). Under 5s go free.

Opening hours

Open daily 10am-6pm from 30 March to 30 September; daily 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. between 1 to 31 October. Opening times vary through the winter (check website for details).

Verdict(评价)

8/10. An unstuffy educational, gentle day-trip attraction with friendly, knowledgeable staff.

1. What can visitors do in Down House?

A．Play the grand piano.	B．Set sail in HMS Beagle.
C．Explore Darwin’s work and life.	D．Try food sourced from the garden.

2. How much would a couple with their 4-year-old twin sons pay for admission?

A．￡38.40.

B．￡26.20.

C．￡31.30.

D．￡24.

3. What do we know about Down House?

A．It is highly thought of.	B．It charges parking fees.
C．It has fixed opening hours.	D．It is inconveniently located.

3 . The Junction Campground

The Junction Campground is a great spot for river-based camping along one of Australia’s best-known rivers, near Grafton. Paddling the beautiful Nymboida River is a great way to explore the rainforest-lined riverbanks and rocky cliffs of Nymboi-Binderay National Park.

Craigmhor Mountain Retreat

Set in 1, 000 acres of wilderness, Craigmhor is a perfect base for bush walking, mountain biking, fishing, and bird watching. Within easy driving distance of Sydney, Craigmhor is the ideal location for overseas visitors or urban people to experience the Australian bush.

The Stone Cottage

Said to be Albury’s oldest house, the Stone Cottage warmly welcomes visitors with its exposed stone walls and an open fireplace. Set well back from the street in a spacious enclosed garden (ideal for pets), the two-bedroom self-contained house is perfect for small families and couples.

Located behind the main home, the Stone Cottage’s Kitchen Cottage turns on the charm as much as the larger house. Private from the main house, the one-bedroom self-contained cottage has a veranda (游廊) which looks out over an established herb garden, ideal for couples.

Instead of asking guests to wake at a certain time for a prepared breakfast, guests of both cottages receive a selection of breakfast cuisines as they like, allowing sleep-ins and lazy mornings.

Pets are welcome.

Country Barn Retreat

Situated in a peaceful location and perfect for short stays, Elaine and John offer this amnazing self-contained two-bedroom Country Barn Retreat, overlooking rural views and surounded by lovely gardens.

Sleeping up to four adults in this comfortable cottage where you can relax by the cosy wood fire in winter.

Fully equipped kitchen. Lounge and dining area with air-conditioning and fans to keep it cool in summer. Pet friendly, however, you would need to make arrangements with Elaine or John first.

1. Where will you go if you’re a bird lover?

A．The Stone Cottage.

B．Craigmhor Mountain Retreat.

C．The Junction Campground.

D．Country Barn Retreat.

2. What can be learned about the Stone Cottage?

A．It lacks an open fireplace.

B．It’s building a herb garden.

C．It has three bedrooms in all.

D．It provides a well-prepared breakfast.

3. What’s special about the last two destinations?

A．Pets are allowed.

B．Fires are forbidden.

C．Both have a veranda.

D．Both are near rivers.

4 . 4 Most walkable cities in Europe

Seville, Spain

Seville in Spain takes the top spot as Europe’s most walkable city, offering the shortest walking route between the top four tourist attractions.Visitors can explore the impressive Plaza de Espana public square, before wandering over to the UNESCO-listed palace of Real Alcazar and Seville Cathedral. After that, it’s only a short trip on foot to visit the beautiful Barrio Santa Cruz neighbourhood.

Venice, Italy

Venice is well-known as a heaven for pedestrians (行人), so it’s no surprise it ranks as the second best location for walkable city breaks. There are endless alleyways to explore, as well as plenty of beautiful bridges over the crisscrossing canals that the city is famous for. Just under half an hour of walking here will take you on a tour of the impressive Grand Canal, Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Square, Basilica and bell tower, all in only 1.3 miles.

Porto, Portugal

Nestled along Portugal’s picturesque coast, Porto comes in third with its top attractions all covered by a 30-minute walking route. Meander along the Dom Luís I Bridge over the Douro River, head to the Clérigos Church Bell Tower and enjoy a riverfront walking place along the Cais da Ribeira. The Stock Exchange Palace is also just a short walk away.

Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy, secures its place as the fourth most walkable city in Europe thanks to its stunning attractions that can be seamlessly explored on foot. A 1.6 mile route covers the awe-inspiring Piazzale Michelangelo; the famous Uffizi Gallery; the Piazza del Duomo where you will be amazed at the magnificent Florence Cathedral; and the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the statue of David.

1. How long is probably the walking route in Seville?

A．1.1 miles.

B．1.3 meters.

C．1.6 meters.

D．1.8 meters.

2. Which city is probably located near the sea?

A．Seville.

B．Venice.

C．Porto.

D．Florence.

3. What is the writing purpose of the text?

A．To compare the four cities.

B．To show the benefits of walking.

C．To stress the importance of traveling.

D．To attract visitors to walk in these cities.

5 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Long ago in Ancient China, there was a mythical figure     1     (know) as Shennong. Not only did Shennong bring agriculture and the use of herbal medicine to China, but he also invented     2     (agriculture) tools and techniques, and the Chinese calendar with its 24 solar terms.

It is said that the home town of Shennong was a forest in Hubei Province, which today is called “Shennongjia”. This beautiful and diverse region covers     3     area of 3,253 square kilometers of north-west Hubei Province. It gives shelter to over 1000 species of medicinal plants, many of     4     are rare and unique to Shennongjia. Here mountain slopes     5     (cover) with trees and some of them grow up to 40 meters tall. In summer, pink and violet flowers lend splashes of color. These are some of     6     (it) most breathtaking landscapes. The magnificent Shennong Peak rises to 3,105 meters above sea level.

Banbiyan is famous for its stone forest, as well as its bamboo forests and grasslands that flood with     7     (flower). The stone forests of Fengjingya stand     8     a background of green mountains that reaches as far as the eye can see. When it rains, the tops of these mountains look like islands     9     (float) on a sea of clouds. Come to Shennongjia     10     (enjoy) its beauty and the legend.

6 . There are hundreds of worthy destinations in the country catering to all tastes. At the top of that list is Chengdu, the perfect jumping-off point for those in search of a mix of stunning natural scenery, wildlife and some of most incredible food on the planet. In recent years the city has expanded its offerings, including a number of new projects tourists will want to experience.    1    

It’s the happiest city in China.

If visiting a place with happy locals is a priority for you, there’s no better city to hit than Chengdu. It has been voted the happiest city in China for 12 continuous years by an annual survey conducted by Oriental Outlook.    2    

It has got one most beautiful bookstore in China.

The new location in Dujiangyan is the second Zhongshuge bookstore in the provincial capital.    3     Inspired by Dujiangyan’s ancient irrigation system, the new bookstore has its own features. The beautiful environment of the bookstore can attract more people who do not love books, and awaken their interest and memory in reading.

There’s a spectacular new massive airport.

One of the world’s most eye-catching new airports, Chengdu’s Tianfu International Airport is as modern as it gets. Beginning operations in 2021, Thantu Airport is the largest civil airport.     4     Travelers can experience a series of cutting-edge technologies at Tianfu, including facial recognition software and self-check-in booth.

    5    

There’re plans to turn Chengdu into a “Western China Science City”. Travelers visiting the “Science City” can expect to see many examples of eco-conscious and new wave architecture created by some of the most famous firms in the world. Among these is the world’s first “Unicorn Island”, the country’s next high-tech unicorn. There will also be a low-carbon Future Science and Technology City.

A．The arts scene is taking off.

B．It’s also a city focused on the future.

C．There’s no harm in starting to dream about your next visit now.

D．It’s expected to handle up to 60 million passengers per year by 2025.

E．Its results combine big data, questionnaires, site visits and expert opinions.

F．The first, which opened in 2017 in central Chengdu, is modeled after terrace fields.

G．Whether you’re dreaming of business travel or just post-pandemic trip, here are some reasons.

8 . Hello everyone! Meet my new friend Marco.He says Ciao! This means hello in his language. Marco traveled with me this month. When he showed me his country on the map, I was attracted by its shape. It looks like a high-heeled boot(高跟靴) in the Mediterranean Sea that’s kicking a strange-shaped ball. Can you find the name of this ball on the world map?

Marco told me that he loves cars and that his country is well-known for super-fast cars like Ferrari,Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati. Isn’t it cool? The people also love soccer here.They call it “Calcio.” He told me that they have won four World Cups. The most recent win was in 2006! When he shared this with me, he was very excited and full of pride.

We visited the country’s capital and I was amazed to find that it was more than 2500 years old! We walked around and soon it was time for dinner. Marco told me that people there eat pasta (意大利面食) at least once a day. The different sauces and toppings(酱汁和佐料)mean they never get bored of it. Also, they love including seasonal vegetables in their dinners. I couldn’t wait to enjoy the pizza and pasta with different toppings and sauces. The cappuccino and focaccia bread also made me happy. It’s no wonder that the world has adopted (采用) so much of their food! The people in this country celebrate many holidays and enjoy eating big meals with their family. The festive atmosphere (节日氛围) makes everyone happy.

I was lucky to travel to this country in March and enjoy the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, or La fiera del Libro per Ragazzi. It is held for four days every year. We also visited the Colosseum, Panthon, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which was really wonderful!Before I said goodbye to Marco, I made a promise to visit again. Can you guess the name of this country?

1. What did the author mention to describe Marco’s country in the first paragraph?

A．Its shape.

B．Its population.

C．Its industries.

D．Its national sport.

2. How did Marco feel when he brought up soccer?

A．Sad.

B．Proud.

C．Worried.

D．Thankful.

3. What can we infer about the food in Marco’s country?

A．It is mixed with a lot of foreign food.	B．It has spread around the world.
C．It makes Marco feel bored.	D．It is very simple.

4. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To show a friendship.	B．To celebrate a festival.
C．To introduce a country.	D．To explain a cultural difference.

9 . The best places for wild sleeping in England and Wales

Challacombe Meadows, Devon

Best for: privacy

Challacombe Meadows is close to miles of walking trails near Widecombe. Basic toilet facilities and running water are a short walk away, and there’s a cosy pub and a farm shop also nearby, for when it’s time to return to civilization. Tents from £ 45 per tent.

Bush Farm, Cornwall

Best for: freedom of choice

At Bush Farm, campers are offered the freedom of choice. Map in hand, you can put up your tent wherever you please. Days can be spent wild swimming, wandering through the countryside and, come the evening, there’s star gazing beneath ink-black skies. Tents from £12 per person.

The Wildman Woods, Carmarthenshire

Best for: life on the riverbanks

At this little-known site, you can put your tent on the banks of the River Sawdde. The Wildman Woods are as simple as they sound, with leafy pitches scattered among the trees near the water. During the day, it’s the perfect place for a paddle. Tents from £10 per person.

Penrhos Isaf Bothy, Gwyned

Best for: packing light

Bothies, simple huts traditionally used as mountain refuges that are open to all and free of charge. They’re a great alternative to wild camping if the weather is looking unstable and you don’t mind sharing with other travellers, who can arrive at any time.

1. Which place best suits people who emphasize private camping?

A．Challacombe Meadows, Devon.	B．Bush Farm, Cornwall.
C．The Wildman Woods, Carmarthenshire.	D．Penrhos Isaf Bothy, Gwyned.

2. What can campers do at Bush Farm, Cornwall?

A．Swim indoors.

B．Go to the pub.

C．Appreciate stars.

D．Walk downtown.

3. What do the listed places have in common?

A．They are free of charge.

B．They are suitable for a paddle.

C．They were used as mountain shelters in the past.

D．They are favored by people enjoying wild sleeping.

10 . Rural homestays (民宿) have become the fastest-growing part in the bed-and-breakfast market since the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled by travelers who seek a more relaxing, pleasant and experiential lifestyle that is close to nature, a recent report found.

Tujia, a domestic online homestay service provider, said there are nearly 800,000 domestic rural homestays available online nationwide. Most people who took rural trips are urbanites (都市人), and most of them come from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou of Guangdong province, Chengdu of Sichuan province and Chongqing.    1    

Among those who booked rural homestays, more than 60 percent of the total were born in the 1980s and 1990s.    2     Now, the booking volume of rural homestays accounts for about 40 percent of the total short-term rentals compared with 30 percent before the pandemic, according to Tujia.

Zhou Cheng,a 33-year-old rural homestay operator, has been involved in the business for more than a decade.    3    In 2010, he started operating a rural homestay in Lijiang, Yunnan province in Southwest China, and annual income was about 200,000 yuan (S30,500), which is less than one-tenth of his current annual income.

    4    That revenue (收益) accounts for 60 percent to 70 percent of the total revenue. Most travelers stay for two days and one night, and their total spending on catering (餐饮) and accommodation together is around 2,000 yuan per person. At his homestay business, there are 13 employees in total. All of them are local villagers and their monthly income is around 4,000 yuan per person, Zhou said.

The development of rural homestays has changed the trend of previous one-day tours to suburbs into more in-depth trips.    5    In the long term, the potential room for future growth of rural tourism and rural homestays is remarkable, with the backing of favorable policies related to the revitalization of rural areas.

A．He witnessed (见证) the fast growth of the domestic bed-and-breakfast sector.

B．Besides accommodations, catering services are also provided to customers.

C．These urbanites have driven the rapid growth of rural homestays.

D．In 2021, the booking volume of rural homestays in Beijing increased by 10 percent year-on-year, and revenue jumped 38 percent year-on-year.

E．An effective way to increase consumption is to convince travelers to stay overnight.

F．Consumers’ frequent short trips to suburban areas have driven the growth of rural homestays.

G．Tourists can have more in-depth trip experiences and improve the quality of their trips.