1 . 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.

2 . 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。

Jiuzhaigou Valley,     1     (know) as a “fairyland on the earth”, is a nature reserve and national park located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Region in Sichuan Province. It is so named because the scenic area     2     (consist) of nine Tibetan villages. With an altitude of 2,000-3,100 meters above sea level, the scenic area enjoys pleasant climate and beautiful colors all the year round,     3     (be) one of the world’s famous attractions with the best tourist environment.

Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park combines with green lakes, over flying waterfalls,     4    (color) forests as well as the custom and culture of the Tibetan and Qiang nationalities, characterized by     5     (it) primitive and natural features. The scenic area has an area of 1,320 square kilometers including 30,000 hectares of primitive forest     6     exists many state-protected animals and plants such as the giant panda, golden monkey and mono-leaf grass.

Water is     7     soul of Jiuzhaigou Valley. As it is purely and fairly clear and rich in color, there goes the saying that no water is worth your attention after your visit    8     Jiuzhaigou. The water, the reflections on the lake, the Tibetan villages, and the songs and dances of the Tibetan and Qiang people form the unique tourist culture of Jiuzhaigou. The beauty of Jiuzhaigou is beyond     9    (describe). Come to Jiuzhaigou and you will have a(n)     10     (forget) experience in this fairyland.

3 . Change can be unsettling. Good or bad, exciting or unexpected, there’s an undeniable anxiety that accompanies seeing our lives shift. Thankfully, nature reminds us that entering a new season in our lives is nothing to fear but something to enjoy.

What’s now known as “leaf-peeping” has become a highly profitable form of tourism in the United States. A research shows that across states in the eastern half of the country, fall foliage (叶子) tourism contributes more than $30 billion to local economies. And even though climate change has made int more difficult to predict when exactly foliage will peak, it hasn’t stopped people from trying to figure it out. Tourism leaders from the Smoky Mountains recently released their annual fall foliage prediction map which helps travelers plan out when they have the best chance to catch those beautiful autumn views.

Perhaps part of what makes the foliage so special is the belief that it’s temporary. Eventually, branches will become bare, and we’ll stop taking photos for social media. And as the seasons change and we feel that familiar longing for what was, trees will once again embrace (欣然接受) their evolution.

Even when they aren’t decorated with flashy fall colors and their internal systems slow down, trees are still supporting the ecosystem. Their fallen leaves are broken down by bacteria and fungi and provide the soil with nutrients the tree needs to grow. Insects take up shelter in their bark, eventually becoming food for other wildlife seeking a place to nest. Their strong roots stabilize the soil, preventing erosion (侵蚀) from winter snowmelt.

Right now, trees around the country are already beginning to welcome their next chapter. During this time of the year, it feels like forests are just offering endless joy for free. And fall foliage is an everlasting reminder that the growth with changes is beautiful.

1. What does “leaf-peeping” refer to?

A．A form of tourism where people go to see fall foliage.

B．A measure taken by tourism leaders to protect trees.

C．A research about the effects of climate change on trees.

D．A method for predicting when fall foliage will peak.

2. Why do people find fall foliage so special?

A．It brings change to daily life.	B．It contributes to local economy.
C．It helps preserve ecosystems.	D．It lasts only for a short time.

3. What can we learn about trees in fall from paragraph 4?

A．They are easily damaged by bacteria.	B．They stop rooting due to cold weather.
C．They continue providing shelter for wildlife.	D．They play a role in reducing snowfall.

4. Which of the following is a suitable title for the text?

A．Trees Supporting the Ecosystem	B．Lesson from Trees: Embracing Change
C．Fall Foliage Tourism in the US	D．Climate Changes in the Season of Fall

4 . 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.

5 . My granddad often helped me make a tool to catch fish when I was young and we would spend hours along a river. It was lovely for both of us then. Many more of today’s grandparents have a growing sense of adventure. And a trend is catching on: skip-gen travel — grandparents taking fun-filled vacations with grand kids without their parents along.

A survey found that 83% of grandparents put travel with their grand kids as the number one thing when they retire. Skip-gen travel gets popular for good reason. Kids have their lives enriched and learn outside classrooms. This is also a time of talking and sharing ideas.

“How grandparents talk to children is different from how parents talk to them. Actually, I feel on a more equal footing with my grandchildren than I do with my own children,” Annie Collins, a travel architect and also part of the trend, says. “Kids away from their parents are more open to ideas and willing to express themselves. It’s not just kids gaining from traveling. Who gets the most out of this? You might think it’s them but it’s us.” According to a study by the Cleveland Clinic, grandparents who help watch and spend time with grand kids may actually live longer than their peers（同龄人）.

It’s also important to recognize that grandparents often have more time to travel. Unlike their children, who may still be in the pursuit of a personal career that offers limited time off, grandparents are often retired and likely have a different viewpoint on life, prioritizing experiences and family. So knowing the kids are in great hands, moms and dads will have a bit of time to themselves — some much-needed leisure time alone to rest and recharge their batteries.

However, skip-gen travel is not for every grandparent. After all, grandparents are worn out with years and not so energetic. They surely treasure the chance to form close ties with their grandchildren, but it’s wiser to say no when only the youth could enjoy themselves, for the travel should be a win for everyone involved.

1. Why does the author mention fishing experiences with his granddad?

A．To lead in the trend of skip-gen travel.	B．To share the pleasure in going fishing.
C．To stress the importance of family ties.	D．To show the growing interest in adventure.

2. Which of the following may Annie Collins agree?

A．Many parents are too strict with children.

B．Grandparents benefit more from skip-gen travel.

C．Spending time with grandparents is better for kids.

D．Children become mature when away from parents.

3. What do we know about the parents whose kids are on skip-gen travel?

A．They enjoy the moment to relax.	B．They feel less anxious and stressed.
C．They miss their kids very much.	D．They look forward to their own trip.

4. What does the author suggest grandparents do?

A．Get kids involved in travel planning.	B．Strengthen the bond with grandchildren.
C．Reduce skip-gen travel appropriately.	D．Make decisions in both sides’ interests.

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.

7 . It’s getting close to midnight, and close to my destination—mile marker 133 on Alaska’s Glenn Highway, where I’m on the road to realize a lifelong dream. I’m going to see the northern lights.

I am Scott’s only customer tonight, but whether it’s one person or a bridal party from Japan, the professional photographer and videographer loves to come put here to witness one of nature’s most spectacular shows — and to share it with others. “I can’t tell you how much joy I get from seeing the smile on people’s faces. That’s worth it right there. That’s the reason why I do tours,” he says.

I emerge from the van into minus 6 degrees. A bazillion stars sparkle, and the Milky Way pours overhead. What looks like a gray stream of cloud arches low over the horizon. “That’s it!” says Scott. Really? That’s it? I spent 13 hours in planes and airports, and then drove 2.5 hours to see a gray belt? “Patience,” he says. “It will get better. Wait till 2 am. That’s usually the best time.”

Aurora (极光) tourism is combined with winter activities like ice fishing, snow machine rides, and hot springs. As aurora guides and scientists will tell you, there’s no guarantee of a sighting. But Fairbanks is a statistically good bet because of its northern location and freedom from coastal clouds, which can be a challenge for Anchorage. Travelers are recommended to put aside at least three nights to improve your chances of viewing, with the idea that you’ll be up much of the night each time.

Each time he wakes me and I step outside, it appears more glorious. At first, a fuzz the size of a honeydew floats along the horizon. Another time, a broad green line stretches across the sky, followed by a short tail. “Do you see the red?” Scott asks. He has me look through his camera. It can see more color than the naked eye. Finally, as if playing a visual symphonic tune, a giant line of phosphorous (发磷光的) green seems to swoop down to the treetops and dollop them with a curlicue swirl. I’m smiling inside and out. We can go now.

1. What makes Scott like to do aurora tourism?

A．The chance to take spectacular photos.	B．The happiness of tourists.
C．The party to enjoy the norther lights.	D．His lifelong dream.

2. What can we infer about the author from Paragraph 3?

A．She felt very angry.	B．She was quite thrilled.
C．She was a little disappointed.	D．She gradually lost her patience.

3. Why is Fairbanks an ideal place to enjoy the northern lights?

A．It offers visitors a guaranteed sighting.

B．It’s located in the Antarctic Circle.

C．It has winter activities for travelers.

D．It’s free from coastal cloudy weather.

4. What is the last paragraph mainly about?

A．The beauty of aurora.	B．Scott’s camera.
C．The author’s departure.	D．The shapes of northern lights.

9 . While temperatures continue to climb, visitors are still coming to see Death Valley National Park on the California-Nevada border. The park is known as the hottest place on Earth. This past weekend, the temperatures climbed to 53.33℃. Most visitors at this time of year make it only a short distance to any area in the park before returning to the cool air in their vehicles.

Early information from the park service shows that across the nation’s 424 national parks, at least four people have died this year from heat-related causes. That includes a 65-year-old man from San Diego who was found dead at Death Valley earlier this month.

Death Valley National Park suggests visitors be careful and not have expectations of rescue. While park rangers (护林员) drive on park roads and can aid tourists in need, it is unsure that lost visitors will get help in time.

Physical activity can make the heat feel even worse and leave people exhausted. Alessia Dempster, who was visiting from Edinburgh, Scotland, said, “It’s very hot especially when there’s a gentle wind. You would think maybe that would give you some slight relief from the heat, but it just really does feel like an air blow dryer just going back in your face.”

Death Valley is a narrow area that is below sea level and surrounded by high mountains, the park service’s website says. The dry air and small plant coverage let sunlight heat up the park surface. The heat then becomes trapped in the valley.

Still, several areas in Death Valley continue to draw tourists. Badwater Basin, made up of salt flats, is considered the lowest point in all of North America. The 183-meter Ubehebe Crater dates back over 2,000 years. And Zabriskie Point is a great sunrise viewing spot.

Josh Miller, a visitor from Indianapolis who has been to 20 national parks so far, shared that feeling. “It’s hot, but the scenery is awesome,” he said.

1. What do most visitors do in Death Valley?

A．Cool themselves in time.	B．Do lots of physical exercises.
C．Stay away from park rangers.	D．Carry dryers with themselves.

2. Why does the author mention the 65-year-old man in paragraph 2?

A．To encourage the elderly to travel more.

B．To express admiration for mountain climbers.

C．To advise people to tour Death Valley more often.

D．To show the danger of traveling in Death Valley.

3. What does paragraph 5 mainly tell us about Death Valley?

A．Its covering area.	B．Its attractive spots.
C．The reason why it is so hot.	D．The service of its park’s website.

4. What can be inferred about Death Valley from the last two paragraphs?

A．It has a short history.	B．It is worth visiting.
C．It draws fewer and fewer tourists.	D．It is unsuitable for viewing sunrise.

10 . 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。

Rows of small cottages with    1    (beauty) courtyards come into sight when one sets foot on Xiaopan village, Pan’an county of Zhejiang province. They were developed on local villagers’empty houses and are now used as shared homestays(家庭住宿)    2    (develop) tourism in the village.

Tourists can pick fresh vegetables in    3    communal (公共的) garden, while meals    4    (serve) from a communal kitchen. The fresh air and unique environment have drawn many tourists to Pan’an for leisure.

Since many    5    (villager) have vacant rural houses, local authorities came up    6    the idea of shared homestays to help improve tourist experiences    7    increase farmer income.

To date, 32 rural households have joined the shared homestay program,    8    offers more than 130 rooms. In addition, the village infrastructure (基础设施)    9    (improve) over the years, and parks and cultural plazas (露天广场) have been built.

“We developed the village in harmony with nature,    10    (keep) a rural appearance,” says Kong Wanhen, an official with the village.