1 . Do you want something to have fun? Well, look at a list of some activities.
Living like Summer Flowers
As the first exhibition in the new space of Fangyuan Art Museum, with the theme of flowers, it showcases many new works by artist Yan Ping. This exhibition aims to express the beauty of the power of life, and to discover the beauty that we have overlooked in the world.
The “Big Yellow Duck”
Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman will bring his big rubber(橡胶) duck to the Today Art Museum in Beijing, inviting you to participate in this nearly three month party. This exhibition is Hofman’s first large-scale solo exhibition in China. More than 25 new works will be displayed, presenting the landmark of Hofman’s more than 20 years of artistic career.
Yoga in Hutong
We are excited to offer a truly magical experience to our community at the absolutely attractive hutong place, Z-Space.Start your Sunday morning with 75-minute movement to awaken your body and mind, and fuel your spirit. After class, we’ll enjoy a selection of snacks and drinks.
Viewing the Sand Ridge
Contemporary ink artist Tan Jun will hold his solo exhibition “Guansha Ridge” at Beijing Soka Art. In this exhibition, there will be 8 collections of photography and painting, adding a new experience to the viewer’s way of viewing and feeling the mysterious poetic world.
1. Where can you watch some works about flowers?| A．At Z-Space. | B．At Beijing Soka Art. |
| C．At Today Art Museum. | D．At Fangyuan Art Museum. |
| A．Yoga in Hutong. | B．The “Big Yellow Duck”. |
| C．Viewing the Sand Ridge. | D．Living like Summer Flowers. |
| A．Hold a party. | B．Visit a big duck. |
| C．Eat some food. | D．Paint some pictures. |
2 . When it comes to perfect views, it really does take a village. Searching for the most camera-ready communities on the planet, we find four villages that fit the bill. Spend a few minutes there and you will realize that “quaint (古色古香的)” and “charming” aren’t just adjectives and that they are a way of life.
Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia
The village seems to disappear into the sky and the blue horizon. All the houses are painted white, the skies are clear, and the backdrop includes the Bay of Tunis which is only in a deeper shade of blue. It’s not surprising that the atmosphere here is a bit random, and it is also home to plenty of lively cafes and art galleries.
Wengen in Switzerland
Wonder how the world was before cars were invented? Wengen, a Switzerland’s village, might just help you get the answer. Cars have been banned in this area for more than 100 years. Imagine seeing woods all around you, snow covered mountains, log cabins and the locals who have kept their Swiss culture undamaged.
Eze in France
France’s most attractive village is Eze. Seemingly frozen in time, Eze has managed to keep its old-world charm. It is the perfect melting pot of cultures because of its closeness to Nice, and today the village enjoys its rich heritage. The architecture here is so special that Walt Disney frequented this village for inspiration.
Bibury in England
Bibury was described by William Morris as “the most beautiful village in England” — known for its watercolor views. The 17th-century stone cottages and a still-working 1902 farm are some of the ancient village’s must-sees.
1. What are the tourists prevented doing in Wengen?| A．Traveling around by car. | B．Viewing woods everywhere. |
| C．Learning about Swiss culture. | D．Appreciating snowy mountains. |
| A．Eze in France. | B．Bibury in England. |
| C．Wengen in Switzerland. | D．Sidi Bou Said in Tunisi. |
| A．They have modern architecture. |
| B．They are all situated by the sea. |
| C．They have beautiful stone cottages. |
| D．They own old-world and amazing scenery. |
3 . With the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park to its east, Zhongnanhai to its south, Beihai Park, also known as Northern Sea Park, is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved ancient imperial gardenst (皇家花园) in China located in the center of Beijing.
Beihai Park is said to be built according to a traditional Chinese legend. The story is that once upon a time there were three magic mountains called “Penglai”, “Yingzhou” and “Fangzhang”. Gods in those mountains had a kind of medicine which would help humans gain immortality (永生). Consequently, many emperors constantly sought those mountains. I For example, Emperor Qin Shihuang had sent people to look for the magic mountains but they failed. Emperor Wudi, the fifth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty did similar things.
It was believed that different mountain-water combinations in ancient Chinese architecture led to totally different effects. So from then on, almost every emperor during the succeeding dynasties would build a royal garden with one-pool-with-three-hill layout near his palace. Beihai Park was surely built after this traditional style: the water of Beihai with Zhongnanhai is the Taiye Pool; the Jade Flowery Islet, the island of the Circular City and the Xishantai Island represent the three magic mountains.
Actually, Beihai Park was initially built in the Liao Dynasty (916-1125) and was repaired and rebuilt in the following dynasties including Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing. The large-scale rebuilding in the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) generally established the present scale and pattern. In 1925, it was first opened to the public, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.
It is enjoyable to walk around the various scenic areas in Beihai Park. There are many places to visit, including the Bai Ta, Five-Dragon Pavilions, Nine-Dragon Wall, Yong’an Temple and so on. There is also a classy restaurant called Fangshan Restaurant where the Empress Cixi once dined.
1. Where is Beihai Park?| A．Near the ocean. | B．In the south of Zhongnanhai. |
| C．To the west side of Jingshan Park. | D．In the uptown area of Beijing City. |
| A．They loved to listen to stories. | B．They both pursued immortality. |
| C．They were mountain-climbing lovers. | D．They were the first emperor of their dynasties. |
| A．Less than 100 years old. | B．About 500 years old. |
| C．About 1, 000 years old. | D．Nearly 2, 000 years old. |
| A．A famous park. | B．Historical palaces. |
| C．An unforgettable legend. | D．Ancient architectural styles. |
4 . Many people have the desire to travel when summer approaches. The following is to help you narrow down your options.
San Diego
San Diego, located on the Pacific, offers enough outdoor attractions to satisfy all kinds of summer travelers. Families will enjoy exploring San Diego Zoo. No matter what type of traveler you are, the eye-catching architecture and beautiful gardens that make up Balboa Park won’t disappoint. And as for the beaches, San Diego’s variety of shorelines means you’11 never be bored.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor, Maine’s proximity (临近) to Acadia National Park makes it an impressive spot to hang your hat in summer. While the distance to the park is undoubtedly one of Bar Harbor’s selling points, you should save room on your route to explore this charming coastal town. Book a boat or whale watching tour on the bay or take a walk along the scenic Shore Path for inspiring views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Bermuda
If all you care about is being at the beach during your summer vacation, choose Bermuda. Temperatures during this time of year make summer the best time to catch rays on the sand and swim in warmer Atlantic waters. Chill out along beautiful shorelines such as Horseshoe Bay Beach (the most popular beach), Elbow Beach (the pinkest) and Warwick Long Bay (the longest).
Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s northern U. K. location means that warm weather is rare. Each summer, the city hosts the famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe (the world’s largest arts festival), drawing visitors from around the planet. Aside from this fun summer event, travelers can experience Edinburgh’s green, sun-bathing landscape.
1. Which place is suitable for every traveler in San Diego?| A．The Pacific. | B．San Diego Zoo. | C．Balboa Park. | D．The beaches. |
| A．Watch whales on the bay. | B．Sunbathe on the beach. |
| C．Dive in the Atlantic Ocean. | D．Wander in Acadia National Park. |
| A．San Diego. | B．Edinburgh. | C．Bar Harbor. | D．Bermuda. |
5 . Harbin Ice Festival 2023/2024
The annual Harbin Ice and Snow Festival opens in late December and lasts for around 2 months, till late February of the next year. The official opening ceremony is on January 5th, 2024, but the ice and snow sculptures are open to public viewing from December 17th, 2023.
When winter comes, Harbin turns into a kingdom of ice and snow. Attend the Festival to make your snow king/queen dream come true.
Annual activity schedule
| Dates | Activities |
| Early December | Ice harvest |
| December | Carving and building |
| Christmas Period | Unofficial opening |
| Jan. 5 of Each Year | Opening Ceremony |
| Late Feb. to early Mar. | Ice and snow sculptures start to melt |
New features in 2024
The huge Snowflake Ferris Wheel has already been built inside the Ice and Snow World. You can ride on the Ferris wheel to overlook the ice castles and exhibits and take awesome photos.
Booking
Official online booking is only open to Chinese travelers with a Resident Identity Card. For foreign passport holders, you can buy on arrival or fill in an application form online. We’ll contact you to contum the booking once the tickets are available.
Attention
But remember, as long as the ice and snow sculptures are open to visitors, it is impossible to take photos of the charming ice buildings without any visitors in. If you have plenty of time, to avoid the rush hours, you may consider entering before 2 p.m. and re-entering after 8 p.m. for night views. Two entrance tickets are needed if you choose to visit in this way.
1. When can visitors admire ice sculptures in the festival?| A．On 30th November, 2023. |
| B．On 3rd December, 2023. |
| C．On 23rd January, 2024. |
| D．On 15th March, 2024. |
| A．By buying the ticket in person. |
| B．By making an application online. |
| C．By calling the reception in advance. |
| D．By booking with a Resident Identity Card. |
| A．It lasts for about three months. |
| B．You can have a ride on the Snowflake Ferris Wheels. |
| C．You needn’t pay again if you re-enter on the same day. |
| D．You’d better come in the afternoon to avoid rush hours. |
6 . Canada is a vast and diverse country that offers plenty of incredible tourist destinations. From wonderful natural landscapes to lively cities, Canada has something for every traveler. Here’s a guide to some of Canada’s top tourist destinations.
Banff National Park, AlbertaLocated in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a breathtaking destination known for its turquoise (绿松石) lakes, snow-covered mountains, and plentiful wildlife. Explore the landmark-Lake Louise, hike to amazing viewpoints, and spend time in the natural hot springs.
Niagara Falls, OntarioNiagara Falls is one of the world’s most famous natural attractions. Witness the steep (陡峭的) power and beauty of the grand falls from various viewpoints. Take a boat tour, visit the Butterfly Conservatory, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Clifton Hill.
Toronto, OntarioAs Canada’s largest city, Toronto offers an impressive experience. Discover the famous CN Tower, explore the busy neighborhoods of Kensington Market and Distillery District, and visit world-class museums such as the Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario.
Whistler, British ColumbiaWhistler is a well-known winter sports destination, famous for its world-class ski slopes and winter activities. In summer, enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and golfing in the impressive mountain scenery.
1. What can visitors do in Banff National Park?| A．Go boating. | B．Go skiing. |
| C．Appreciate waterfalls. | D．Enjoy hot springs. |
| A．Banff National Park, Alberta. | B．Niagara Falls, Ontario. |
| C．Toronto, Ontario. | D．Whistler, British Columbia. |
| A．Tourism. | B．Culture. | C．Fashion. | D．Sport. |
7 . The 4 BEST Things to Do in Perth
You might be wondering ‘Is Perth worth visiting?’ Well after checking out this list of the best things to do in Perth you’ll be sure to add it to your Australian list in no time!
Visiting the epic beaches
Definitely one of the best advantages of living in Perth is its beaches. Backed up to the Indian Ocean, Perth is home to crystal clear water and glistening white sand. And it’s little wonder most people will spend at least one day relaxing at the beach on a holiday here.
Enjoying the views from Kings Park
Kings Park is not only one of the top tourist attractions in Perth - it’s incredibly popular with locals too! Having a mix of European and Aboriginal heritage throughout the gardens, it’s well known in the fields of horticulture (园艺) for its conservation efforts and scientific research.
Spending a day (or more) exploring the cultural district
Perth is well served by a year-round line-up of art, theatre, film, comedy, and musical events within its cultural precinct, which houses the Perth Cultural Centre, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the State Theatre Centre of WA, and the Western Australian Museum.
Checking out the Fremantle Markets
Fremantle Markets is the most famous weekend markets in Western Australia, and one of the best in the entire country. It offers fresh and local produce, handcrafted souvenirs, clothing and delicious meals. But best of all, there’s no entrance fee, which makes it a perfect day out for family fun!
1. What is the highlight of Perth’s beaches?| A．Warm climate. | B．Convenient service. | C．Beautiful seascape. | D．Relaxing games. |
| A．The beaches. | B．Kings Park. | C．The cultural district. | D．The Fremantle Markets. |
| A．Open on weekends. | B．Fresh and local goods. |
| C．Free delicious meals. | D．No admission charges. |
8 . If you really want a taste of Dutch life, a bike tour through Amsterdam is the way to go.
What is included in an Amsterdam bike tour
The bicycle is of course provided and included in the price of the tour. Some tours offer coffee and tea after the tour finishes. Every tour especially has its own theme and route (路线). You can compare them by visiting webpages about a particular tour.
Amsterdam bicycle tour basics
These tours are usually between one and two hours long. They are guided by friendly and knowledgeable tour guides who are well capable in human interactions and Amsterdam information. What’s more, the tour guides usually know many languages and are used to dealing with communication barriers (障碍).
If it rains, no worries, you can choose to cancel your tour free of charge. This applies of course also in case of (万一) other bad weather or in case you simply don’t feel like taking the tour. The cancellation is easy, without question, and free.
Important during the bicycle tour of Amsterdam
Please don’t become so Dutch that you disregard the traffic laws. It is a fact that some Amsterdammers often cross a street or a bridge when they feel like doing it. That is why staying alert (警惕的) and a little bit of biking experience can help you to cross the small city streets during an Amsterdam bike tour. Also, unless you are 100% sure that the weather will be plenty sunny, you’d better bring a jacket. When you start moving on the bike, the Amsterdam’s air can get quite cold.
1. What is special about an Amsterdam bike tour?| A．It provides a free bike. | B．It offers coffee and tea. |
| C．It includes a free lunch. | D．It has its theme and route. |
| A．Taking no notice of the traffic rules. | B．Bringing warm clothing. |
| C．Doing as the Dutch do. | D．Getting away from bad weather. |
| A．In a history book. | B．In a research paper. |
| C．In an art magazine. | D．In a travel brochure. |
9 . Serbia is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. Here are some beautiful places in Serbia that you can pay a visit to.
Mountain Avala
Overlooking Belgrade and topped with the Avala Tower in the Balkans, Mountain Avala is a must-visit spot that makes for a pleasant break from the capital’s busy streets. The Avala Tower is a tall telecommunication tower in this area which was rebuilt in 2010, offering the picture-perfect whole view over Belgrade from viewing platforms and a cafe for visitors.
Museum of Srem
The regional museum in the town of Sremska Mitrovica has a valuable collection in prehistoric, Roman and medieval periods. Its highlights are the numerous archaeological findings from Sremska Mitrovica, including a unique Roman sundial (日晷) with the sculptures of some figures.
The Gallery of Matica Srpska
The Gallery of Matica Srpska is one of the most significant and lasting cultural institutions in Serbia. It’s not a mere gallery but rather a national treasure, with several floors covering priceless Serbian artworks from the late 17th to the 20th century in different styles with countless landscapes and graphic art and more.
Uvac Special Nature Reserve
The spectacular meanders of the Uvac River are the highlights of the Uvac Special Nature Reserve in southwestern Serbia. The incredibly green river snakes through rocks in a zigzag manner—a feat of nature that is best admired from high above. The reserve, which also comprises a 6-kilometer-long cave system, owes its protected status to several hundred plant species, many types of fishes and rare bird species.
1. What can visitors do in the Avala Tower?| A．Visit an art gallery. |
| B．See a unique sundial. |
| C．Have a good view of the landscapes. |
| D．Admire artworks at the viewing platform. |
| A．Cultural treasures. | B．Unique rocks. |
| C．Old floors. | D．Modern sculptures. |
| A．A protected statue. | B．A water system. |
| C．A green river. | D．A wildlife museum. |
10 . The Most Popular National Parks in the U.S.
Famously called“America’s best idea”by the novelist and historian Wallace Stegner, the U.S.National Park System offers families a wonderfully affordable way to visit America’s most popular and beautiful landscapes.
Hot Springs National Park
This national park is unique because it’s more of an urban park than a distant wilderness. Located right next to the city of Hot Springs, this is also the country’s smallest national park, covering 5,550 acres. The main attractions here are the historic bathhouses and hot springs that the park was established to protect.
Acadia National Park
This park on the Maine Coast is home to various plants and animals and the tallest mountain on the Atlantic Coast. Today visitors come to Acadia to hike rock peaks, bike historic carriage roads, or relax and enjoy the coastal scenery.
Shenandoah National Park
Occupied by settlers for at least 100 years, it covers 200,000 acres of Virginia wilderness. The 105-mile Skyline Drive traces the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers many jumping-off points to see the beauty of this park. Beyond the scenic drive, you can explore the park’s many offerings through hiking, biking, and horseback riding,
Indiana Dunes National Park
Stretching along 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and covering more than 15,000 acres, this Midwestern park is ideal for relaxing on a beach, hiking the 50 miles of trails,and exploring the diverse ecosystem. The sands are the main attraction with rare plants, and various birds. The national park is free to visit.
1. What is typical of Hot Springs National Park?| A．It seems like a city park. |
| B．It is located in the suburb. |
| C．It isn’t a faraway wilderness. |
| D．It is the city’s largest national park. |
| A．Talk about its history with settlers. |
| B．Record the beauty of this park. |
| C．Ride a horse to explore its beauty. |
| D．Enjoy the park’s coastal scenery. |
| A．Acadia National Park. |
| B．Hot Springs National Park. |
| C．Shenandoah National Park. |
| D．Indiana Dunes National Park. |
