1 . Travel Guide to Hangzhou, a Paradise on Earth

Hangzhou is now in the spotlight as the main host of the 19th Asian Games. The capital city of East China’s Zhejiang province, is one of the seven ancient capitals of China. Here are some highlights of the city you can't miss.

West Lake

West Lake is definitely a place people can never miss when visiting Hangzhou. It is situated in the center of the city, with convenient public transport access. The Hangzhou government also offers free public bikes for tourists to travel around the lake. The parks around the lake are all free to visit.

Six Harmonies Pagoda

Standing on Yuelun Hill, on the north bank of the tidal Qiantang River, the Six Harmonies Pagoda is another masterpiece built during the Wuyue Kingdom — this one designed to conquer flooding from the Qiantang River. The name Six Harmonies was given to characterize its purpose of restoring the balance between the heavens and earth, as well as north, south, east, and west.It was erected in the hope of combating the “evil” river’s tidal action. Today, the 13-storey pagoda commands a spectacular view of the Qiantang River.

The Xixi Wetland Park

Xixi, located less than five kilometers from West Lake in the west of Hangzhou, is China’s first national wetland park. Environmental degradation is threatening wetland worldwide, and more than half of the country's inter-tidal wetland has also vanished, which makes the 226 plant species, 50 kinds of fish and aquatic animals as well as 126 kinds of birds in Xixi even more valuable. Its native vegetation consists of subtropical mountainous swamp and evergreen and deciduous, broad-leafed forest.

Leifeng Pagoda

On the south of West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda is considered the top scenic structure around West Lake due to its stunning silhouette in the glow of evening. For almost a thousand years the pagoda withstood fires and wars, but finally fell down in 1924.

1. What benefit is provided for tourists visiting West Lake?

A．Discounted tickets.	B．Free bike rentals.
C．Convenient location	D．Paid tourist guides.

2. What was the Six Harmonies Pagoda built for?

A．Combating the river’s annual action.

B．Preventing the Qiantang River’s flooding damage.

C．Restoring the balance between God and human beings.

D．Demonstrating an image of centuries-old majesty.

3. Which spot can make tourists enjoy biological diversity?

A．West Lake.	B．Six Harmonies Pagoda.
C．The Xixi Wetland Park.	D．Leifeng Pagoda.

2 . Kaibab National Forest

The vast majority of areas and activities in the Kaibab National Forest are free to enjoy by the public. However, there are some fees for recreational (娱乐的) sites and activities such as campgrounds, cabin rentals and recreational vehicle facilities.

Annual Pass

It covers the pass owner and three accompanying adults at sites where per person entrance fees are charged. Good for one year from the month of purchase. $80 for one year.

Senior Pass

You must be 62 years of age or older to purchase. Passes are $20 for one year or $80 for a lifetime. An Interagency (跨部门的) Annual Pass can be used on many different federal lands across the nation.

Volunteer Pass

It is awarded to those individuals who volunteer 250 hours at one or more recreational sites managed by 5 federal agencies as a way to say “thank you”! The Volunteer Pass is valid (有效的) for 12 months from the month of issuance.

4th Graders

This free pass is available to 4th Graders, 4th Grade Teachers, home school and free-choice learners 10 years of age. Good from Sept. to Aug. of your 4th Grade school year.

Access Pass

People who are living with disabilities can request this $10 lifetime pass. It can be used at many different federal lands across the nation.

For detailed information on fees associated with any Kaibab National Forest recreational site or activity, please visit its website and locate the specific site or activity of interest.

1. How many people does an Annual Pass admit into Kaibab National Forest at most?

A．1.

B．2.

C．3.

D．4.

2. What can we know about the Volunteer Pass?

A．It’s free for old people.	B．It shows respect for labor.
C．It can be used for a lifetime.	D．It’s given as a reward to 4th Graders.

3. Which pass favors the disabled?

A．Annual Pass.

B．Senior Pass.

C．Access Pass.

D．4th Graders.

3 . 阅读下面短文，从空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

As you stroll through the Hangzhou Asian Games Village, one of the first things     1     catches your eyes is the neat street surface, which would swiftly become dry, almost     2     (magic), if a bottle of water were poured on. In reality,     3     phenomenon results from the well thought out urban planning and construction management employed in the “sponge city ”development of the village.

Sponge cities are a concept that aim to make cities more adaptable to environmental changes and better     4     (equip) to handle natural disasters. The city architects     5     (lay) out ecological sponge subunits based on rainwater collection zones for various uses like watering green areas and cleaning surfaces. This created an integrated system for organic rainwater circulation     6     (support) the green Asian Games. Additionally, they combined landscape design with low-impact development techniques to make the sponge city practical and visually     7     (appeal). For instance, the roads may look like rubber tracks,     8     are actually made of special concrete that lets water seep through(渗透), showing how they've made both function and beauty a     9     (combine).“This minimizes harm     10     the natural environment caused by urban development,”explained GengLei, a staff member at the Asian Games Village.

4 . Must see in Guangxi

A Broad Spectrum of Scenery

What you will find here is beyond towering mountains, dense forests, and picturesque scenery. This alpine (高山的) scenic spot spreads across 17,008 hectares, with over one-third being primeval (原始的) forest. Its natural landscape can be magnificent but quiet, special but elegant. The high humidity makes the sea of clouds a common scene here thanks to the mountain climate. And the scenery varies with the season. Here, you can appreciate splendid blossoms in spring, avoid summer heat in the cool canyon, step on red leaves scattered on the ground in autumn, and get stunned by the rime ice in winter.

A Hotel in Nature

Chaoranpai International Hotel is only 2 kilometers away from the Lijiang River Source Grand Canyon. By taking both the ecological design and standards of 5-star hotels into account, this hotel has integrated modern services and nature, especially bamboo. The hotel also offers entertainments such as go-carting, cosplay of counter strike, and Chinese-style tea houses. Besides, the mountain itself is like a natural oxygen bar.

A Heaven of Fauna and Flora

Mao’er   mountain is abundant in rare animals and plants. Inhabited by 2,484 species of plants and 345species of vertebrates, this place can serve as a natural gene bank. And surprisingly, a rare alpine wetland featuring

evergreen   broad-leave d trees has found a way of surviving in the dwarf forest at a high altitude.

Two ways to get there

1. Take a train and get off at Xing’an Bei station, and take the shuttle bus that goes directly to the Mao’er mountain.

2. Take the Guilin-Xing’an bus from Guilin bus station, get off at Baizhupu station (Zibai Road Intersection), and take the shuttle from Baizhupu to Gaozhai, which is at the foot of the Mao’er mountain.

Travel Tips   

Entrance ticket:160 yuan for adults (half price for children under 12)

Opening hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Recommended duration of visit:2-4 hours

Location: northwest of Xing’an county, Guilin

1. What is the characteristic of natural landscape in Guangxi?

A．Crowded but elegant	B．Magnificent but quiet
C．Special and desolate(荒凉的)	D．Common and lifeless

2. Which place is suitable for going-carting and cosplay?

A．The alpine scenic spot	B．Xing’an Bei station
C．Mao’er mountain	D．Chaoranpai International Hotel

3. If a couple take their 11-year-old son to visit there, how much will they pay?

A．240 yuan.	B．320 yuan.
C．400 yuan.	D．480 yuan.

5 . New Zealand’s towering mountains, temperate rainforests and remote river valleys all fueled Sir Peter Jackson’s creative spirit when he was crafting (精心制作) the well-known films The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Let’s explore New Zealand, the real Middle-earth.

Start in Hobbiton

The journey starts from the exciting urban center of Auckland to Matamata—the home of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Your knowledgeable guide will help you fully understand the history and the on-location filming processes around The Shire.

Journey to Mordor

Experience wilderness in Tongariro National Park—an area known for its mountainous, desolate (荒凉的) beauty. This region was used as the location for some of the filming of Mordor in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Stand among the greenest of forests

Dewy (带露水的) scenery and natural spectacles (壮观的景象) are New Zealand’s biggest draw-cards and a sure reason why the country was chosen as the home of Middle-earth. Explore this magical world of tall trees, clear rivers and sweet bird songs on a short walk or famous multi-day hike. From Cape Reinga all the way down to Bluff there are national parks covering the country.

Discover Earnslaw Burn and the Misty Mountains Pathway

One of the most magical locations in The Hobbit trilogy is Earnslaw Burn. Here you will find sheer (陡峭的) walls of granite (花岗岩) rising 800 meters from the basin floor, and a glacier (冰川) creating a number of waterfalls from its meltwater that spill down from the cliff-tops.

1. Where can visitors have a guided tour?

A．In Tongariro National Park

B．In The Shire

C．In Cape Reinga.

D．In Earnslaw Burn

2. Why does New Zealand earn the title “the home of MiddIe-earth” ?

A．The natural scenery there is breathtaking.

B．The grass there is always wet with morning dew.

C．Its central part is the most beautiful place on earth.

D．There are waterfalls, glaciers and towering mountains.

3. What can we know about the journey?

A．It is a movie-themed tour.

B．It involves hiking competitions.

C．It follows the order of film shooting.

D．It is designed for fans of director Peter Jackson.

6 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Where does the man come from?

A．Ohio.

B．Birmingham.

C．Los Angeles.

2. How long will the woman stay there?

A．Two days.

B．Three days.

C．Two weeks.

3. What are the speakers probably doing?

A．Waiting for their friends.

B．Visiting several places of interest.

C．Spending a holiday.

7 . An international design competition was held in 1955 for an art center to be built. There were 233 entries received from many countries. Danish architect Jorn Utzon won the competition with his unique design of shells that looked like sails on a boat.

The construction began on March 2, 1959 and was expected to be accomplished within 4 years. However, they quickly ran into trouble. The ground was not suitable to hold the weight of the building and huge concrete foundations (混凝土地基) had to be built. Mr Utzon had also made mistakes about how many columns (柱) would be needed to support the roof, thus making the concrete shells at the risk of falling down.

Mr Utzon figured out a new way to disperse the weight of the concrete by making each shell out of a part of a perfect globe. The 14 shells look like a single piece of concrete, but they are actually built across frames (框架) of concrete to hold them in place. They weigh as much as 15 tons each. The highest roof point of the building is 67 m above sea level — the same as a 22-storey high building.

This major correction saved the project but added one decade to the building time. The building consists mainly of two main halls, a number of smaller theaters, performance halls and other additional facilities. Both main halls are housed in relatively large sail-shaped structures, and the smaller performance halls are housed at the ground floor. In particular, the grand organ (风琴) in the concert hall is one of the world’s largest organs containing over 10,000 pipes.

The Sydney Opera House is a great success in the history of architecture. It is not only a world-famous performing arts center and the landmark of Sydney, but also recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world of the 20th century. In 2007, the Sydney Opera House was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

1. What was the difficulty when building Sydney Opera House?

A．Its columns were at the risk of falling down.

B．There was no satisfactory appearance design.

C．The foundation couldn’t support its huge weight.

D．No suitable site could be found for construction.

2. What does the underlined word “disperse” in paragraph 3 mean?

A．Put on.

B．Spread out.

C．Cut down.

D．Look into.

3. How long did it take to build Sydney Opera House?

A．4 years.

B．6 years.

C．10 years.

D．14 years.

4. What does the last paragraph focus on about Sydney Opera House?

A．Its position.

B．Its history.

C．Its general shape.

D．Its inner structure.

8 . 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, Alberta

Located 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, Ontario

Niagara 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, Ontario

As 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 Columbia

Whistler 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.

2. Which destination offers all experience of lively cultural life?

A．Banff National Park, Alberta.	B．Niagara Falls, Ontario.
C．Toronto, Ontario.	D．Whistler, British Columbia.

3. In which part of a newspaper can we see the text?

A．Tourism.

B．Culture.

C．Fashion.

D．Sport.

9 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题
1. Which place would the man like to go?

A．An exciting modern city.

B．A popular tourist attraction.

C．A quiet and far-away place.

2. What does the woman worry about?

A．The weather.

B．The food and water.

C．The language.

3. What does the woman plan to do now?

A．Travel with the man.

B．Do some gardening.

C．Go to the travel agency. .

10 . An immersive and slow-paced Citywalk is becoming trendy across China. In contrast to rushing past overcrowded tourist landmarks, the new trend has emerged as a popular alternative to explore bustling markets, ancient streets, and charming alleys at a leisurely pace.

The appeal of Citywalk caters particularly to the younger generation often caught up in demanding work schedules. As evidenced by the increasing popularity of hash tags like “City walk for vacation” on lifestyle sharing platform Xiaohong shu, with a staggering 465 million views and nearly 464, 600 engagements, the trend is truly capturing unbelievable attention.

Citywalk, or meandering through the urban landscapes, means the act of walking freely along city streets unburdened by exhaustive plans. It offers people an avenue to intimately experience urban culture and local traditions. Citywalk is not merely about sightseeing. It creates an opportunity for social interactions and deep connections with the cities. Citywalk routes are tailored to the specific interests of both out-of-town tourists and locals. For tourists, the focus is on sharing local customs and traditions, while for locals, discussions revolve around the city’s past, present, and future. The growing trend of Citywalk reflects a changing attitude towards life, embracing a warmer, more relaxed, and slower-paced lifestyle.

As Citywalk expands beyond first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, to second-and third-tier cities across the county, it brings fresh opportunities for the tourism industry, in such areas as dining, shopping, and accommodation.

Governments in Beijing and Shandong have recognized the potential of Citywalk, incorporating it into their action plans to promote cultural tourism and leisure activities. In Shanghai, public bus lines specially designed have been introduced to elevate the overall Citywalk for participants.

“By slowing down and delving into the narrow alleys, observing the lives of city residents, and immersing oneself in the context of museums and art galleries, one is entitled to embrace the pleasure of life,” said Luo Jun, a cultural tourism enthusiast.

1. What’s the main reason for the popularity of Citywalk among young people?

A．It mainly focuses on urban sightseeing.

B．Social media offer many tempting videos.

C．Busywork schedule limits the choice of people.

D．Conventional tourist landmarks are losing charm.

2. What’s the meaning of underlined word “staggering” in the second paragraph?

A．Astonishing.

B．Rewarding.

C．Embarrassing.

D．Shrinking.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT Citywalk?

A．An immersive route for foreigners to enjoy the alleys in Chengdu.

B．A holiday travel to hurriedly visit crowded landmarks in Shanghai.

C．A free walk including visiting museums and old towns in Qingdao.

D．A leisurely tour along Qiantang River to experience city transformation.

4. What have some governments done to promote Citywalk?

A．Facilities in the museums have been enhanced.

B．Cooperation has been strengthened among cities.

C．Opportunities have been offered to third-tier cities.

D．Specific public transportation routes have been introduced.