2 . Xi’an, as the longest-running capital in ancient China, has shaped the country’s culture and history. With a history of over 3, 000 years, it has given birth to many dynasties. If planning a short tour, be sure to visit the recommended attractions that truly capture the spirit of this ancient city.

The Terracotta Army is a remarkable archaeological find and a popular tourist destinationin China. Constructed by Emperor Qinshihuang in the 3rd century BC, it features life-size terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots arranged in battle formation. The museum houses three vaults (墓穴) and an exhibition hall, with Vault One being the largest, displaying over 6, 000 figures. These sculptures offer insights of high value into ancient China’s history, military, and culture.

Xi’an City Wall was built in the 14th century by Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Emperor of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) as a military defense system. Now it is one of the oldest and best-preserved Chinese city walls. The wall is now a landmark, dividing the city into inner and outer areas. When you take a stroll or cycle on the massive wall, you can enjoy a good view of the city, the moat (护城河) and the watchtowers.

The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in China was built during the Tang Dynasty as a study place for Buddhist texts. It stored sutras (佛经) and sculptures brought from India by monk Xuan Zang, who translated scriptures here for 19 years. Situated in Da Ci’en Temple, the pagoda’s impressive brick structure reflects traditional Chinese architecture, creating a solemn and magnificent atmosphere.

The Shaanxi History Museum displays 370, 000 relics found in Shaanxi, China, including bronze wares (青铜器), pottery figures, gold and silverwares, and Tang Dynasty murals. 18 pieces are national treasures. Xi’an, the former capital, has many historical sites. The museum is divided into three sections, exhibiting artifacts from primitive eras to the late Qing Dynasty.

During the peak summer travel season this year, many popular tourist destinations in China have experienced large crowds, making it challenging for tourists     1     (get) tickets. Given these circumstances, cultural venues in many places have     2     (recent) announced extended opening hours, allowing people to explore during the evening hours. For instance, the Shaanxi History Museum has extended the opening hours to 8:00 pm every Sunday since mid-July.

In ancient China, a tradition of night tours, entertainment and dinners thrived (繁荣). When night fell, people would participate in     3     (activity) like reciting poems, appreciating the moon’s beauty and joining in tea-fueled conversations, said Wang Bin, curator (馆长) of the Xi’an-based West Market Museum. “Children can fully involve     4     (they) in the nighttime experiences of ancient civilizations right at the original West Market site. This is     5     we integrate these cultural elements. And this approach     6     (welcome) by both parches and children ever since,” Wang said.

To meet people’s     7     (grow) demand for night travel, China has developed a night culture     8     night tourism economy in recent years, with some places winning fame for night fairs and performances. Even at 10:30 pm, subways in many cities remain busy with people. Nighttime cultural tours have changed the     9     (convention) tourism model of traveling during the day and sleeping     10     night.

5 . Waynesville, North Carolina Travel Guide

About 25 miles southwest of Asheville, Waynesville is the perfect western Carolina mountain town with real charm. So why not visit it?

Best Things to Do in Waynesville

●Make the short drive to Waterrock Knob, where you’ll find one of the best trails and views in Western North Carolina.At 5,820 feet, it's the highest visitor center along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

●Go to Cataloochee Valley to see the elk(麋鹿).The valley is filled with wildlife and wildflowers.

●Visit Haywood's Farmers Market, filled with local products from produce to cheese to crafts. Fill up your bag with fresh fruit and sweet treats for a picnic around Lake Junaluska.

●Explore the Frog Level District located on Richland Creck,which features one- and two-story brick and frame buildings from the early 1900s.

Best Time to Visit

Fall is the most popular time for Waynesville tourism. The bright oranges, yellows, and reds of the fall leaves draw crowds from near and far-so you can expect the cost to mirror the demand. Spring, however, is the best time to visit Waynesville if you want to enjoy pleasant weather, and various fairs and festivals.

Where to Stay in Waynesville

You’ll feel at home instantly you pull up to The Yellow House on Plott Creek Road. Built in the Late 1800s, the hotel sits on five rolling acres of land, surrounded by walking paths, two ponds and a stream. There’re ten rooms and suites and each has its own private bath, fireplace and sitting area.

How to Get There

Ashevile Regional Airport is the closest airport. If you’re flying into the area, you’ll need your own transportation to travel around Waynesville. Downtown Waynesville is walkable but exploring further out into the Blue Ridge Mountains requires a car.

7 . When it comes to my fathering lessons, few adventures compare to the motorcycle trips I’ve shared with my daughter, Ewa.

Our first_______, in August 2017, was a winding (蜿蜒的) ride around the Catskills and Finger Lake districts of New York state. We _______ big highways and spent the week on_______ scenic back roads. At one point, I found myself _______along a Catskills meadow (草地) not far from Woodstock, keeping pace with a deer and shouting, “Go Bambi, go!”

On our second day, we _______ in a small town for ice cream. I asked the woman at the picnic table next to us: “What’s the_______ of this town?” “Interlaken,” she answered.“Where are you trying to get to?”

Me: “We don’t know. ”

It _______ to me then that I’d always wanted to do this no-schedule kind of trip, when you ride just for riding. Ask any middle-aged _______: We’ve all dreamed about doing the Easy Rider (逍遥骑士) thing, throwing our wristwatches into the ditch and heading toward the horizon without a_______. Now, travelling with no plan became a________ of my rides with Ewa.

Since we almost ________ knew where we were going, we were almost never ________ when we arrived, pulling ________ the road at the end of each day with satisfaction. The reason to celebrate? We________! The truth is that life on a motorbike is one close call (死里逃生) after another. On the way, riders must stay ________ 100 percent of the time. A tiny stone can be deadly. I used to be nervous, but Ewa had a different take: “To me, motorcycling is like meditation(冥想). ”

8 . The Season for Festive Eyes

The holiday season is upon us and the folks at Strip & Browhaus can’t wait! With all the parties coming up, they finally have a chance to get dressed up and celebrate again, to make a big New Year make-up statement: sparkles and vibrant colors to ring in the festivities! For SmartShanghai users, they are giving 50% OFF for first-timers only, starting from 150rmb. Your choice of treatment may be redeemed any time before March 31, 2023.

Date: Jan 24, 2022 to Feb 28, 2023

Venue: Strip & Browhaus

Click “Full Listing” to see 4 locations

Meet Van Gogh — Immersive Light Art Exhibition

The 600 m² immersive art exhibition about one of the greatest geniuses in the history of human art is finally in China for the first time, with Shanghai being the first stop. Immerse in the picture of color, music and light and shadow. Explore Van Gogh’s passionate, romantic and poetic inner world.

Date: Apr 2, 2023 to Jul 9, 2023

Venue: Meet You Museum

210 Wenshui Lu, near Wanrong Lu

TAO Dance Theater: 13 & 14

The TAO Dance Theater, awarded the 2023 Silver Lion Award at Venice Biennale, will present two new shows: 13 & 14-choreographic works which carry on the sequence of the Numerical Series which launched them on the international scene. A unique and evolutionary dance genre has enraptured people with its mesmeric and minimalist force. It will premiere at Shanghai Culture Square on July 4th.

Date: Jul 4, 2023 to Jul 5, 2023

Venue: Shanghai Culture Square

225 Shanxi Nan Lu, near Fuxing Zhong Lu Taxi Printout

Jinmao Tower Sky Walk

You can walk around the outside of the Jinmao Tower 340m above the streets below. Located on the 88th floor of one of Lujiazui’s most iconic buildings, the Jinmao skywalk is a platform 1. 2 meters wide, which you can strap in and walk along with the help of trained professionals. It’s also the highest sky walk in the world. And not only does Jinmao provide a panoramic view of Shanghai featuring both sides of the Huangpu River, floors 56-88 also hold the world’s highest atrium at 152m. You must weigh between 30kg-100kg, and be at least 1. 4m-2m tall to do the sky walk.

Date: Jul 1, 2021 to Dec 31, 2023

Venue: Jinmao Tower Observation Deck and Sky Walk

88/F, 88 Shiji Dadao, near Dongtai Lu