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.

4 . A couple has completed a tiring 4,500-mile bike ride around Europe in the shape of an enormous bicycle, in a creative attempt to promote sustainable travel.

Accompanied by their dog Zola, David Smith, 35, and Arianna Saraghi, 40, rode through seven countries to create the striking image, motivated by their desire to raise awareness about climate change. After completing their 7237-kilometer journey earlier this week, the pair said they had narrowly beaten the Guinness World Record for the largest GPS drawing made by any mode of transport.

They are also, unsurprisingly, confident that they have traced the biggest ever GPS bicycle, estimating that theirs is roughly 600 miles wide. “Being able to see it on^ the map is mainly a relief,” Ms Saraghi said after recounting the problems they had along the way.

They initially set off in the summer of 2019, armed with a computer-designed route which they had followed to avoid cycling through Paris’Charles de Gaulle Airport. However, they were forced to stop after Ms Saraghi sustained a knee injury.

The Anglo-Italian couple tried again that winter, before giving up because it was too cold to camp. The Covid-19 pandemic then delayed the trip’s completion by another two years. “We had so many obstacles. When we started this time we were thinking—what can go wrong this time? We felt we had let people down by not completing it, and our life felt kind of stuck. So we’re very happy,” Ms Saraghi said.

The pair said they want people who see the GPS image to consider cycling shorter journeys rather than choosing to drive. “Cycling is cheaper, it’s healthy, it’s fun, and it’s often pretty fast. Please give it a second and consider if there is an alternative to the car- there may not be, but often there is,” Mr Smith told The Independent. The 35-year-old added that they also hope politicians, who come across their GPS bicycle are motivated to improve cycling infrastructure (基础设施) to encourage the public to travel sustainably where possible.

If you need a reminder that nature is awesome, here are some beaches around the world that naturally glow (发光). Time to add these to your travel list!

Gippsland Lakes, Australia

During the day, the Gippsland Lakes are like any other: you can swim, water ski, or sail. But at night, the landscape begins to glow due to bioluminescent algae (生物发光的藻类). In 2006, massive rainstorms caused large amounts of algae to enter into the lakes. It glows whenever the water is disturbed, but it has slowly faded with time, which is welcome news for the lakes’ ecosystem.

The Maldives

This glowing beach in the Maldives is just one of the attractive features of the nation. The sand on this beach glows in the dark because of sea shrimp (海虾). These tiny organisms give out blue light for up to a minute, lighting up your path as you walk across the beach.

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations, but it’s not just because of its famous islands covered in green rainforests. At night, boat tours take people out on the water to see the blue-green light from the algae.

Dongying, China

The dreamlike sea in Dongying gives us a strong desire to travel unlike any other travel destination. The glow-in-the-dark algae is found mostly on the rock formations along the shoreline, which gives them a blue-green glow. Plus, it acts as a natural warning light if you’re swimming at night.

7 . 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.

10 . If you’re looking for an exciting suggestion for your next trip, consider Valencia in Spain! It’s a beautiful city with a mix of historical charm and modern style. It’s small, so you can easily explore its central sights on foot.

Valencia has old buildings from past centuries, as well as modern buildings that adds to its unique style. A great way to get to know Valencia is by joining a walking tour. It will introduce you to the city's history and culture. Once you’ve explored the main attractions in the city center, don’t miss the chance to visit the City of Arts and Sciences, located at the former river location. Even if you can’t attend any science exhibitions, you can still enjoy the ocean arium, concerts or watch a film in the City of Arts and Sciences. The buildings in this area are also incredibly beautiful! One of the advantages of Valencia is its location on the Mediterranean coast. This means you can relax and enjoy the beach during your stay in the city.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Valencia, here are some suggestions: For luxurious (奢华的)hotels, look for centre areas in the city. For budget-friendly options, explore hotels that are not in the centre of the city. Remember to research and compare different neighborhoods and hotels to find the fittest one for your preferences and budget.

At last, don’t forget to try Valencia’s traditional food, which is also known for visitors.You can try paella, a traditional rice dish that originates from the city. There are also many other local specialties for you to explore. Exploring the local food scene is a must when visiting Valencia!