Beijing is a city bridging the ancient and the modern. From Buddhist temples to museums, narrow hutong
But for all its ancient buildings, Beijing is also a place
It is a distinct visual contrast (反差) that shouldn’t work,
The
2 . I grew up in Michigan and have loved boats since I was young. I’d go out on my dad’s fishing boat, and every birthday I’d get a miniature boat with a viewing window. In Michigan, we’re
Three years ago, I
One weekend this year, I met a
We made sure to keep the paper safe. Before leaving the harbor, I posted a picture on my Facebook page and didn’t expect what followed.
The next morning, my phone
In autumn, Michele came to visit. She brought some of his writing and the handwriting matched. She
It now sits in a display case in my shop. That Facebook post now has 87,000
A.surrounded | B.estimated | C.defended | D.integrated |
A.even | B.somehow | C.merely | D.anyhow |
A.exceptionally | B.entirely | C.gradually | D.successfully |
A.call out | B.help with | C.help out | D.call up |
A.history | B.significance | C.interest | D.entertainment |
A.elegant | B.remote | C.reliable | D.potential |
A.unfolded | B.opened | C.uncovered | D.exposed |
A.presented | B.wrote | C.read | D.showed |
A.poured out | B.blew up | C.broke out | D.set up |
A.at first | B.above all | C.in turn | D.in return |
A.stuffed | B.displayed | C.deserted | D.hid |
A.spoke up | B.worked out | C.spoke out | D.worked up |
A.insisted | B.convinced | C.appealed | D.anticipated |
A.critics | B.fans | C.likes | D.inquiries |
A.For | B.As | C.With | D.Alongside |
3 . 4 Most walkable cities in Europe
Seville, SpainSeville 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, ItalyVenice 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, PortugalNestled 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, ItalyFlorence, 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. |
A.Seville. | B.Venice. | C.Porto. | D.Florence. |
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. |
4 . It’s never too early to get thinking about this year’s big trip.But where should you go? Well, National Geographic has revealed its“Best of the World”list for 2023,offering a few pointers as to the travel experiences over the next 12 months or so. This year’s Nat Geo list is split into four categories as follows.
NatureExplore the biodiversity of Botswana.
Witness rewilding in the Scottish Highlands.
Go on a foodie biking tour of Slovenia.
Visit Big Bend National Park in Texas, USA.
Take part in sustainability programs in the Azores.
CultureHead to Egypt to visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Watch films and down craft beers in Busan, South Korea.
Visit the International African American Museum in Charleston, USA.
See the Longmen Grottoes’ stone statues in Hunan, China.
FamilyGo on an Alpine rail trip in Switzerland.
Help conserve turtle populations in Trinidad and Tobago.
Head to San Francisco, USA, for city-view campfires and urban hiking trails.
Bird-watch in Colombia.
Visit football stadiums in Manchester, UK.
CommunityTake a women-led sustainable tour in the Dodecanese Islands in Greece.
Spend a long weekend on the Great Lakes in Milwaukee, USA.
Go on a new high-speed train in Laos.
Explore Black heritage in Ghana.
Okay, so it might not all be up your street — but it’s undeniably a spectacular range of stuff.You can read more on National Geographic’s official page here — and get pumped for a year of life-changing travel experiences.
1. What are you advised to do in Charleston?A.Go on a biking tour. | B.Visit a museum. |
C.Explore biodiversity. | D.Help conserve birds. |
A.The Dodecanese Islands. |
B.Trinidad and Tobago. |
C.The Scottish Highlands. |
D.The Great Lakes. |
A.A website. |
B.A newspaper. |
C.A course plan. |
D.An academic article. |
5 . Do you want to see majestic lions roaring, rare rhinos running and colorful birds flying? You’ll find this incredible display of nature in the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley.
First stop
Fly into Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. This great city is known for its fashion markets and beautiful art. And be sure to pick up some rich Kenyan coffee while you’re there! Then head for the countryside.
Plan your trip
The largest of the three lakes in the system, Lake Nakuru, is less than 175 kilometers from Nairobi. But Lakes Bogoria and Elementaita are equally worth a visit. You can stay at one of several choices of luxurious cabins in the valley. And if you sign up for a trip, be sure to put flamingos, the white and pink birds, at the top of your list.
Paradise
The Kenya Lake System is shallow and alkaline (碱性的). That means it supports vegetation such as green algae, a food source for many waterfowl. Hundreds of species of birds flourish here, using this area as a major breeding and nesting ground. Water buffalo, leopards, monkeys and the endangered Rothschild giraffe also make this area their home.
Other sights
Wildlife isn’t the only natural wonder in the Great Rift Valley. The valley marks a place where the earth is divided far below the surface. This rock separation below ground leads to noticeable features above ground. Walking around Lake Bogoria especially, you will see steam rising from hot springs.
Other activities include golfing, horseback riding and hiking. The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, either. The river valley is far from city lights, so many visitors gaze at the stars shining above.
If you are ready for a wildlife experience, don’t hesitate!
1. Where can you buy fashionable gifts in Kenya?A.Nairobi. | B.Lake Nakuru. | C.Lake Bogoria. | D.Lake Elementaita. |
A.Living in a cabin. | B.Seeing flamingos. |
C.Visiting hot springs. | D.Gazing at shining stars. |
A.It has countless lakes worth visiting. | B.It’s an ideal place for wildlife to live. |
C.Its water is unsuitable for plant growth. | D.It’s famous for rich culture and history. |
6 . Speciality Museums in Europe
National Railway Museum, York
Home to locomotives(火车头)and a collection of engineering brilliance, we celebrate the past, present and future of innovation on the railways. Immerse yourself in stories from centuries of railway history and explore a million railway-related objects to know the importance of it during times of war.
Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
FREE ENTRY
Maritime Museum, Jersey
You can’t fail to enjoy the Island’s shipbuilding past with songs and stories of the sea. Full of interacting items experience life aboard ship in a cabin. Lots to open, press, turn and even design a ship by yourself. Then follow the story of Jersey’s seafood, beach and seaside entertainment.
Opening hours: Daily 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Admission: $40 per adult; $25 per child(6-18 years).
Anne Frank House, Amsterdam
The Anne Frank House is a museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. As a visitor, you experience this story through an audio tour, quotes, photos, videos, and original items.
Opening hours: Daily 9:00 AM-10:00 PM
Admission: $30 per adult/youth; $25 per child(4-12 years)
Vasa Museum, Stockholm
The Vasa ship capsized and sank on its first voyage in 1628. After 333 years on the seabed the mighty warship was recovered and put into the museum. The story of the king’s beautiful, yet terrifying ship fascinates people of all ages.
Opening hours: Daily 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Admission: $38. Free entry for children.
1. How much should a couple with their two kids, aged 3 and 11, pay for admission to Anne Frank House?A.$55. | B.$85. | C.$90. | D.$115. |
A.They display collections of military products. |
B.They are open to the public every day. |
C.They tell historical stories about the transport. |
D.They charge children a discounted price. |
A.Anne Frank House. | B.Vasa Museum. |
C.National Railway Museum. | D.Maritime Museum. |
7 . Whether you’re after a quiet beach holiday or an adventure-packed trip, with over 700 islands and 30 territories, the Caribbean offers many choices. Here we will provide practical tips to help you plan your dream Caribbean vacation.
Choosing the Best Time to Visit
Generally speaking, the Caribbean has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather year-round. Hurricanes are common during the summer months, so it’s advised to avoid travel during this season if possible. The best time to visit typically starts in November and runs through April. Be sure to check local weather forecasts before your trip.
Experiencing the Local Culture
The Caribbean is home to a variety of cultures. The local culture is a key part of the Caribbean experience, so make sure to soak up as much as you can. Visit museums and historical sites to get a deeper understanding of the local heritage, or explore local festivals for a display of music, dance, and art. Moreover, the people of the Caribbean are well known for their friendliness, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation.
Planning Your Activities
Whether you’re into diving, hiking, shopping, or simply lying on the beach, you will be able to pick between endless activities. Besides, you can try your hand at deep-sea fishing, horseback riding, or even bungee jumping. If you’re looking for something more laid back, take a guided tour of the island’s botanical gardens or explorer its national parks. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to review safety guidelines and pack all the necessary equipment before your adventure.
In conclusion, the Caribbean offers a diverse travel experience that caters to different preferences and budgets. With careful planning and a bit of research, you can plan a vacation that is truly unforgettable. So don’t wait — start planning your dream Caribbean trip today!
1. Which month is the best time to visit the Caribbean?A.July. | B.December. | C.August. | D.June. |
A.Visitors can experience different cultures and activities. |
B.Visitors can have the opportunity to play local music. |
C.Visitors have to be concerned about the safety of accommodation. |
D.Deep-sea fishing is not allowed for the reason of ocean protection. |
A.A fashion magazine. | B.A shopping guide. |
C.A geography textbook. | D.A travel brochure. |
8 . September is one of the very best months to visit France. Not only will you get to enjoy plenty of sunshine and warm weather, but the tourist season is beginning to wind down-which means cheaper airfares, lower prices at hotels, and fewer crowds. If this is your first trip to France, here is some handy information to help you get started planning your vacation!
Go Wine Tasting
September is the beginning of the grape harvest season in France, meaning there are plenty of wine-related events and festivals around the country. So September is a great time to visit the vineyards(葡萄园) around the country and go wine tasting. The Bordeaux, Loire and Burgundy regions are all lovely and great places to visit vineyards. Besides that, going to the castles of the Loire region in between visiting vineyards on such warm and sunny days is also very enjoyable.
Take a Barge Cruise
The temperatures are slightly lower, but plenty of sunshine makes for perfect conditions to enjoy a barge cruise on the canals of France. With such comfortable weather and beautiful scenery at this time of year, nothing equals hanging out on the deck of a barge.
Visit the Museums
Many museums in France have extended opening hours during the summer to accommodate the extra tourists and locals, and some museums also have extended opening hours into September. Wandering around the Louvre will take you into a wonder world, where you can enjoy world-famous art. Going out of the Louvre, you can walk to the modern and fashionable Champs Elysees to do some shopping.
Besides the above, riding a bike through France’s villages is also a welcome activity for young visitors in September. So, don’t hesitate and start to plan your September trip to France now.
1. Which of the following can best describe France in September?A.Hot and quiet | B.Cool and noisy. | C.Warm and quiet. | D.Cold and noisy. |
A.Paris | B.Bordeaux. | C.Burgundy. | D.Loire. |
A.December | B.July | C.May | D.February |
During the peak summer travel season this year, many popular tourist destinations in China have experienced large crowds, making it challenging for tourists
In ancient China, a tradition of night tours, entertainment and dinners thrived (繁荣). When night fell, people would participate in
To meet people’s
10 . 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. |