2 . In 1983, Ski Rixen USA became the first water ski cable park in the United States. Located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, the park offers riders a chance to experience all kinds ofwater sports.

In the past 40 years, Six Rixen USA has welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors. The park was the brainchild of engineer Bruno Rixen. Born in 1931 in Germany, Rixen grewfrustrated with the sport of water skiing, which required pulling by a motor boat.

“He used to wait for four hours in line to do three laps around the lake, ” explained Allan Wlodarczyk, the manager of Ski Rixen USA. He added that riding five minutes and waiting another four hours sparked Rixen’s idea of cable parks. Rather than relying on a boat, Rixen considered his own cable way. He also designed skis and set up a power source.

“The first cable was actually an old farm tractor, ” Wlodarczyk said. “Rixen took the wheels off, attached some ropes to the wheel disks, and started pulling people back and forth around the lake.” Over the years, Rixen improved his design and earned several patents. He opened the world’s first commercial cable water park in 1966 in Benidorm, Spain.

The sport grew from entertainment to international contests. Rixen died in 2020, but his idea has taken hold around the world. Today, there are more than 500 cable water parks on different continents. Typically, the cable tows riders at a speed of about 20 miles per hour.

But for beginners, who can take lessons, the speed is about 15 miles per hour.

Ski Rixen USA also offers riding opportunities and events to people with special needs to ski effortlessly. “We have a specially designed ski, called a sit ski,” Wlodarczyk said. “It’s a larger board with a lot of surface area. The riders are completely seated in the water and don’t actually have to hold onto the rope.”

1. What does the underlined word “brainchild” in paragraph 2 mean?

A．Idea.

B．Area.

C．Birthplace

D．Destination

2. What did Wlodarczyk mainly intend to tell us in paragraph 3?

A．How Rixen protected the lake.

B．How Rixen set up a power source.

C．How much Rixen liked water skiing.

D．How Rixen created his cable water park.

3. In what way is Rixen the pioneer of the cable water park?

A．He brought fun to visitors.

B．He invented a cable tractor.

C．He turned it into a business.

D．He made cables travel fastest.

4. What do we know about the sit ski?

A．It is easy to ride.	B．It runs extremely quickly.
C．It offers a narrow board.	D．It is dangerous for the riders.

3 . Here are some fantastic parks in San Antonio.

Brackenridge Park

The park was first established in 1899 and has been popular with both locals and visitors ever since. Towering trees and peaceful riverbanks will greet guests along the park’s paths, and the facilities include playgrounds, museums, a miniature train, a Japanese tea garden, and one of the oldest golf courses in the city.

Friedrich Wilderness Park

In the park, you’ll find about 10 miles of paved(铺过的)and unpaved trails(路线), with a little something for everyone. From rocky climbs to deep canyons, and enchanting forests to open views, there’s no shortage of natural beauty. The area is nationally famous for birdwatching.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

The park is the state’s only one on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers quite a large area, so it’s best to make it a full-day or at least a half-day trip so you can be sure to cover everything. While the Alamo is a separate attraction, you will get to enjoy the architectural wonders of Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. They’re all connected by a hike and bike trail, with plenty of stops along the way to picnic, climb trees, and refill water. Admission is free!

Eisenhower Park

Just a 20-to 30-minute drive from the city center, the park puts the best landscapes in the Texas Hill Country on full display, holding 6 miles of hiking trails, both paved and unpaved. Explore dried creek beds, look out over plunging canyons, and enjoy full views of San Antonio down below. You can also find playgrounds for the little ones, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities.

1. What is Friedrich Wilderness Park well-known for?

A．Birdwatching.	B．Ancient buildings.
C．A Japanese tea garden.	D．Unpaved hiking paths.

2. Which park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

A．Brackenridge Park.

B．Friedrich Wilderness Park.

C．San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

D．Eisenhower Park.

3. What are some of the features of Eisenhower Park?

A．Golf courses and bicycle trails.

B．Museums and no entrance fee.

C．Birdwatching and playgrounds.

D．Hiking trails and barbecue facilities.

6 . 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.

2. What is the similarity between Emperor Qin Shihuang and Emperor Wudi of Han according to the text?

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.

3. How old is Beihai Park?

A．Less than 100 years old.	B．About 500 years old.
C．About 1, 000 years old.	D．Nearly 2, 000 years old.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．A famous park.	B．Historical palaces.
C．An unforgettable legend.	D．Ancient architectural styles.

7 . Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck Tickets

From $20.10

Lowest Price Guarantee 1 to 11 hours

See the beauty of Hong Kong from above by visiting Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck. Pre-booking admission means you’ll guarantee your entry and avoid waiting in long lines to purchase tickets. Get 360° views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s top landmarks. If you work up an appetite, you don’t have to leave, as there’s even a restaurant on site - Café 100 by The Ritz-Carlton.

Hong Kong International Airport Plaza Premium Lounge

From $66.19

Lowest Price Guarantee 3 to 12 hours

After arriving in Hong Kong, relax and unwind with hot showers, delicious food, and wireless Internet access before taking off on your departing flight with this Hong Kong International Airport Plaza Premium Lounge access. Customize your choice based on your layover to be sure there’s plenty of time to decompress and refresh before departure. Enjoy amenities such as hot food, beverages, wireless internet connection, and shower facilities.

Hong Kong Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private

From $154.96 Price varies by group size

Lowest Price Guarantee 4 hours

Get your bearings of Kowloon and taste your away around the city on this exciting Hong Kong night markets and street food tour. Take the stress out of getting lost by having a guide to lead the way. You’ll explore small side streets and night markets in Mong Kok and learn local secrets that you wouldn’t find out about otherwise. Your guide will advise you on the best local dishes to try, and you’ll enjoy 6-8 food tastings.

Brush Calligraphy Class / Chinese Ink Painting Class

From $65.32 Price varies by group size

Lowest Price Guarantee 1 hour 30 minutes

Art Connect and Communication is an institution that integrates art creation and cultural teaching. It hopes to create more diversified products with art and provide relevant courses to different people. ART CONNECT connects life with art, and affects life with life. We provide a variety of Chinese cultural experiences and exchanges. We provide the four Chinese arts of “Qin Qi, Calligraphy and Painting”, including cultural experiences such as guzheng, Chinese chess, calligraphy, and Chinese painting, to promote Chinese culture to people from different counties.

1. What is mentioned in Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck Tickets?

A．The exact price of food.	B．Booking tickets ahead.
C．Getting 360° views of The Ritz-Carlton.	D．The introduction of Victoria Harbour.

2. How long will it last if you attend Brush Calligraphy Class?

A．One to eleven hours.	B．Three to twelve hours.
C．Four hours.	D．One and a half hours.

3. What does the four destinations have in common?

A．Lowest Price Guarantee.	B．Different price by group size.
C．Art creation and cultural teaching.	D．The best local dishes to try.

8 . Prague is one of Europe's most magical cities with its postcard views. To experience the best of Prague, we've put together a walking guide to help you explore the city. Choosing this self-guided tour means that you can do it at your own pace.

Vrtba Garden

One of Prague's most beautiful and precious gardens. The garden dates back to 1720 with its old school Italian baroque style. This is one of Prague's lesser known attractions so you may not find many tourists around, but it's well worth the visit and a great way to start your walking tour of Prague.

Address: Kamelitsksá, 373/25, 118 00 Praha 1-Malá Strana, Czechia

Saint Nicholas Church

The most famous church in Prague is the Saint Nicholas Church. Three generations of great architects took around 100 years to build this magnificent church. The church remains active to this day, so why not go and have a close look at the church?

Address: Malostranské nám., 118 00 Praha I-Malá Strana, Czechia

Prague Castle

Situated on a hill on the left bank of river Vitava, the Prague Castle is roughly the size of seven football fields, which is the largest ancient castle in the world, so there's a lot to see. The Prague Castle has been rebuilt many times through the centuries, so it is an obvious mix of architectural styles.

Address: 119 08 Prague 1, Czechia

Lennon Wall

The wall is not just a memorial for John Lennon and his ideas for peace. It speaks highly of freedom of speech and is a form of non-violent rebellion of Czech youth who fought against   authorities during 1980.

Address: Velkopřevorské náměstí, 100 00 Praha 1, Czechia

1. What is the advantage of the self-guided tour?

A．It offers tourists a visit to Prague for free.

B．It provides a guide to help with the tour.

C．There is no need for tourists to rush.

D．There are many beautiful postcards on sale.

2. What is said about Vrtba Garden?

A．It is the oldest garden in Prague.

B．It has already attracted most tourists.

C．It is a good choice to begin your tour.

D．It is the only one in Italian baroque style.

3. What should you do when visiting the Prague Castle?

A．You should allow more time to explore the site.

B．You should have a good time playing football.

C．You should research the history of the Castle.

D．You should be careful when crossing the river Vitava.