Ancient charm of China: Huangyao Ancient Town
Located in Zhaoping County in Hezhou City, South China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Huangyao Ancient Town is 200 kilometers from Guilin—one of the most-visited tourist
Huangyao has a history of nearly 1,000 years with its origins dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It
Traditional festivals and customs have been carried on for hundreds of years. During Chinese Lunar New Year, over 20 traditional performances
Huangyao tofu is
It usually takes a day or two to tour around the old town due to
2 . Over the past year, several films and TV dramas have put their shooting locations into the public spotlight.
Dali in Yunnan Province
With the TV drama Meet Yourself earlier last year, Dali in Yunnan Province emerged as a highly sought-after tourism destination.
During the Spring Festival holiday, Yunnan Province received the second most tourists in the nation with a tourism profit of 38.4 billion yuan, ranking top. Among this, Dali received 4.24 million tourists, marking a remarkable 219 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Jiangmen in Guangdong Province
Thanks to the success of the hit show The Knockout, Jiangmen in Guangdong Province became an outstanding tourism destination last year.
Data reveals a remarkable 217 percent month-on-month increase in searches related to tourism in the city in February. Currently, travel bookings witness a substantial 144 percent month-on-month rise.
Taiyuan Ancient County in Shanxi Province
Full River Red has set Taiyuan Ancient County in Shanxi on fire with excitement.
From Jan. 21 to 31, the county witnessed over 400,000 tourists, a significant rise compared to the about 180,000 visitors during the previous Spring Festival holiday. Notably, one-third of these tourists were from outside Shanxi Province.
Ningbo Museum in Zhejiang Province
With the broadcast of the TV drama Three-Body Problem, Ningbo Museum has gained significant attention.
Visitor numbers rose to 50,000 during the Spring Festival, marking a remarkable 220 percent year-on-year increase. Even after the festival, there were 2,000 to 3,000 visitors daily consistently.
1. What was the impact of Meet Yourself?A.It contributed to the tourism profits. | B.It helped Dali earn 38.4 billion yuan. |
C.It made Yunnan a tourism destination. | D.It ranked Dali a top tourism destination. |
A.Dali. | B.Jiangmen. |
C.Taiyuan Ancient County. | D.Ningbo Museum. |
A.About 23,000. | B.Over 400,000. | C.Nearly 50,000. | D.2,000 to 3,000. |
3 . “For thousands of years, humans have raced to be the first to climb a peak, cross a frontier, or document a new species or landscape. Now in some cases, we’re racing to be the last,” said New York Times’ Paige McClanahan.
In recent years, a growing industry has been stimulated by climate change — last-chance tourism. According to Eco Sustainable Solutions, a UK-based organic recycling and waste processing company last-chance tourism is a kind of tourism geared toward seeing the last of something due to climate change. As temperatures and water levels rise, this could mean seizing the last chance to see the Great Barrier Reef, an Arctic glacier and a remote island that is sinking.
As millions of tourists rush to imperiled destinations, some are taking advantage of the increasing demand to spread environmental awareness. One tourist spot, the Sea of Ice in France, opened an exhibit in 2021 to educate visitors on glaciers and climate change. This educational push seems to be having an impact, as a 2023 survey showed that 80% of the visitors would try to learn more about the environment and how to protect it while 77% said that they would reduce their water and energy use.
However, the last-chance tourism industry may become kind of our concern. As more and more people flood into these areas in a panic to see them before they are gone, they in fact contribute to the increased greenhouse gas emissions and over tourism, leading to their destruction. Just as many scholars put it, last-chance tourism is a paradox (悖论).
Although tourists may acknowledge the broader risks and importance of climate change, it’s even more important to connect the responsibility of the individual tourism to the future of our planet. It’s not just about understanding the need to stop climate change; it’s even more important to avoid making it worse.
1. What does the author intend to do by quoting Paige McClanahan’s words?A.To highlight the value of New York Times. |
B.To recall and memorize the good old days. |
C.To channel readers’ awareness to climate change. |
D.To introduce the subject of last-chance tourism. |
A.Visiting the Confucius Temple in China. |
B.Taking an adventurous trip to the depths of the ocean. |
C.Climbing the snow-covered mountain of Kilimanjaro. |
D.Admiring the unique Spanish architecture at Cusco, Peru. |
A.Popular. | B.Remote. | C.Endangered. | D.Preserved. |
A.It’s a double-edged sword. | B.It’s a stone to kill two birds. |
C.It’s a life jacket in the stormy sea. | D.It’s a dream that will never come true. |
4 . Why volunteer with STA Travel?
It’s a sad truth that many well-intentioned volunteer projects can be mismanaged for profit rather than helping. We will only work with projects that have a positive impact, satisfying the needs of the host communities while also meeting the desires of travellers to make real contributions, train their mind to think creatively, and gain skills for future study and work.
We support projects in more than 30 countries. Whether you’re looking to teach English, work with communities, animals or clean up our planet, there’s something for everyone.
Our featured voluntourism projects
Teach Children in Nepal
Join the project lasting over three weeks to assist with English lessons and homework and choose to stay at a shared volunteer house. Optional activities include a trip to Pokhara, the second largest city in the country and cooking demonstrations.
Thai Elephant Conservation
Experience one of our best-selling volunteer projects which offer a peaceful home to more than 30 neglected and previously abused elephants — with options ranging from seven days to four weeks. Play an important role by preparing food, feeding them and assisting in maintenance of the park.
Make a Difference in Indonesia
Work alongside local communities to arrange beach clean-ups and monitor and nurse newborn animals in their living areas for four weeks. There are also two-month options including teaching in local schools and community visit opportunities.
Experience Borne o & Conserve Orang-utans
This one-month project is designed for volunteers to experience and help with rehabilitation (复兴) of orang-utans in Sarawak, which are large arboreal animals and the only great apes in Asia. What’s more, take part in a long adventurous walk into the rainforest to meet the Iban and experience a unique stay in traditional longhouses.
1. What is the feature of STA Travel?A.Its services are all over the world. | B.It provides free training for volunteers. |
C.It focuses on domestic communities. | D.Its projects leave a far-reaching influence. |
A.Teach Children in Nepal. | B.Make a Difference in Indonesia. |
C.Thai Elephant Conservation. | D.Experience Borne o &Conserve Orang-utans. |
A.Taking part in adventurous walks. |
B.Bringing harmony between man and nature. |
C.Tracking wild animals in their living places. |
D.Arranging clean-ups in traditional longhouses. |
5 . Look, let’s be honest-there’s no such thing as a “green” vacation. You’ll leave a carbon footprint, no matter what.
Is it a B Corp?
B Corps are businesses that meet a strict set of standards by the nonprofit B Lab. They include requirements for governance, workers, customers, community and the environment.
Does the company have any other environmental certifications?
Third-party certifications from Green Key, LEED and WELL can be signs that a travel company means business about the environment. Transportation companies may also offer verified certifications from organizations like Terrapass or the Gold Standard Foundation.
If the company claims to be green, don’t just take its word for it. Listen to what it says. If you see nothing but models on its Instagram channel or ads for online discounts on its site, perhaps it’s a shade of fake green. “A company’s social media strategy is generally a reflection of its current ethos and goals,” explained Julia Carter, founder of Craft Travel.
How deep is its commitment to the environment?
A.But your trip can be green-ish. |
B.What’s the company saying to everyone? |
C.How can we find a reliable company online? |
D.Don’t trust anything the company says to the public. |
E.These certifications aren’t a guarantee the company is green. |
F.Look for reliable reports on sustainability from a travel company. |
G.You can search the directory of these forward-looking companies online. |
1. How long did the hike take?
A.Three days | B.Eight days | C.Fourteen days. |
A.Mountains. | B.Woodlands | C.Desert. |
A.A lion. | B.A wolf. | C.A snake |
7 . Phenomenal Los Angeles Exhibitions To See Right Now
While there are tons of world-class museums in Los Angeles to lose yourself in all year round, there are a few that stand out as must-sees. Here are two of the best art exhibits in Los Angeles that you simply cannot miss.
Hip Hop Til Infinity
Explore the extensive history and enduring influence of hip hop at this exciting new exhibition on Sunset Blvd. Guests will embark on a 50-year journey of the genre, from its origins in New York through its presence here in Los Angeles. You can also expect immersive virtual concerts, vibrant listening parties, meet-and-greets with influential artists, iconic photography displays, and an original soundtrack by DJ Clark Kent. Remember that reservations are required before your visit.
Tickets: $15 per ticket.
Dates: On view now, tickets available through April 2024
Location: 6400 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles
Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms
We’re lucky to have two of Yayoi Kusama’ s Infinity Mirror Rooms available to visit for free right here in LA.
Infinity Mirrored Room: An enclosed mirror-lined space filled with flashing LED lights that visitors physically step into. Since guests enter the space one group at a time, the Broad requires that you make a timed reservation to foster the best possible experience. Find it on the first floor of The Broad.
Longing for Eternity: A mirrored chamber filled with pulsating neon lights that guests peer into one by one. There’s no need to make a reservation for this, so just join the line on the third floor.
Tickets: Free to visit.
Dates: On view now, no end date announced
Location: The Broad, 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles
1. Which is suitable for people who don’t book in advance?A.Hip Hop Til Infinity. |
B.Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms |
C.Infinity Mirrored Room. |
D.Longing for Eternity. |
A.The opening time has not been announced yet. |
B.They will charge visitors who don’t make a reservation. |
C.Guests to Longing for Eternity can line up on the first floor. |
D.Groups should enter the Infinity Mirrored Room one by one. |
A.A travel brochure. | B.An encyclopedia. |
C.A report. | D.A textbook. |
8 . Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you’re looking for a memorable and romantic trip, the Scottish capital city — Edinburgh is your destination for a magical Valentine’s Day. Here are 4 special reasons to surprise your loved one with an Edinburgh break.
1. Stay at The Balmoral
Having celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2022, royal families, celebrities and heads of state have all stayed at this five-star luxury hotel in the heart of Edinburgh. Combining modern design and classic architecture, the hotel itself, with its incredible clock tower, is an Edinburgh landmark and part of the skyline. There’s also a spa, gym and a 4 AA Rosette restaurant Number One, serving Scottish cuisine.
2. See Scott Monument and Edinburgh Castle
Seeing the landmarks of Edinburgh is a must and two of the most historic and striking are just a short walk from The Balmoral. The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic monument dedicated to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. The Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the city, dates back to the 11th century and offers the perfect opportunity to learn about fascinating Scottish history and enjoy the awesome views as well.
3. Visit the Scottish National Gallery and National Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh is a cultural city, with some of Scotland’s finest museums and art galleries. The Scottish National Gallery houses Scotland’s national collection of fine art, from the Renaissance (文艺复兴) onwards, in a striking neoclassical building. Romance and Reality Scotland 1800-1895 is highly recommended. The National Museum of Scotland includes Scottish archaeological finds and the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is well worth a visit too.
4. View the city and see the monuments at Calton Hill
A short walk from The Balmoral beyond Princes Street’s east end is Calton Hill (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) , a hill that offers magnificent views of Edinburgh without too much uphill effort. Calton Hill is also home to’ some impressive monuments and buildings, including the National Monument, Nelson Monument, Robert Burns Monument and the City Observatory.
1. What is the purpose of building the Scott Monument?A.To become a landmark. | B.To enjoy the awesome views. |
C.To memorialize a Scottish writer. | D.To overlook the whole city. |
A.Edinburgh Castle. | B.City Observatory. |
C.Princes Street. | D.National Museum of Scotland. |
A.Both of them date back to the Renaissance. |
B.They both overlook the city of Edinburgh. |
C.They both have been included in the World Heritage List. |
D.Both of them are home to some striking monuments. |
When Juni Stefanus Santoso from Indonesia rode a camel in a desert in Dunhuang, Gansu Province — an important cultural center on the Silk Road
On a four-day trip to Dunhuang in late April, Santoso, together with other foreign students, mostly from nations along the Silk Road,
“It was so
“I was impressed by China’s science and technologies before coming to China. You can do everything on your phone,” says Santoso,
The cultural trip, however, showed Santoso a view of China
10 . Washington Irving once wrote, “…Europe held forth the charms of storied and poetical association.
A.Tourism is always closely related to culture. |
B.Europe was rich in the treasure of age. |
C.China is a large country with time-honored history. |
D.Of all the global tourist attractions, China tops the list. |
E.Topchinatravel here collects some treasures of Chinese culture for your reference. |
F.Therefore, visitors have to study the culture themselves in order to gain an impressive trip. |
G.Therefore, we cooperate with tourist agencies throughout the world offering unforgettable travels. |