1 . China has constructed more than 20 new museums since 2012. Here are some of the best.

Shanghai Astronomy Museum

Launched in 2021, Shanghai Astronomy Museum is reportedly the world’s largest astronomy museum, covering more than 630,000 square feet.

In its three main sections — Home, Universe, and Journey — visitors can see 150 interactive exhibits. They can also watch videos of the vast universe in a huge dome theater with an 8K screen, which helps visitors to have a multi-sensory journey for space exploration.

Chengdu Science Fiction Museum

Located on a lake and opened to the public on October 13, 2023, the roughly 635, 000-square-foot museum explains Chengdu’s status as the national center of science fiction writing. It was in this mountain-surrounded city that China’s most popular science fiction magazine, Science Fiction World, was first published in 1979.

Beijing Sound Art Museum

For a decade, local artist Colin Chinnery regularly walked the streets of China’s capital, recording traditional sounds that are gradually disappearing from this modernizing city. Now, the museum has cataloged hundreds of his audio recordings of Beijing’s evolving soundscape — from the calls of street hawkers (商贩) to pige on whistles blown in parks. Opened on May 20, 2023, it’s located in Songzhuang Art District of Tongzhou, in Beijing’s eastern suburbs.

Suzhou Imperial Bricks Museum

Opened to the public on May 18, 2016, it is China’s first museum to display bricks for the royal families during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368 — 1911). The museum was built close to the brick kiln (窑) to show the complex brick-making process.

The kiln is still in use today. Bricks produced with traditional technologies have been used in restoration projects of heritage buildings, such as the Summer Palace in Beijing and the Puji Temple in Zhejiang province.

In the exhibition hall, visitors can explore the brick-making process through various cultural relics and interactive games.

1. What can visitors do in the huge theater of Shanghai Astronomy Museum?

A．Play interactive video games.	B．Watch high-definition videos.
C．Attend multi-sensory exhibits.	D．Scan the universe with telescopes.

2. When was Science Fiction World first published?

A．In 2021.

B．In 2016.

C．In 2012.

D．In 1979.

3. What do the last two museums have in common?

A．They preserve the past.	B．They show high technologies.
C．They explain the royal lives.	D．They present personal artworks.

3 . Snow and ice festivals are something to look forward to in winter. All around the world, people make the most of the cold weather to compete in winter sculpting competitions. The results are works of art that inspire awe and wonder. Thousands of visitors want to enjoy the festivities. Here are some amazing winter festivals.

Geilo Ice Music Festival-Geilo, Norway

This unique ice music festival that began 19 years ago is truly unique and brings ice sculpting to an all-new level. Artists gather in Geilo to create musical instruments from ice. The performance takes place in an igloo(圆顶小屋). This year's festival will take place from February 19 to February 24.

International Ice and Snow Festival-Harbin, China

The annual festival in Harbin, the largest in the world, restarted in 1985. Some people actually compare it to a frozen Disneyland because the festival's actions are learned by several theme parks and include, thrilling rides. There's also a fantastic evening display of ice sculptures. The festival is open on January 5 this year.

Ice Magic Festival-Banff, Canada

The festival has been taking place in Banff National Park for over 20 years. This year's competition will run from January 26 to January 28 and from February 2 to February 4. The final artworks are displayed for visitors who can participate in other activities including freestyle ice sculpting and ice games. You must have tickets to attend.

Kiruna Snow Festival-Kiruna, Sweden

This snow festival held in Kiruna, which is deep inside the Arctic Circle, began in 1986. The main part of the festival is a snow sculpting competition that includes artists from around the world. But there are plenty of activities to keep visitors busy during the competition, including sledding(滑雪橇), figure skating and a snowblower contest where participants work to see who can clear a path through a 40cm deep pile of snow, This year's festival takes place from January 24 to January 28.

1. Where should you go to attend a festival if you are available in early January?

A．Kiruna, Sweden.

B．Harbin, China.

C．Banff, Canada.

D．Geilo, Norway.

2. What may visitors get at Ice Magic Festival?

A．Free tickets for the festival.	B．Unique musical instruments.
C．The chance to admire final ice artworks.	D．The permission to live in an igloo.

3. What can we know about Kiruna Snow Festival?

A．It has the longest history.	B．It is aimed at removing snow.
C．It is funded by several theme parks.	D．It features a snow sculpting competition.

4 . York Minster—The Best Cathedral in England

Commonly known as York Minster, the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York is one of the finest old-fashioned buildings in Europe and was completed in 1472.

In addition to daily services, there are many features to discover. York Minster has one of Europe’s biggest collections of stained glass, with 128 windows made from approximately 2 million individual pieces of stained glass. In the interactive underground chambers, you can discover the 2000-year-old history of York Minster. In the grounds outside the Minster, the Old Palace houses famous historical treasures, collections and a library.

For the best view in York, climb the Tower for a splendid view of the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. All year round there are special events, including performances by the York Minster Choir.

OPENING TIMES
Mon to Sat: 9:30 am—4:00 pm
Sun: 12:45 pm—2:15 pm
TICKET INFORMATION

MINSTER ONLY	MINSTER AND CENTRAL TOWER
Adult/Senior: £18 Child (17 and under)*: free with a paying adult *Up to four children with one paying adult	Adult/Senior: £24 Child (8-17): £6 To climb the tower you must be aged 8*

It costs £30,000 a day to run York Minster and your admission fee directly supports the future of the cathedral. We never charge for people to enter the cathedral to pray, light a candle or attend a service.

BOOKING

As a working church, we do need to close from time to time at short notice so we strongly recommend booking in advance so we can keep you informed of any changes in opening times.

For more information or to book, please contact our team using the details below or complete our enquiry form.

T: 01904 557275
E: bookings@yorkminster.org
1. What can visitors do in York Minster?

A．Stay in the Old Palace.	B．Explore its rich history.
C．Make windows from stained glass.	D．Climb the Tower to watch performances.

2. What’s the charge for a couple with their six-year-old twins visiting Minster only?

A．£24.

B．£36.

C．£42.

D．£48.

3. What do we know about York Minster?

A．It takes on a modern style.	B．It bans climbing of the Tower.
C．It may have temporary closures.	D．It charges people attending services.

5 . 阅读下面短文，根据题目要求用英文回答问题。请在答题卡指定区域作答。

I always wanted to be like explorers Marco Polo or Ibn Battuta. They traveled the world with curiosity and a desire to share with others the marvels they discovered. They had no Internet, guidebooks, social media, blogs, vlogs, reviews, or slideshows. And with so much information available, how can one possibly be like these travel writing pioneers?

The answer may shock you as it did my travel journalism students. I plan nothing in advance except for a place to stay and let the place reveal itself to me on its own terms. And how does that work out? I have contributed to 130 international publications with articles about what I discovered.

I do not recommend this approach to everyone. But what I do suggest is that you give up your desire to have everything planned in advance, and that you stop obsessing about all the trip details and trying to make it a perfect trip. Whether you are traveling with a tour group, friends, family, or solo, leave unstructured time, so magic can happen.

Many people I know approach travel like a job, and a stressful one at that. They want to make sure they cover all the bases and don’t miss anything. But in my opinion, they copy what others have done before them and check each site off on a list.

So how do you make your trip unique? I call it slow travel. It’s not just about slowing down. Instead of running from place to place, you look around you, you take your environment in, you notice things that perhaps no one has ever noticed before. You can start talking to people. Random people you meet and talk to are a key element you cannot plan for. They may tell you about places and events that will enrich your trip. They give you local insider tips. They may even accompany you or invite you to join them for an experience. They have enriched every trip I have taken. And the more you talk to people — even if you are shy — the more you develop the self - confidence to do more of it. And then you are really in the present, having an experience that is uniquely yours.

1. Why does the author’s way of travelling shock her students?
___________________________________________________________________________
2. What does the author think of most people’s way of travelling?
___________________________________________________________________________
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.

You can make your trip unique by making a detailed plan, noticing new things in the place and meeting local people to experience local life.

___________________________________________________________________________
4. Besides slow travel, in what other aspect （s） in our life do you think we should slow down? Why? （In about 40 words）
___________________________________________________________________________

6 . Ready to step into the magical world of castles? Here are some of the most beautiful and famous castles around the globe to add to your bucket list.

Chateau de Chambord, Loire Valley, France

Located in the heart of the Loire Valley in France, the Chateau de Chambord and UNESCO World Heritage Site reflects the Renaissance era through and through. It’s home to the famous double helix (螺旋)staircase, designed by the great Leonardo Da Vinci.

Windsor Castle, Berkshire, United Kingdom

Escape from the crowded streets of London with a trip to Windsor Castle, located just 20minutes away by train from Paddington Station. This gothic-style castle is an ancient wonder—it is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland

Sitting on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle in Scotland is a historic fortress (堡垒) with a commanding presence over the city. Set against clear, expansive skies, its ancient beauty and attraction are best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. If you’re traveling with kids, consider an interactive Harry Potter-themed walking tour that includes Edinburgh Castle as one of its stops.

Schloss Neuschwanstein, Bavaria, Germany

Set in the peaceful countryside of Bavaria, Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle is the very castle that inspired the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Located nearby is the equally impressive Hohenschwangau, where the late King Ludwig II spent his childhood. Both castles require admission tickets.

Traveler tip: Join a skip-the-line tour with stopovers at both.

1. Which castle best suits a family with little kids?

A．Chateau de Chambord.	B．Windsor Castle.
C．Edinburgh Castle.	D．Schloss Neuschwanstein.

2. What can people do if they go to Bavaria, Germany?

A．Skip the line at will.	B．Take a tour for free.
C．Get some inspiration.	D．Visit two castles at a time.

3. Who are most likely to be interested in the text?

A．Nature adventurers.	B．Travel lovers.
C．Extreme sports players.	D．Professional philosophers.

9 . 阅读下面短文,在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Chengdu is a nice lively city with a busy street life which people always find amusing. If you are traveling to Chengdu with children, a stop at one of the Giant Pnda Reserves will be     1     you must try. But that’s not all there is to see for children.

Kids will also enjoy     2    (take) a walk around ancient Jin Li Street, with its colorful market atmosphere, temples, the river and bridges. Stop at the teahouses, enjoy the markets, and try some    3    (taste) Sichuan dishes. Just around     4     corner you will find all sorts of Tibetan clothes and cultural objects, different from the usual souvenirs     5    (find) throughout China.

In addition, Chengdu can     6    (use) as a base for many one-day hikes in Sichuan Province. Besides the Giant Pandas,     7     the city is well-known for, there will be plenty to keep the kids busy in this area.     8    (certain), it is worth staying for a few days if you have the time.

Chengdu is also considered the gateway for travel into Tibet. Sichuan Province itself has a large Tibetan population and offers plenty     9     opportunities for interacting with minority cultures. Children can enjoy and learn from these     10    (encounter) here.