2 . Top 4 must-see ancient villages in Beijing

Beijing is a world-famous historical and cultural city with a history of more than 3, 000 years. The rich and profound ancient village culture found in and around the city remains an important part of the capital’s history and culture. Below we recommend 4 must-see ancient villages in the Beijing area as the 2024 May Day holiday approaches.

Lingshui village

Located in the northwest of Mentougou district, Lingshui village was formed in the Liao and Jin dynasties. The ancient dwellings in Lingshui village are a model of rural residential buildings during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) in northerm China, and their original appearance is well preserved. Tourists can explore over 120 folk houses, alongside many cultural relics in the village.

Shuiyu village

Shuiyu village is in Fangshan district. The village was built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. With 600 houses and more than 100 sets of courtyard houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties, the original cultural ecology of the village has been well maintained. Facing both north and south, the village is laid out in a circular shape, forming a unique architectural style.

Sangyu village

Sangyu village lies in the north of Mentougou district, Beijing, next to Lingshui village. Prior to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) , Sangyu village was called Sanyu or “encountering” in English, named for the three water channels that meet in the village. Dense mulberry tree forests surround the entire village, and when they bear fruit, purple mulberries light up the village valley.

Malan village

Malan village, which means “horse stable” in English, had a history of keeping horses that dates back to the Ming dynasty. The ancient buildings in Malan village are made of stone and mud. When building and repairing houses in the village, people try their best to maintain their original appearance. There is also an exhibition hall, a row of old houses, as well as 12 gate bridges in the the village.

1. Which village is designed round according to the text?

A．Lingshui village.	B．Shuiyu village.
C．Sangyu village.	D．Malan village.

2. What does Lingshui village and Malan village have in common?

A．They are models of rural buildings.

B．The houses are made of stones and mud.

C．Their original appearance are well maintained.

D．They were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

3. From which column of a newspaper can this passage probably be taken?

A．Nature.

B．Agriculture.

C．Geography.

D．Tourism.

3 . 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。

It is reported     1     the International Lantern Festival “Lanternia” opened on December 8 at the Fairy Tale Forest in central Italy, and a large collection of handmade Chinese lanterns lit up one of     2     major theme parks in the city of Cassino.

    3     (divide) into six areas, this large-scale display covered about 110, 000 square meters, all lightened with giant Chinese lanterns. “The lanterns are popular with Italians,” says Domenico Durante, director of the exhibition. What was extremely     4     (amaze) was that the lantern attracted plenty of visitors into the park every day.

The success of the exhibition is due to the fine handiwork of craftsmen in Zigong, Sichuan Province, a city known for     5     (it) lantern culture. The lively lanterns are made of silk, an eco-friendly material,     6     is lightweight and nonpolluting. They were very attractive to Italians, who came from the north and south of the country     7     (see) them. Durante drove over 50 minutes from Beneventoto to the park with his family. His son     8     (particular) loves dragon lanterns for their wonderful colors and the dragon’s moving head.

The exhibition originated in a trip that Durante took to Zigong, where he     9     (impress) by this traditional art and decided to bring it to his hometown. “Next year, we might do more lanterns with Chinese     10     (characteristic) and bring the exhibition to other cities, or even all over the world,” he says.

4 . Traveling on foot in Thailand is an amazing experience. While you get ready for a thrilling experience of a lifetime, take a look at some of the best places for your adventure.

Chiang Mai

The trails in Chiang Mai are perfect for amateur hikers. Hiking here is a superb choice as there are beautiful forests, valleys and rivers as well as various tribal (部落的) villages with ethnic minorities that you can explore.

Tips: Pick up a hiking option from an experienced operator that has in-depth knowledge of the area because it is a fairly large one.

Doi Inthanon

Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand. It is also one of the most beautiful places with three impressive waterfalls that flow down quickly. As you travel along the 47-kilometre road to the top, you will pass a few small villages of the Karen Hill Tribes and rice fields.

Tips: Make sure to have an experienced guide.

Hua Hin

One of the most incredible things to do is hiking in Hua Hin. The area features its elephant camps. You can care for the elephants, like feeding and bathing them. It must be a special experience to ride on the back of a tall elephant while exploring this beautiful region.

Tips: Make sure to pack extra clothes if you plan to bathe the elephants.

Kamphaeng Phet

As a historically significant part of Thailand, Kamphaeng Phet is a quiet and charming province with many cultural and natural attractions. You can explore the ancient ruins that are scattered throughout the province.

Tips: Be respectful of the statues and other religious monuments.

1. What do Chiang Mai and Doi Inthanon have in common?

A．They are suitable for professional hikers.

B．They have 3, 000-meter waterfalls.

C．They are located in the urban areas.

D．They have some tribal villages.

2. What can travelers do in Hua Hin?

A．Look after the elephants.	B．Set up the animal camps.
C．Design minority clothing.	D．Visit religious monuments.

3. Which place should you go to if you are interested in historic culture?

A．Chiang Mai.	B．Doi Inthanon.
C．Hua Hin.	D．Kamphaeng Phet.