With a history of 600 years, Kunqu Opera,    1     (bear) in the region of Kunshan in today's Suzhou, Jiangsu province, is considered China’s oldest opera form and one of the most     2     (influence) theatrical traditions.    3     many traditional art forms, it was also once on the edge of extinction.

In 2001, Kunqu Opera was listed as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, which helped the ancient art form to receive more protection     4     contributed to its revival. Yang Fengyi, artistic director and head of the Northern Kunqu Opera Theater,     5     (travel) with her performers to the UNESCO headquarters to witness the historic moment.

Kunqu Opera has distinguished     6     (it) by the virtuosity (精湛技巧) of its rhythmic patterns and its pieces are     7     (close) linked with Chinese literature. In 2003, the Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theater worked with Chinese -American writer Kenneth Hsienyung Pai     8     (produce) the “youth version” of a Kunqu Opera production, The Peony Pavilion,     9     classic Ming Dynasty play by playwright Tang Xianzu. Since its premiere in Taiwan in 2004, this version has clocked in about 400     10     (perform), attracting a growing young audience, who consider the art form to be deep, elegant and complicated.

Since sixteen literature works     1     (include) in the British Library, one of the world’s largest libraries, online novels with distinctive Chinese features have emerged as an important way for cross-cultural communication.

After 20 years of overseas development, China’s online literature has gained     2     (recognize) among the global readership. According to a report, Chinese online literary works have been translated into 20 languages,     3     (cover) more than 40 countries and regions. Online literature is becoming a successful cultural communication for China,     4     international readers showing a strong and growing willingness     5     (pay) for Chinese online literature. Some insiders have even listed     6     as one of the four cultural wonders of the world, alongside Hollywood blockbusters, Japanese animations, and idol dramas from ROK TV series     7     (adapt) from online literary works are popular both at home and abroad.

The     8     (evident) growing Chinese online literature in overseas markets offers a totally new worldwide lens into understanding China, through     9     overseas readers could not only learn more about Chinese cultural elements and core values such ns diligence, harmony and cooperation, but also realize the different cultural     10     (origin) and ways of thinking between China and the West.

Seated by the Tonghui River that runs across southern Beijing, Banbidian village     1    (take) on a quite different look of quietness and is visited by few people. But     2    (actual) it is not far — about 15 minutes’ drive from the capital city’s central business district     3     high-rises are built everywhere.

A major reason is that Banbidian used to have factories which     4    (remove) later, leaving empty workshops and compounds, and also the village is where several railways run through.

Now, people in the village and from art universities are working together     5    (bring) dynamism back to Banbidian. The latest effort is to inaugurate (开创) Art BBD — Tonghui Riverside Public Art Season, which will start in late April and run through August.

In cooperation with famous art schools in and outside Beijing, the village committee recently sent out an     6    (invite) to artists around the world,     7    (hope) that they could contribute their creativity to enriching Banbidian’s new landscapes. Submissions — works and public art plans — began     8     March 20 and lasts till April 15, and finalists will join other works to be displayed at several outdoor spots.

Art BBD was a cultural brand jointly     9    (launch) by Banbidian and the Central Academy of Fine Arts in 2019 to explore projects and activities that help to turn the village into     10     new destination of creativity.

The main tomb of the Marquis of Haihun, the discovery of which was one of the most     1     (significance) archaeological activities in the country in recent years, opened to the public on Friday in east China’s Jiangxi Province.

The Western Han Dynasty tomb,     2     (locate) in the provincial capital Nanchang, is one of the few imperial tombs not to be destroyed. The main tomb is around 8 meters deep, 17 meters long and 16 meters wide, and linked by a long path.     3     (protect) the site, visitors will observe it from above via a newly-built passage way. Visitors can have a look at the design of the tomb and also see     4     (imitate) of some unearthed items,     5     (include) Liu’s coffin and a dressing mirror painted with the portrait of Confucius.

In addition, naked-eye 3D technology is applied to     6     (vivid) demonstrate different sections of the tomb as well as its collection of relics.

The tomb began excavation in 2011, during     7     more than 10,000 cultural relics were unearthed. Among the unearthed     8     (be) nearly 480 gold ware items and processed rehmannia (地黄) root confirmed as the earliest sample of processed herbal medicine found in China.

The marquis Liu was the grandson of Emperor Wu, whose reign ushered in one of     9     most prosperous periods in China’s history.

Liu was given the title “Haihunhou”, after he was deposed as emperor following only 27 days in this role. He was deposed by the royal family because they believed he lacked talent and     10     (moral). Haihun is the ancient name of a small kingdom in northern Jiangxi.

Grain Rain marks a significant period in the traditional Chinese calendar. As the     1     (six) of the 24 Solar Terms, Grain Rain usually falls around April 20 and lasts until the beginning of May. This period is     2     (traditional) associated with the onset of the rainy season, providing much-needed water that helps crops grow.

Grain Rain symbolizes the end of spring and marks the time     3     (begin) preparations for summer, making it crucial for farmers to ensure that their crops     4     (plant) in time to take full advantage of the growing season. During this time, activities like planting rice, corn, and beans are common due     5     the favorable conditions of warmer temperatures and increased rainfall. Grain Rain’s significance extends beyond just agriculture. It represents     6     time of growth, both in nature and within communities.

Grain Rain is a period rich with festivals, cultural events and communal gatherings. Communities often celebrate with various festivities,     7     (appreciate) nature’s renewal. It’s common to see people engaging in outdoor activities, celebrating with traditional performances, and enjoying the blooming of spring flowers,     8     are especially significant during Grain Rain.

Grain Rain not only highlights the practical aspects of agricultural planning but also embodies a deeper connection to the cycles of nature and the community’s cultural practices. It is a     9     (reflect) of the wisdom embedded in the traditional Chinese way of life, where observing natural phenomena guides daily activities and     10     (season) preparations.

Jane Eyre (《简爱》) is a timeless classic that attracts readers with its powerful storytelling and unforgettable characters.     1     (write) by Charlotte Bronte, this novel follows the journey of Jane Eyre, a poor young woman who overcomes adversity     2     (find) love and independence.

The novel is a masterpiece of Victorian literature, exploring themes of love, morality, and social class. Jane Eyre’s strong sense of self-worth and independence makes her attractive, while her love for Mr. Rochester adds depth     3     the story.

Bronte’s writing style is     4     (elegance) and interesting, drawing readers into Jane’s world and engaging them in the richly detailed settings of Thornfield Hall and Yorkshire. The novel’s atmospheric descriptions and vivid imagery bring the story to life,     5     (create) an absorbing reading experience.

One of the most memorable aspects of Jane Eyre is its     6     (explore) of complex inner struggles of    7    (it) characters. From Jane’s internal conflicts to Mr. Rochester’s troubled past, the novel explores the depths of human emotion with sensitivity.

Overall, Jane Eyre is an everlasting masterpiece     8     continues to attract readers of all ages. Its powerful themes, memorable characters, and engaging storytelling make it     9     must-read for anyone seeking an unforgettable novel. So far, Jane Eyre     10     (leave) a lasting legacy (遗产), inspiring numerous adaptations in film, television, and theater. Its timeless themes continue to attract audiences of all ages, making it a beloved classic for generations to come.

China recently shared exciting news about its space exploration efforts, and revealed the names of its manned lunar lander and a new crew spaceship. This development marks     1     important step in the nation’s efforts     2     (explore) outer space. The lunar lander is named Lanyue,     3     means “embracing (拥抱) the moon”. This choice reflects the dream and confidence of the Chinese people in their space exploration efforts.

The crew spaceship has been named Mengzhou, or Dream Vessel,     4     (indicate) its role in realizing the dream of landing on the moon and exploring newfrontier s in space. Mengzhou will have two versions: one for exploring the moon and the other for trips between Earth     5     the Tiangong space station, and the latter takes over the duties from the current Shenzhou spaceship.

These names, Lanyue and Mengzhou, were selected     6     (careful) from nearly 2,000 suggestions by the public to show the wide     7     (participate) and interest of the Chinese people     8     their country’s space missions. China plans to send its first manned mission to the moon around 2030. The Lanyue lander is designed with a landing and propulsion (推进) section to carry two astronauts to the moon. The Mengzhou spacecraft, designed for space travel,     9     (include) a reentry module for the astronauts and a service module     10     (equip) with power and propulsion systems.

Xiangsheng, or crosstalk, is arguably the most popular comic performance in China, appealing to people of all ages.

Xiangsheng first appeared in China during the Ming Dynasty. But it was not until the middle and late Qing Dynasty     1     xiangsheng, established itself as     2     unique and independent art form.

Performed mainly in Beijing or Tianjin dialect, xiangsheng is     3     (essential) known for its humorous and satirical (讽刺的) nature. It could be a comedic monologue, dialogue or multiplayer sketch.

As the     4     (early) form of xiangsheng, dankou, or monologue, is performed by an actor who mainly cracks jokes or simply narrates humorous stories. It’s known as qunkou when it is performed by three or more people.

But most of the time, xiangsheng is performed by two actors,     5     is called duikou. The two actors usually discuss or argue over a subject or a social phenomenon     6     a satirical and humorous manner. The main purpose is     7     (cause) laughter among the audience.

In the early years, xiangsheng performers typically came from a humble background,     8     (start) off as street performers. The most popular     9     (venue) of xiangsheng used to be Beijing Tianqiao, Tianjin Quanyechang and Nanjing Confucius Temple. Later, they began to perform in teahouses and theaters. With the     10     (arrive) of radio and television, xiangsheng began to reach audiences everywhere.

Since ancient times, phoenixes     1     (regard) by Chinese as birds that can bring happiness and good fortune. A male phoenix is called feng and a female one huang,     2     they are collectively called fenghuang (phoenix). Like the Chinese dragon, the phoenix is also viewed    3     a god or goddess. The phoenix is very beautiful, with the head of a     4     (gold) pheasant, the wings of a dapeng (a huge bird from Chinese legend) , the     5     (leg) of a crane, the beak of a parrot and the tail of a peacock, and is     6     king /queen of all birds, as well as a symbol of beauty, happiness and peace. Legend has it that when the state is in a state of peace and prosperity, the phoenix will descend from heaven     7     (live) on earth. When the phoenix appears, numerous birds will fly after it from all directions,     8     is called “birds paying homage to the phoenix”. In the feudal age, the phoenix was taken as a symbol of the     9     (noble) woman of the imperial court. The phoenix remains a popular image in Chinese folklore today,     10     (symbolize) good fortune, happiness and joy.