Visitors to Chengdu will find many tea houses scattering(分布于) throughout the city. Drinking tea has become     1     essential part of Chengdu people’s daily life. Because of this, Chengdu has formed a special tea culture of its own.

For the     2    (local), the best place to have the proper atmosphere is a tea house,     3     they spend their leisure time while sipping their favorite tea. What often appeals to visitors is the brass teapot with a three foot-long spout(壶嘴), from which the tea can     4    (shoot) at a very long distance. Visitors who have the opportunity     5    (witness) this performance of pouring tea never forget it. Apart from being experts in the art of tea, the tea doctors are also very familiar     6     the local culture and are the perfect source to find out Chengdu’s local lifestyle.

The design of the tea houses varies according to the owner’s tastes. Besides tea, tea houses in Chengdu also have a     7    (various) of local snacks on the menu. Since many people in Chengdu spend many hours in the tea houses, food is a necessity.

The most unique part of Chengdu’s tea houses is the community atmosphere. Everyone comes to the tea houses to relax, do business     8     just drink tea. There are also people     9    (wander) the tea houses offering to clean out customers’ ears or cut their fingernails.

Chengdu is one of the few remaining places with true teahouse culture left in China. The only way we can     10     (true) understand it is to experience it.

Tea is a healthy drink. Drinking tea in China could be considered as an art and to help people achieve a sense of calm and renewed energy. It is also     1     way to enjoy life better.

Stories     2     are about the discovery of tea are different depending on the people who you ask, but we know that Chinese people have been drinking tea since Shennong, 5,000 years ago. Usually, tea     3     (believe) to be medicinal, and is so central to     4     (day) life that an old Chinese saying includes tea in a list of seven important contents to be gathered each morning, along with firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy and vinegar.

Tea serves three primary     5     (purpose) traditionally in Chinese society: to show status, to bring people together and to improve wellness.

Drinking tea together is a sign of respect. In ancient times, “tribute tea”(贡茶) was     6     (special) kept for and presented to the Emperor. Tea still has a place in the life of the average people. It is common     7     (give) guests a cup of tea to welcome them into the home. But tea is more than a key of social customs. It is meant to act     8     a medium through which people can become much     9     (close) to nature. Drinking tea out in nature will create a spiritual connection to the environment and make people feel     10     (relax).

It was a Friday morning, 7:30 am. I felt too lazy     1     (drive) my car, so my son booked a taxi. In five minutes, the taxi reached the entrance gate,     2    (wait) for my arrival. I just saw the taxi number and entered it. I was going to attend    3     important meeting so I said, “Please, go quick! I’m in a hurry!” The voice     4    (come), “Yes, madam!” I was surprised when I heard a female voice! The driver was a young lady. For the first time, I saw a lady who drove a taxi! Out of    5    (curious), I asked, “If you don’t mind, can I ask you a question?”

“Yes, madam! No problem.”

“It seems that you are well qualified! Why did you choose this profession?”

“Yes, madam!” she said very     6    (polite), “I have completed my education. I have done my MBA course. But driving was my passion from my childhood. I love it and I wanted a job     7     I can get satisfaction. I know that I can’t get enough money but I love driving! That’s it!”

Within     8    (we) conversation, we already reached my destination. I was so     9    (delight) to talk with her. I said, “May you happy, my child! I am proud     10     your noble thoughts! Keep going!”

I made up my mind to climb Mount Huashan to meet the beautiful dawn at the top of the peak. When    1    (arrive) at the foot of the mountain, I began climbing    2    (immediate) with great joy and determination.

During the process, a sudden light rain made the stone floor wet and slippery. I had the idea of giving up, but the crowd encouraged me    3     (continue) the trip. As the steps became narrower and     4     (steep), everyone lined up, grasped the chains and slowly moved forward. I     5     (move) by the unity and strength of a group of strangers.

When I nearly reached the top of the mountain, I hardly had any strength. Then I    6     (hear) a voice saying, “Relax! Don’t be afraid. As long     7     you climb up, you are the best!” Hearing this, I realized if I was frightened by the difficulties, I would defeat myself. So I gathered my strength and finally made     8    !

    9     the moment of sunrise, the rolling sea of clouds and the amazing scenery in the mountain changed dramatically. With all the way of sweat and     10     (persevere), you can climb to the summit of the “life”.

When speaking of Ne Zha, one of ancient China's most well-known mythical heroes, the first image into most Chinese people's mind is a naughty child who wears a red belly cover (du dou) and     1     (walk) on two fiery wheels.

    2     (adapt) into films many times, Ne Zha's cartoons still win applause from modern Chinese audience. The new film Ne Zha experienced a huge boost of     3     (popular). The film follows the classic character Ne Zha as he transforms from a rebellious (叛逆) kid into a dragon fighter,    4     success is evidence of further potential for China's film industry, as well as a strong faith     5     Chinese culture.

For many people of a certain age, the classic Ne Zha fantasy film of     6     (they) childhood would be Ne Zha Nao Hai,    7     animated film produced by the Shanghai Animation Film Studio in 1979.

China Post issued on Aug 28 a set of six postage stamps     8     (feature) scenes from Ne Zha Nao Hai. The film won awards at home and abroad for not only     9     (vivid) portraying a famous tale, but also emphasizing that Ne Zha challenges the evil     10     (fight) for justice.

The modern cosmetics (化妆品) industry is huge, with     1     (variety) of ingredients to make our faces smooth and healthy. But a recent discovery     2     (complete) by Chinese scientists suggested that ancient people loved their skincare too.

In February, a cosmetic face cream for men     3     (find) in a pot dating back over 2,000 years in Shaanxi province. After a complex chemical analysis, researchers proved the cosmetic facial cream based on beef fat was     4     (probable) used to whiten the skin. The facial cream,     5     was more than 1,000 years     6     (early) than previous written records, is the oldest cosmetic for males ever discovered in China and the oldest face cream so far. The face cream was unearthed from the grave of     7     ancient Chinese nobleman of the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC). Researchers said that in ancient China, nobles used cosmetics to lead fashion trends and to express their     8     (culture) identity. Cosmetics also confirm the pursuit of beauty among Chinese men. Although we have no idea on     9     occasions the nobleman might have used the face cream, it should be regarded     10     a precious item, as it was important enough to be put into a grave.