In the past year, I had an unforgettable experience of learning tai chi. Honestly speaking, I admitted that I     1     (feel) hesitant at first but with time passing by, it really had a huge effect on me     2     (physical) and mentally. Not only were I deeply impressed by the moves that caught my imagination, such as “white crane spreading its wings” and “golden rooster standing on one leg”, but also I     3     (inspire) to explore Chinese culture.

It is all about keeping a balance between yin and yang,     4     are believed to form the unity of opposites. The practice of taichi aims     5     (maintain) the balance of our body through opposite     6     (movement): up and down, left and right, forwards and backwards, breathing in and breathing out. By performing the routine, tai chi eventually brings     7     a state of physical and mental peace. No wonder it is a best way to relax your mind and body.

I also experienced a short period of tiredness and boredom. Thanks to the patient guidance of professional coach, I gradually found to my     8     (satisfy) that I could focus on peace of mind and sleep better,     9     (enable) me to stay cool under pressure. I am sure I will continue to practice tai chi and enjoy     10     benefits it has brought me.

Longmen Grottoes

Set on the banks of the Yi River, 12km south of the current Luoyang City, the Longmen Grottoes are ranked first of the Four Great Grotioes in China, together with Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, Yungang Grottoes in Datong and Mount Maiji Grottoes in Tianshui. They were also listed in the World Cultural Heritages and Relics by UNESCO in 2000.

    1     (Locate) between the Xiangshan Mountain and the Longmen Mountain, with the YiRiver flowing below, the Longmen Grottoes are     2     (harmony) with mountains, forests and rivers displaying a peaceful atmosphere. Viewing it at a distance, it looks like     3     natural gate, which gave it the name “Yi Que (the gate of the Yi River)”. According to legend,     4     Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty climbed on Mount Mang north of Luoyang, he was very pleased and ordered the eastern capital     5     (build) here with its palace gate opposite the Yique. Thus, it came to be named, Longmen Gate.

Longmen Gate also houses     6     (rough) 2860 stele inscriptions (碑刻), making     7     a treasure for ancient calligraphy study. In total, more than 100,000 Buddhist statues and niches     8     (carve) into the cliffs by ancient Chinese people ranging from the largest one, the Vairocana Buddha with a     9     (high) of 17.14 meters,     10     the smallest one of 2 centimeters.

Wandering in the Longmen Grottoes, one is amazed by the delicate carving skills, deep Buddhist culture and great art achievements of Chinese people.