Since respect for elders is very important in Chinese culture, there is a special festival     1     (call) the Qingming Festival in Chinese. The words “Qingming” literally mean “clear” and “bright” — quite a fitting     2     (describe) of the beautiful weather around this time of the year.

During the festival, Chinese families     3     (usual) visit the graves of their ancestors to sweep away dust and fallen     4     (leaf) in order to keep the family tombs clean. That’s     5     it is also known as the Tomb-Sweeping Day. After that, many families will go on a spring outing,     6     (take) full advantage of the nice weather and the opportunity to gather with family members. In Mandarin, we call this outing “taqing”,     7     refers to families gathering upon the soft green grass to play and eat. Flying kites     8     (be) also very popular with children in this festival due to the fine weather.

In Chinese culture, it’s important to respect our elders. In life, we respect them by making them     9     (pride) and taking care of them in their old age. After death, we respect them by keeping their tombs clean and remembering them. Therefore, the Qingming Festival is not meant to be a day of sadness,     10     a day for remembering one’s heritage. Celebrate this festival by taking some time to remember your heritage.

The Water-Splashing Festival, also     1     (know) as Buddha Bathing Ceremony, is the New Year’s celebration of the Dai ethnic minority in Yunnan Province. For Dai people, the annual Water-Splashing Festival is the most important holiday, attracting tens of thousands of locals and     2     (tour).

Jinghong, the capital of Dai Autonomous Prefecture, usually     3     (celebrate) it from Aprill3 to 15. On the first two days, a grand celebration marks the beginning of the festival. An outdoor market is set up,     4     locals come for new-year shopping. At night, the banks of the river are     5     (colorful) lit, and locals float river lanterns on the river. The third day     6     (reserve) for water splashing. The Dai people will put     7     their newest and best clothes, and then gather at the local Buddhist temple. It isn’t until people splash the Buddha statue with clear water     8     they can flock to the streets, parks or squares with pots or bottles, to splash each other with water.

For Dai people, water is     9     symbol of holiness, goodness and purity. Therefore, splashing others with water during the Water-Splashing Festival is     10     (wish) that person good luck and happiness.

The China Cultural Center in Paris hosted the “Nihao! China” Lantern Festival Culinary (食物的) Night at the Jardin Acclimatation amusement park in Paris on     1     eve of the Lantern Festival. During the event, the guests watched an ethnic music performance presented by five European-based     2     (musician).

Guests also     3     (visit) the Yuyuan Garden Lantern Show, which has lasted 72 days and covered important holidays such as New Year’s Day, Spring Festival and Lantern Festival. Themed “Classic of Mountains and Seas”,     4     shares the name of the ancient Chinese mythology (神话) of Shan Hai Jing, the show contains 2,000 traditional lanterns,     5     (allow) visitors to appreciate the spectacular art of Chinese lanterns and much     6     (rich) Chinese culture. In the food experience session, guests enjoyed traditional Chinese delicacies such as bingtang hulu and dao xiao mian, further deepening     7     (they) understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture.

The “Nihao! China” Lantern Festival Culinary Night served     8     the closing event of the 2024 “Happy Chinese New Year” celebrations of the China Cultural Center in Paris. The “Nihao! China” Lantern Festival 24-Hour Live Global Broadcast,     9     (host) by China Daily, covers six cities in four countries: China, France, Hungary and Italy, presenting an ever-increasing feast visually and     10     (cultural).

An exhibition, featuring around 200 cultural artifacts from the era of interaction between the Chinese and French royal courts in the 17th and 18th centuries, kicked off at the Palace Museum in Beijing on Monday,     1     (mark) the opening of the 18th edition of the Festival Croisements,     2     celebrated the 60-year diplomatic bond between the two countries.

    3     (launch) in 2006, the Festival Croisements is dedicated to promoting exchanges and dialogue between Chinese and French art institutions and artists. A     4     (various) of activities in fields such as the visual arts, crafts, theater, music and dance will be held in multiple     5     (city) across China as part of the festival that spans (持续) to the end of the year.

The number 60     6     (indicate) a cycle in Chinese tradition. The unveiling new cycle will generate more collaboration and     7     (far) promote cultural dialogues and mutual understanding between the two countries.

Croisements, meaning crossover in French, symbolizes mutual (相互的) influence and connections between Chinese and French cultures. The name reminds people     8     a gathering where different cultures strengthen each other, which is     9     reflection of our daily life, either of our career or personal life. The festival will provide opportunity     10     (discover) new art forms.

Festivals hold a special place in our hearts and they     1     (celebrate) all around the world. They bring joy, togetherness, and meaning to our lives. But why do we celebrate them?

Firstly, festivals provide an opportunity for people to come together and strengthen social bonds. Whether they are family gatherings during Thanksgiving     2     community festivities during Chinese New Year, festivals unite us in celebration. They promote harmony among communities,     3     (encourage) a sense of belonging and mutual respect.

Secondly, festivals offer a break from the routine of daily life, allowing us to relax. They provide an escape     4     the stresses and worries of work or school. During festivals, we enjoy delicious food, engage in fun activities, and take part in colorful traditions, all of     5     contribute to our overall well-being.

Additionally, festivals serve as a platform for     6     (culture) exchange and understanding. They offer the opportunity     7     (learn) about different customs, traditions and lifestyles. Through participating in or observing festivals from various cultures, we gain a deeper appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism.

Furthermore, festivals often carry symbolic meanings. For example, the rebirth symbolized by festivals like Easter     8     (reflect) our desire for growth and transformation.     9     (similar), the Chinese Qingming Festival symbolizes people’s longing for their deceased loved ones.

In conclusion, festivals play a vital role in our lives. So, let’s continue to cherish and celebrate these special     10     (occasion) with enthusiasm and gratitude.

The Qinglong Temple Fair, serving as an important link connecting Chaozhou communities both domestic and overseas,     1    （be）a significant part of Chaozhou’s traditional culture. Many tourists have an urge     2    （participate）in this event. But if you don’t know the local history, some customs may be beyond your     3    （comprehend）.

The Qinglong Ancient Temple was superior     4     all other local temples in some aspects. It was named after the frequently     5    （see）green snakes wandering near the temple without doing harm to people.

Annually, the Qinglong Temple Fair     6    （hold）from the 13th day to the 28th day of the first lunar month. The festival involves parading the wooden statue,     7     is known as Laoye, through the streets in a celebratory activity. The whole town would eagerly come out to witness the parade,     8    （pray）for favorable weather, family safety and business success.

This year, the parade, with     9     number of participants, started from Qinglong Ancient Temple, passed through various tourist spots and major streets in the city, and then returned to Qinglong Ancient Temple.

This temple fair is a moving museum of intangible cultural heritage. It     10    （genuine）shows Chaoshan people’s attachment to their cultural identity rooted in their hometown and their love for their home country.

China will become the guest country of honor for the 37th International Kite Festival in Berck-sur-Mer from April 20 to 28. It’s the first time that the festival     1     (introduce) the concept of guest countries since its     2     (establish) in 1987.

During the nine-day event, the China Cultural Center in Paris will join hands with Weifang city in Shandong province,     3     is known as the “kite capital of the world”,     4     (show) the most authentic Chinese kite art and cultural experience to the audience. Various cultural activities will take center stage,     5     (include) kite competitions, cultural performances and workshops on intangible cultural heritage.

The International Kite Festival in Berck-sur-Mer is the largest and     6     (influence) kite-themed event in France. Visitors can not only observe     7     wide variety of kites, traditional and modern, small and giant,     8     also engage in kite-making workshops, art performances and experiential activities.

In addition     9     regular kite displays, this year’s festival will debut the international kite stunt competition,     10     (call) “The World Kite Cup Berck-sur-Mer”. Kite-flying masters from ten countries and regions will compete for the world champion title in a showdown of skills and creativity.

Festivals have     1     wide range of origins. Some come from     2     (religion), while some are for famous     3     (figure) and significant events. The harvest festival is an important festival full of joy and charm. People are grateful     4     the harvest. In European countries, people decorate churches and town halls     5     flowers and fruit, featuring a new look. Today, with festivals     6     (become) commercial, some traditions may fade away. Christmas is the biggest occasion in the West     7     people greet each other with “Merry Christmas”. On Christmas Eve, it is typical of people     8     (enjoy) the roast turkeys, puddings, mashed potatoes and pumpkins.

Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang province. Harbin is now a large and open city,     1     (influence) deeply by Russia, Europe, and Japan in     2     (it) culture, architecture, and lifestyle. Harbin is one of the most popular destinations for winter tours,    3    (host) the world’s biggest ice and snow festival.

Harbin     4     (become) world-famous for having the largest ice and snow festival. The opening ceremony is held     5     January 5 every year. Lasting for more than two months, Harbin Ice and Snow international festival is also     6     longest snow festival in the world.     7     (near) all the ice for the festival is cut from the Songhua River in Harbin.

The most popular place is the Harbin Ice and Snow World,     8     is like a frozen Disneyland, and you can see the big ice and snow castles, carto on sculptures and enjoy the biggest     9     (vary) of snow sports and activities in the world.

There are also ice and snow sculptures exhibitions on Sun Island and an ice lantern show in Zhaolin Park.

Harbin has long been a popular winter destination for snow tourism and skiing experiences. If you are skiing lovers, Yabuli Ski Resort and Jihua Ski Resort     10     (recommend).

The Spring Festival Gala (Chunwan) is an annual television show broadcast on China Central Television (CCTV) on the eve of the Chinese New Year. The Gala is a four-hour TV show featuring     1     (diversity) performances, including traditional and modern dance acrobatics (杂技), comedic acts, and musical performances by popular singers and     2     (celebrity). It also features special parts     3     (highlight) Chinese culture, history, and achievements.

The Gala     4     (become) an important part of the Chinese New Year celebrations since 1983. Families and friends gather around their televisions to watch the show,     5     is seen as a symbol of unity, prosperity (繁荣), and good luck for the coming year.

The Gala is     6     (typical) four hours long, but it can sometimes run longer. It is estimated that over 10,000 people     7     (involve) in its production. The Gala is hosted by a team of popular CCTV hosts, and it features performances by some of the biggest names in China.

The Spring Festival Gala is     8     unique and remarkable event that shows the best of Chinese culture and     9     (entertain). It is a cherished (珍贵的) tradition that brings people together     10     helps to create a festive and joyous atmosphere for the Chinese New Year.