©REUTERS/Tingshu Wang
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- carved /kaavd/
- cast /kast/
- glow /gloh/
- depict /dih-PIKT/
- narrative /NAR-uh-tiv/
[adjective] – having been shaped or ornamented by cutting away material, typically wood
The intricately carved wooden door showcased the artisan’s exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
[verb] – to emit or project
The setting sun cast a warm glow over the landscape, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink.
[noun] – continuous light and/or heat that is produced by something
The campfire emitted a warm and comforting glow as we sat around it.
[verb] – to represent or portray something in a visual form
The mural on the wall vividly depicts the rich history and culture of the ancient civilization.
[noun] – a story or a description of a series of events
The author crafted compelling narratives that transported readers to far-off lands and magical realms.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Harbin’s enchanting annual Ice and Snow Festival is currently unfolding, spanning a vast 810,000 square meters and showcasing an impressive 250,000 cubic meters of meticulously carved ice sculptures illuminated by vibrant lights, casting a magical glow during the night. These magnificent sculptures, some reaching several stories high, artfully depict Chinese-style buildings, fairy-tale castles, and even a captivating rendition of Beijing’s iconic Temple of Heaven. Adding to the festivities, there are delightful ice slides catering to both children and adults, contributing to the festival’s burgeoning popularity. This year, the daily visitor count has surged to approximately 30,000, a remarkable increase from the 18,500 recorded in 2018. The overwhelming interest has resulted in fully booked hotel rooms, signaling a substantial boost to Harbin’s tourism sector.
Situated in the northern province of Heilongjiang, Harbin’s strategic location near the Russian border has solidified its status as a winter hotspot. The festival’s triumphant run during the New Year holidays saw an impressive turnout of over 163,200 visitors, translating into a substantial income of 46.18 million yuan ($6.45 million), nearly six times higher than the previous year. This, hailed as an “ice and snow miracle,” has propelled Harbin into a highly sought-after destination, particularly for visitors from warmer southern regions, affectionately referred to as “Southern Little Potatoes.” The upswing in enthusiasm, propelled by captivating narratives on social platforms and a communal longing for relaxation after the tribulations of the COVID-19 pandemic, has seamlessly metamorphosed Harbin into an enchanting winter haven. This transformation serves as a defining and prosperous chapter for the city’s emerging “ice and snow” economy, ushering in a season of unprecedented growth and allure.
Situated in the northern province of Heilongjiang, Harbin’s strategic location near the Russian border has solidified its status as a winter hotspot. The festival’s triumphant run during the New Year holidays saw an impressive turnout of over 163,200 visitors, translating into a substantial income of 46.18 million yuan ($6.45 million), nearly six times higher than the previous year. This, hailed as an “ice and snow miracle,” has propelled Harbin into a highly sought-after destination, particularly for visitors from warmer southern regions, affectionately referred to as “Southern Little Potatoes.” The upswing in enthusiasm, propelled by captivating narratives on social platforms and a communal longing for relaxation after the tribulations of the COVID-19 pandemic, has seamlessly metamorphosed Harbin into an enchanting winter haven. This transformation serves as a defining and prosperous chapter for the city’s emerging “ice and snow” economy, ushering in a season of unprecedented growth and allure.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever attended a winter festival or event with elaborate ice sculptures, similar to Harbin’s Ice and Snow Festival? If yes, what was your experience like? If not, would you be interested in visiting such a festival in the future? Why or why not?
- Considering the surge in visitors to Harbin’s festival and the substantial boost to tourism, do you think large-scale events like these positively impact the local economy? If yes, in what ways? If not, what potential drawbacks or challenges could arise from such events?
- Considering the nickname “Southern Little Potatoes” for visitors from warmer regions, do you believe the festival’s popularity has a positive impact on Harbin’s cultural exchange and diversity?
- How might the success of Harbin’s Ice and Snow Festival impact the city’s cultural identity and reputation, especially considering the nickname “Southern Little Potatoes” for visitors from warmer regions? What cultural exchanges or challenges could arise from such popularity?
- Reflecting on the article, in what ways could the increasing popularity of winter festivals like Harbin’s contribute to environmental concerns, such as the extensive use of ice and energy for lighting? How might event organizers balance the appeal of these festivals with sustainable practices, and what could be potential solutions or improvements?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- long for
- province
- unprecedented
- overwhelming
- prosperous