What does Beijing’s Palace Museum look like at night? Many people don’t know the answer to this question, as it closes at around 4:30 p. m in winter and 5:00 p. m in summer. However, to celebrate the Lantern Festival, Beijing’s Palace Museum opened its door to the public after dark — for two nights only. That’s a first in 94 years!

Although people could get free tickets on the museum’s website, it was difficult to get a ticket. The website even stopped working for a while because too many people visited it at the same time. Zhang Zhifu, a 77-year-old woman, received a ticket from the museum as a gift. “I grew up in Beijing and I visited the Palace Museum every year, but I never got to see it at night, It is truly an honor.” She said.

In the past celebrating the Lantern Festival was a tradition for the imperial (皇帝的) family. “We want to pass the tradition on and give people more festival experience.” Sãid Shan Jixiong, the head of the Palace Museum. On the night of February 19th, 2019, about 3,000 visitors spent the Lantern Festival in the Palace Museum.

Central Park

Outside among the trees, watch the wildlife-both the human and animal varieties. Call (212)360-3465 or (212) 360-2726 for daily events and tours.

Central Park stretches from 59th to 110th Sts., and from 5th Ave. to Central Park West.

Empire State Building

This is among the most striking buildings in the city, the nation, even the world. The observation deck (瞭望台) on the 86th floor is open to the general public, offering a wonderful view of the city. On the second floor you’ll find the New York Skyride, a simulate helicopter ride over Manhattan.

5th Ave. at 34th St., Midtown: (212)736-3100

Intrepid1 Sea-Air-Space Museum

Five blocks west of Time Square, this museum has hundreds of air, deep-sea and space exhibits. Walk the flight deck of the 900-foot-long aircraft carrier Intrepid, see dozens of old and modern aircraft and ride the Intrepid Navy Flight Simulator.

Pier 86, W. 46th St. and 12th Ave.: (212)245-0072

Madison Square Garden

If it’s big, it probably happens at the Garden. Check out sporting events, concerts and much more. Tours are available.

7th Ave., btwn. 31st and 33rd Sts., Midtown: (212)465-6741

Australia was always a country I wanted to visit, so I saved up some money and booked a flight to go traveling up the east coast of Australia at the end of my work in London.

The flight made me realize exactly how far away Australia is from home. I spent 10 hours traveling on a plane from London to Hong Kong, then a further 8 hours to Sydney, my first stop in Australia. The flight went quite quickly though, since there were lots of films to watch to keep me amused. It was strange when I arrived because everything was upside down over there; it was the start of winter (in May)! It also took me a while to get used to the time difference as I was always one day ahead of all my friends and family back home.

The country is truly beautiful, full of amazing views and wildlife you wouldn’t find anywhere else in the world.

One of my experiences of my trip was seeing koalas closely in Brisbane -- there were koalas everywhere sleeping in the trees and I even got the chance to hold one. There was also big grassland full of kangaroos that we were allowed to feed. They were really smart and very friendly.

The highlight of my trip was snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, as the water as amazingly clear with a beautiful shade of blue. I also got the chance to see some special creatures underwater, such as sea turtles and even a shark.

Australia is an amazing country and worth visiting one day if you ever get the chance.