The Duan inkstone, one of the four most famous inkstones in China, 【小题1】 (originate) in the mountains by the Duanxi River in Guangdong Province. Since the Tang Dynasty, it has been the 【小题2】 (center) region for Duan inkstone production and even today, most of the villagers still earn their living by making inkstones.

Throughout hundreds of years, villagers have developed 【小题3】 scientific production system. The process involves stone selection, material screening, shape designing, carving, and wooden box matching, among 【小题4】 stone selection and carving are the two most important steps.

Purple 【小题5】 color, Duan inkstones are glossy and as smooth as silk. They enjoy a great reputation as they never crack even when 【小题6】 (place) in low temperatures. It is a long and laborious process to handpick flawless Duan stones. Miners dig in tunnels less than one meter high at the riverside, and using tools such as dynamite (炸药) 【小题7】 (forbid).

Carving involves good conception, and highlights the fine shape of the stones 【小题8】 carving skills. In addition to natural designs, flying dragons, flowers and birds, figures, mountains and waters are common 【小题9】 (image) carved on the stones. The matching boxes are also carefully chosen and are often made of purple sandalwood and rosewood. The Duan inkstone has various styles, and new-style products are designed one after another 【小题10】 (meet) increased export demands.

My name is Lulu. I am a Hungarian student, 【小题1】 (study) history at Tsinghua University. When I first came to Beijing, I immediately fell in love with the city. My favorite place 【小题2】 (walk) around is the Hutongs, because it is the perfect example of how the old meets the new. You can find old buildings 【小题3】 people still live. They are in the same condition as they were for 【小题4】 (decade). But you can also find new cafes, which are perfect places to study and relax.

Besides, my greatest passion(热衷的爱好) is Peking Opera. The first time I saw Peking Opera was in 【小题5】 opera museum. I 【小题6】 (find) it really amazing. The clothing was impressive, and the movements were so pleasing. Later, I started learning more about Peking Opera after I joined Peking Opera Club at school. I realized that it is much more than the looks.

There’s a really huge cultural and 【小题7】 (history) background.

Art has no boundaries 【小题8】 music has no language barriers. As an international student, I can appreciate 【小题9】 and enjoy the beauty of Peking Opera. I hope I can share this passion with people outside China. Cultural 【小题10】 (diverse) makes us move forward and if we treat it with openness, it will take us on an unbelievable journey.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is the second most important festival for Chinese people after Spring Festival, and 【小题1】 (celebrate) throughout China for thousands of years. Foshan City celebrates it with a grand parade (游行) called “Foshan Qiuse”, which 【小题2】 (literal) means autumn colors of Foshan.

The origins of the Foshan Qiuse Parade date back 【小题3】 the Jin Dynasty (266-420). Back in ancient China, people from various sectors in Foshan would join in a gathering 【小题4】 participants showed off their skills and talents. Later the event was named “Qiuse” in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 【小题5】 (indicate) that it was held during the autumn season.

Major activities at this event include 【小题6】 (display) of folk crafts and artist performances. Over time, these activities developed into a parade that 【小题7】 (march) across the city. Nowadays, the annual Foshan Qiuse Parade proceeds 3.5 kilometers, with thousands of participants of all ages.

Foshan Qiuse has a strong fan base in the region and beyond. Each year, the streets of Foshan are crowded with 【小题8】 (excite) people eager to get a glimpse of the brilliant floats (彩车) that pass by in the parade. In recent years, 【小题9】 organizers of Foshan Qiuse have invited hundreds of people from all walks of life to join in the celebration, making the event a bridge 【小题10】 (strengthen) bonds with people throughout the world.