Chinese history reopens its doors

What is the heaviest old bronze ware (青铜器) in the world? What does the oldest money in China look like? What are some of the best works of jade art (玉器)? Come to the National Museum of China, and you’ll find out.

On March 1st 2011, the new National Museum of China reopened after a year-long trial operation (试运行). Its 200,000-square-metre area makes it the largest museum in the world. The museum has more than 1.2 million wonderful things.

Houmuwu Ding (后母戊鼎，原称司母戊鼎) of the Shang Dynasty was a symbol of power (权力的象征) in old times. The square vessel with four rams (四羊方尊) is another treasure. It was used to hold wine (酒).

Visitors can see a rich collection of Chinese old money, such as shells, knife-shaped coins and metal coins (贝壳币、刀币、金属币) from the late Qin Dynasty.

The museum also shows great things from modern times, like Yang Liwei’s spacesuit and the Shenzhou V spaceship.

Want to learn history in an interesting way? In the role-playing room, visitors can wear traditional clothes and use things from old times. Free guide software (软件) for mobile phones is also helpful for visitors.

【小题1】When did the new National Museum of China reopen?

A．A year ago.

B．On March 1st.

C．In 2000.

D．After a year.

【小题2】How large is the new National Museum of China?

A．Twenty thousand square meters.

B．Two hundred thousand square meters.

C．One million two hundred thousand square meters.

D．One hundred million two hundred thousand square meters.

【小题3】What was the symbol of power in old times?

A．The oldest money.	B．The best works of jade art.
C．The square vessel with four rams.	D．Houmuwu Ding of the Shang Dynasty.

【小题4】Which of the following is NOT mentioned (提到) in the passage?

A．Knife-shaped coins.	B．Metal coins.
C．The Shenzhou V spaceship.	D．The Shenzhou Ⅶ spaceship.