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[Modern Infrastructure, Scientific Innovation, and Historical Discoveries in China]-[Beijing opens airport service counters for foreign travelers]

Special English · B1 · 2025-01-19

ChinaPlusbeginner
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📋 Summary

Enhancing International Accessibility and Travel

China is actively modernizing its travel infrastructure to accommodate international visitors. Beijing Capital and Daxing International Airports have launched "One Stop Service Counters," providing over 20 essential services, including currency exchange, SIM card purchases, and local mobile payment assistance. These initiatives are supported by a 26.2% year-on-year increase in passenger throughput. Furthermore, to foster "people-to-people exchange," the country has extended its visa-free transit policy to 240 hours (10 days), significantly increasing the stay duration for eligible travelers.

Technological Advancements in Public Safety and Agriculture

Innovation remains a core focus, specifically in robotics and environmental science. In Sichuan, a new laboratory dedicated to "bionic robots for police use" is being established. This follows the successful deployment of "Lingtong," a four-legged robotic dog capable of autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance. Designed for "hazardous scenarios" like fire emergencies and bomb disposal, these robots aim to enhance the efficiency of urban management. Simultaneously, Chinese scientists have developed an "eco-friendly pesticide formulation" using modified carbon dots. This innovation addresses the limitations of traditional pesticides—such as being "washed away by rain" or causing environmental pollution—by ensuring better adhesion to leaves and breaking down into harmless substances like calcium ions.

Preserving Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Insights

China continues to balance modernization with historical preservation. The "Jiankou Great Wall," previously closed for restoration, is set to open its first tourist route to guide the public in "legally visiting" this dangerous yet significant UNESCO World Heritage site.

In the realm of archaeology, a major discovery in Shaanxi province has provided rare insights into the Western Han Dynasty. Excavations of a tomb belonging to "Tian Qianqiu," a revered prime minister, revealed "intricately carved gold decorations" and bronze vessels. The findings, including over 30 clay seals, confirm the status of the "Marquis of Fumin." This site serves as a vital case study for the dynasty’s "feudal system," where burial practices and grave goods were strict reflections of an individual's "rank and wealth."

Traditional Customs and the Solar Term "Major Cold"

As the year concludes, the "Major Cold" (Da Han) solar term highlights the intersection of ancient traditions and modern social dynamics. Historically, merchants practiced "Weiya-ji," a ritual to honor the God of Earth for prosperity. While the specific tradition of using the position of a chicken head at feasts to signal employment status has faded, the spirit of these gatherings persists in modern year-end parties, which continue to serve as a medium to "show gratitude" for collective efforts and share hopes for future success.

🎯Key Sentences

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The world is changing fast, but you can learn it at a slower pace.
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Here is the news.
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This is Special English.
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Moreover, residual chemicals from pesticide formulations can pose significant risks to the environment.
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📝Key Phrases

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operational
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make cash withdrawals
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passenger throughput
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year-on-year increase
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make its debut
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📖 Transcript

The world is changing fast, but you can learn it at a slower pace.
Special English You're listening to Special English.
Here is the news. One Stop Service Counters are now operational in the international arrival areas of Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Da Xing International Airport.
The counters offer over 20 types of essential services in areas including finance, communications, transportation, culture, and tourism, ensuring that foreigners can travel more conveniently for leisure, education, or business.
Foreign travellers can visit the counters to make cash withdrawals with their bank cards, exchange currency, and get help with downloading local mobile payment apps.
They can also purchase SIM cards, access airport Wi -Fi, customize travel itineraries, and make reservations for tourist sites.

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