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[Global News Digest: From Cultural Heritage and Olympic Legacies to Environmental Challenges]-[Harvest of renowned Longjing tea begins in east China]

Special English · B1 · 2024-04-01

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📋 Summary

Economic and Cultural Developments in China

China’s agricultural and tourism sectors are seeing significant activity. The spring harvest of the renowned West Lake Longjing Tea has commenced in Zhejiang province. This green tea, celebrated for its delicate aroma and mellow taste, remains a vital cultural asset, especially following its 2022 inscription on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Economically, the industry continues to thrive, with annual output values reaching 600 million yuan.

Meanwhile, the hospitality sector is undergoing a strategic shift to better accommodate global travelers. The China Hospitality Association has proposed measures to align hotel services with international standards, including simplified payment processes and improved telecommunications. These efforts are part of a broader push to capture the expected growth in tourism, with inbound and outbound trips projected to exceed 264 million this year.

Repurposing Olympic Legacies

Beijing is actively maintaining the utility of its 2022 Winter Olympic venues. Rather than allowing facilities like the National Speed Skating Oval (the Ice Ribbon) to lie idle, officials are integrating them into the city’s daily sports fabric. By hosting events such as the National Speed Skating Championships and cycling leagues in Yanqing, Beijing is successfully balancing high-level competition with mass sports participation. According to Zhao Wen, director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports, the city is committed to making full use of Olympic legacies to boost the sports industry and enhance public well-being.

Technological Advancements and Education

Shanghai continues to lead in autonomous driving innovation, expanding its testing roads to over 2,000 km. With 32 enterprises currently licensed, the city has accumulated nearly 23 million km in testing mileage, signaling a robust future for smart transportation. In the realm of education, the Online Senior University has launched a new edition of Open Classes. This initiative addresses the learning needs of senior citizens by offering diverse subjects like Health & Wellness and Traditional Chinese Culture, serving as a critical platform for promoting active and healthy aging.

Environmental Concerns and Biodiversity

New Zealand is facing a sobering environmental reality as its glaciers undergo continued shrinkage. Research from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research indicates that glaciers appear "smashed and shattered" due to enduring ice loss. Program lead Andrew Lorrey attributes this to a trend of rising global temperatures, noting that the past decade has seen some of the warmest years on record. This loss threatens New Zealand’s environment and economy, as glaciers are vital sources of meltwater for hydroelectric power and tourism.

In contrast, conservation efforts in China are yielding positive results. The Hengshui Lake National Nature Reserve has published its first all-season bird-watching guide. As a major stopover on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, the reserve supports over 330 bird species. This initiative provides scientific guidance to the public, fostering greater awareness of the importance of protecting wetland ecosystems and biodiversity.

🎯Key Sentences

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The world is changing fast, but you can learn it at a slower pace.
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But that doesn't mean the city's winter olympic venues will lie idle.
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Hear the difference with CTTN radio.
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The research paints a picture of how the country's stunning landscape is transforming.
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But this is getting tougher.
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📝Key Phrases

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remain stable
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lie idle
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common practice
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make full use of
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in an endeavor to
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📖 Transcript

The world is changing fast, but you can learn it at a slower pace.
You're listening to Special English.
Here's the news. Tea farmers have started to harvest the west lake Longjing Tea in Hangzhou, in east China's Zhejiang province.
This year's output of the Longjing tea is forecast to remain stable.
Last year, the annual output of the tea leaves reached 490 tons, with the total output value reaching 600 million yuan, about $84 million.
The Longjin Tea is a variety of green tea.

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