Study Buddy (Explorer): 3 fun things to do in Shanghai in November 2024
Each week, this page presents a light article with questions to test your comprehension.
The Shanghai Expo Culture Park boasts an indoor forest, two artificial mountains, gardens and an opera house. Photo: Xiaohongshu/banlileoContent provided by British Council
Read the following text, and answer questions 1-9 below:
[1] Shanghai is at its best in November. The temperature averages 17 degrees Celsius, and the humidity is low. It is also when the city’s largest annual trade fair, the China International Import Expo, is held, attracting visitors from all around the world. Here are three places to visit in the city this November.
[2] Museum of Art Pudong: This landmark museum was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, who was also behind Barcelona’s Torre Glòries skyscraper. It opened in 2021 and has become a favourite among art lovers and those looking for a laid-back, air-conditioned and minimalistic hang-out spot.
[3] A 10-minute walk from the Lujiazui metro station, the six-floor museum complex hosts classical and contemporary art exhibitions from China and beyond. The landmark also houses a gift shop, cafes and restaurants – including Roof PM on the top floor, which overlooks the Bund and has views of the Oriental Pearl Tower. A daytime ticket costs 100 yuan (HK$108 or US$14) on weekdays and 150 yuan (HK$162 or US$21) on weekends.
[4] Shanghai Expo Culture Park: Have you ever wondered what happened to the massive slab of land that used to house the Shanghai World Expo? It became a lush park containing an indoor forest, two artificial mountains, an opera house, an equestrian venue and gardens. Its newly opened Shanghai Greenhouse spans 22,000 square metres (237,000 square feet) above ground and 40,000 square metres underground and has three themed pavilions: Sand Mirage, Cloud Forest and Cloud Canyon.
[5] The “cloudlike” structure, which went viral for its suspended walkways, features plant and aquatic species rarely seen in China. This includes the largest domestic baobab tree – native to Africa and Australia – and an array of underwater vegetation. A ticket costs 98 yuan on weekdays (HK$106 or US$14) and 128 yuan on weekends (HK$138 or US$18), with discounted packages for families.
[6] Twin Hills, a botanical delight, introduces some variety to Shanghai’s flat terrain. Two artificial hills, one 48 metres (157 feet) high and the other 37 metres (121 feet), have more than 7,000 trees, paths, streams and even a waterfall. Entry is free.
[7] North Bund: Shanghai’s northern waterfront area is a newer and quieter alternative to the always-bustling main Bund. Just a few years old, the North Bund includes parkland that breathes new life into a historic area that has remained much the same for over a century, comparable to Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District.
[8] You will find runners and families on its new trails, crafted for walking, jogging and cycling along the Huangpu River. They stretch 2.5km (1.5 miles) and offer views of Pudong on the opposite bank, which is home to skyscrapers such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Centre. The North Bund also features a cruise terminal, restaurants and office buildings.
Source: South China Morning Post, November 5
Questions
1. Why is November a good time to visit Shanghai, according to paragraph 1?
A. The weather is pleasant.
B. There are few tourists.
C. Several international expos are held this month.
D. New cafes and restaurants usually open during this month.
2. According to paragraph 2, where is the Torre Glòries located?
3. Decide whether the following statements about the Museum of Art Pudong in paragraphs 2 and 3 are True, False or the information is Not Given. Fill in ONE circle only for each statement. (4 marks)
(i) The nearest metro station is within walking distance.
(ii) Visitors are advised to bring their own portable fans as it can get very hot inside.
(iii) The gift shop and the cafes are located on the same level.
(iv) The museum opens at noon on weekends.
4. What are the names of the themed pavilions in the Shanghai Greenhouse mentioned in paragraph 4? (3 marks)
5. According to paragraph 5, the Shanghai Greenhouse is well-known for its …
A. rooftop gardens.
B. collection of local plants.
C. floating walkways.
D. all of the above
6. Based on your understanding of paragraph 7, what sort of atmosphere does North Bund offer compared to the main Bund?
7. Find a word in paragraph 7 that means “one hundred years”.
8. How long are the trails along the Huangpu River at North Bund, according to paragraph 8?
9. If you are someone who enjoys exploring diverse ecosystems and exotic plant species, which of the three attractions are you most likely to visit?
Answers
1. A
2. Barcelona
3. (i) T; (ii) F; (iii) NG; (iv) NG
4. Sand Mirage, Cloud Forest and Cloud Canyon
5. C
6. It offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere compared to the main Bund. (accept all reasonable answers)
7. century
8. 2.5km
9. Shanghai Expo Culture Park