英语新闻视频 China´s changing city attracts foreigners

 

China's ancient history is a strong selling point for tourists from around the world. And for many visitors, the upcoming Olympic Games are adding a new dimension to China's appeal, as the country modernizes¹.
Du Dawei is what American David Tool calls himself. The 65 year-old earns his living as a university English teacher. His students' enthusiasm for learning English has inspired him to teach English in his spare time to elderly and others involved with the Olympics for free.
In recent years there has been a rapid increase in the number of Chinese who can speak English, and Tool says dramatic changes are also happening in Beijing as the Olympics get closer.
Tool said, "One of my friends visits me every year. He said if he encounters a problem in the street, more Chinese now voluntarily offer to help him. And I said that's great!"


Tool enjoys his life here, and likes to get close to local people. Recently, he has noticed some surprising changes. One thing he noticed is "queuing day". Tool says there is better order in public places now. And he says there are more facilities for disabled people, such as raised pathways for the blind in subway stations and specially² reserved seats.
Tool said, "In Beihai park, there used to be no special path for wheelchairs. But now it's different, wheelchairs can go there. I am so happy about that."
David said the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics have injected new energy and vitality³ into the ancient city.
"After the Olympics, we should also carry on what we've achieved. So the Olympics provide a golden opportunity for all the positive changes here. Beijing has improved a lot in the past six years I've been living here."said Tool.
Tool says Beijing's ancient history is what fascinates⁴ foreigners like him. And he believes the city will be even more beautiful and attractive after the Olympics.

1 modernizes   

现代化事物( modernize的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• It modernizes the game while lowering the learning curve for newer players. 它让游戏更为现代化，降低了对新手的入门要求。
• In time to come, as a society modernizes, people's rights and responsibilities should be balanced. 从发展的角度看，一个社会越是具有现代性，它的公民的权利和义务就越是平衡。

2 specially   

adv.特定地；特殊地；明确地

参考例句：

• They are specially packaged so that they stack easily.它们经过特别包装以便于堆放。
• The machine was designed specially for demolishing old buildings.这种机器是专为拆毁旧楼房而设计的。

3 vitality   

n.活力，生命力，效力

参考例句：

• He came back from his holiday bursting with vitality and good health.他度假归来之后，身强体壮，充满活力。
• He is an ambitious young man full of enthusiasm and vitality.他是个充满热情与活力的有远大抱负的青年。

4 fascinates   

使着迷，使极感兴趣( fascinate的第三人称单数 )； 慑住…使动弹不得

参考例句：

• The novel fascinates the reader from the outset. 这部小说一开头就把读者迷住了。
• She fascinates me beyond measure. 她使我神魂颠倒。