Tranquility, relaxation and the scent of incense (香烛香味), this is Guozijian Street, a street combining Beijing's past and present. Housing the Confucian Temple in the east and the Imperial College in the west,
the street gradually took shape some 700 years ago.
Guozijian Street connects to the Lama Temple in the east. There are many sandalwood incense shops at the street entrance. The air is full of scent. Yet gradually, the scent of ancient books takes advantage as one explores further down the street and towards the Confucian Temple and Imperial College. The
Confucian Temple is where the worships to Confucius were attended during the Yuan, Ming and Qing
Dynasties (1271-1911). Gnarled cypress trees outside the gate create thick shade from the sun. On each
side of the gate stands a huge stone pole written in Mandarin and Mongolian ordering all horse riders, even the emperor, to get off their horses. The glazed yellow tiles on the roof show the temple's past dignity.
Beside the Confucian Temple is the Imperial College, the highest educational institution during the Yuan,
Ming and Qing Dynasties, which was once the dream destination for ancient scholars. The neighboring
Guanshuyuan Hutong is no different than other Beijing hutongs, except for its unique colors. The royal red of the Imperial College wall is a stark contrast with the typical grey of common people's residences.
Serenity is very common over Guozijian Street. The occasional noise aroused by visitors is quickly
absorbed by the quiet atmosphere. Even time slows down on this ancient street.
The leafy and green cypress trees along the street protect it from the bother of the busy city. These tall and silent plants add to the dignity and elegance of the street. Living houses still preserve the ancient and
attractive style of old Beijing, which is hardly seen elsewhere nowadays. Looking through the red gate
where the paint has already started to come off, one may find some older people sitting leisurely in the sun
in the courtyards. It seems that living next door to the sage (圣人) has brought them the wisdom to
dismiss all kinds of worries.
1. The 2nd paragraph mainly talks about _______.
A. the Lama Temple
B. the Confucian Temple
C. a sight of a street
D. a street of incense
2. The underlined word "serenity" in the 3rd paragraph roughly means _______.
A. being calm and peaceful
B. being silent
C. being still but noisy
D. being full of noise
3. It can be inferred from the 4th paragraph that Guozijian Street is _______ .
A. busy
B. relaxing
C. natural
D. noisy
4. The air in Guozijian is fragrant because _______ .
A. the shops give off a smell
B. incenses in the shop and ancient books give off lots of scent
C. there are many sandalwood trees there
D. there is the Confucian Temple
5. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. The two huge marble poles were carved in two languages.
B. Guozijian Street is the same in colors as other Beijing hutongs.
C. Ancient scholars studied in the Confucian Temple and the Imperial College.
D. Ancient emperors ought to get off their horses at the gate of Guozijian Street
