1. What is the most interesting historical building in your city / in your country.

Well, it’s really hard to think of which historical building is the most interesting one in my city (country). But a temple that was built hundred years ago is definitely one of the most attractive historical relics in my hometown. It’s a massive temple made of wood that has a giant Buddha statue202 inside the praying hall. I’m always amazed by the great wisdom of ancient builders every time I visit the temple.

2. Why do historical buildings look beautiful? / Why do some people like to visit historical buildings?

I suppose historical buildings look fancy because there’s a lot of attention to detail. Some older buildings have things like engraved columns203 that make them look really sophisticated204. Plus, compared to architecture today, historical buildings are more artful205. They’re usually made of materials like marble206 207 and stone instead of just glass and steel. It really sets them apart from the
3. Should government protect historical buildings?/ Is it necessary to protect historical buildings?

Yeah, the government definitely should protect historical buildings. For one, it helps the whole city look more beautiful. But another, more important thing is that historical buildings have a sense of history208, just like the name suggests. If we keep historical buildings intact209, then future generations can learn more about what the past was like by having parts of it right in front of their eyes.

4. What are differences between people,s homes in the past and people,s homes nowadays?

I suppose that the biggest differences are the size and purpose of people5 s homes. In the past, people usually had smaller homes, like bungalows210 and small apartments. And the apartment buildings were all low-rises no taller than six stories. They were more practical, and had to fit three generations of a family who usually lived together. But nowadays, people mostly live in high-rise buildings. Their homes are bigger than before, but they live in them alone. Plus, some people have multiple homes211 and use their extra one for vacationing.

5. What is the most significant reason for people to choose a place to settle in?

I think the most significant reason is work. You know, people generally want to live close to where they work. It’s a pain if212 you have a really long commute. So you find a house that’s close to your workplace, if possible. Plus, the type of work affects where you live. If you want to be an IT worker, then you would probably have to settle down in a metro city like Shanghai or Shenzhen where there are developed IT industries.

202 a giant Buddha statue:巨大的佛像
203 engraved columns:有雕刻的柱子
204 Sophisticated:精致
205 artful:精巧
206 marble:大理石
207 sets them apart from the rest:格外引人注意
208 a sense of history:历史感、年代感
209 intact:完整的、原封不动的210 bungalows:平房
211 have multiple homes:有好多房子、居所
212 It’s a pain if.:做某事是痛苦的