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The world

2021-11-01王安基

疯狂英语·爱英语 2021年9期

王安基

4月，在葡萄牙的阿罗卡，世界最长的人行悬索桥“516 Arouca”向民众开放。据报道，这座桥全长516米，位于河流上方175米，桥面由金属网格连接而成，游客能直接透过桥面看到峡谷，并且可以在这里拥有一段既刺激又独特的经历。

Are you brave enough to walk on the worlds longest pedestrian suspension bridge？ Being at over half a kilometer long， a newly opened， record?breaking suspension bridge in the town of Arouca， Portugal， demands a bit of a head for heights. The bridge， which hangs 175 meters above the Paiva River， consists of a see?through metal grid （网格） that swings with each step.

“I was a little afraid， but it was so worth it，” said Hugo Xavier， a local resident who was allowed to cross the bridge before its official opening. “It was extraordinary， a unique experience，” he added. Its grated walkway gives walkers the opportunity to look down at the valley， but not all want to do.

Named the 516 Arouca for its length in meters， the bridge cost $2.8 million and took about two years to complete. So far， it is regarded as the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world， overtaking Switzerlands 494?meter Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge. Local officials hope it will entice visitors to the region， attract new investment and encourage individuals to settle down in the area.

The bridge is located in the Arouca Geopark where visitors can hike， go white?water rafting and explore historical sites. Arouca is designated a UNESCO Global Geopark for its significant geological characteristics. The park is also home to Neolithic（新石器时代的） graves and Roman ruins.

The new bridge adds an eight?kilometer series of wooden walkways along the left bank of the Paiva River， where travelers can explore river beaches in addition to viewing rare wildlife.

The 516 Arouca was inspired by Inca bridges across valleys in the Andes Mountains. It is made mostly of metal， with mesh （网） trays connected to steel cables and its design draws on Tibet?style footbridges.

“It is very well built，” said Rui Brandao， another Arouca resident who braved the trip across the bridge. “I strongly advise you to come， even if， like me， you are afraid of heights. I must admit that I did not suffer from it at all while crossing.”

[Reading][Check]

1. What can we know about the 516 Arouca according to the text？

A. It is named after its location. B. It has a history of two years.

C. It is the longest bridge in the world. D. Its 175 meters above the Paiva River.

2. What does Hugo Xavier think of his experience on the bridge？

A. Terrible. B. Hopeful. C. Worthwhile. D. Troublesome.

3. What does the underlined word “entice” in paragraph 3 mean？

A. Advise. B. Attract. C. Permit. D. Recommend.

4. What can visitors do on the wooden walkways along the Paiva River？

A. Go white?water rafting. B. Visit the historical ruins.

C. Observe the wild animals. D. Appreciate the Andes Mountains.

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