Are you too old for fairy tales? If you think so, Copenhagen is sure to change your mind. See the city first from the water. In the harbor sits Denmark’s best-known landmark: the Little Mermaid. Remember her? She left the world of the sea people in search of becoming a human in one of Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fantasies. From the harbor you can feel “city of green spires （尖顶）”. At dawn or on a cloudy day, the copper-covered spires of old castles and churches give the city a dream-like atmosphere. You’ll think that you’ve stepped into a watercolor painting.
Copenhagen is a city made for people. You don’t have to hurry to walk through the city’s center in less than an hour. Exploring it will take much longer, but that’s easy. Copenhagen is the first city to make a street for walking only. The city has less traffic, noise, and pollution than any other European capital.
Churches and castles are almost all remains of the original city. Copenhagen became the capital of Denmark in 1445. During the late 16th century, trade grew, and so did the city. But fires in 1728 and 1795 destroyed the old wooden buildings. Much of what we see today is from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Look at one of the spires up close — really close — at the 17th-century Church of Our Savior. Brave people may climb the 150 stairs winding outside the spire to its top. If you are afraid of heights, or if it’s a windy day, you can forget about the climb. But then you’ll miss the beautiful view.
To see people having fun, and to have some fun yourself, cross Andersens Boulevard and enter Tivoli Gardens. You won’t be alone. More than five million people a year come here. They come to dance, eat, listen to outdoor and indoor concerts, watch ballets and laugh during comedy shows. One tip: Bring a lot of money. About 20 restaurants are among the city’s most expensive. Even without money, though, you can still enjoy the proud old trees, the coloured night lights and the beautiful gardens. You might feel as if you were in a fairy tale.
1．Why is Copenhagen sure to change your mind — that you are too old for fairy tales? Because ______.
A．the Little Mermaid is Denmark’s best-known landmark
B．Copenhagen is a city of green spires and wooden buildings that often appears in fairy tales
C．Copenhagen is like a dream-like watercolor painting
D．Copenhagen is a city where you find yourself in a fairy atmosphere
2．What do you think of the city?
A．A small quiet city which few city travelers visit.
B．An international trade port which is busy.
C．A beautiful ancient city with many travelers.
D．A city where some fairy stories happened.
3．Which of the following statements is NOT true?
A．Mermaid is a character in one of Hans Christian Andersen’s fantasies.
B．The 17th-century Church of Our Savior is high.
C．Mermaid is a heroine in Denmark.
D．Copenhagen has less traffic, noise and pollution in Europe.
4．Which title is the most suitable for the passage?
A．The imaginary fairy city — Copenhagen
B．Not only ancient but modern — Copenhagen
C．City of green spires — Copenhagen
D．A fairyland — Copenhagen