The Beijing Library has made history by becoming the first cultural site in China’s capital to be named among TIME magazine’s World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2025. This annual list highlights exceptional destinations worldwide that offer creative experiences, selected through strict evaluations by international experts.

The library combines sustainable design with modern technology. Its unique architecture features tree-shaped columns made to resemble gingko (银杏) trees, which help manage lighting, temperature, and sound, adapting to reading demands across time and weather while saving lighting electricity consumption. Solar panels and rainwater collection systems support its Three-Star certification—China’s highest honor for eco-friendly buildings. Technology plays a central role in the visitor experience. Smart systems automatically adjust lighting and temperature, while AI brings ancient Chinese texts to life through 3D displays. The Metaverse Experience Hall uses digital technology to merge virtual and physical reading spaces, allowing readers to explore knowledge and interact with AI-powered digital assistants.

The facility includes a 500-seat concert hall and hosts over 3,000 yearly events ranging from classical music performances to traditional Chinese art workshops. As a cultural hub (中心), the library organizes both physical and virtual events. Over 3,400 activities have been held, including exhibitions on traditional crafts and reading tours exploring China’s Grand Canal history. It also hosts international exchanges like the China-Africa children’s hand-in-hand summer camp and diplomatic anniversaries, showcasing Chinese culture to global audiences. Since opening, the library has welcomed over 4.28 million visitors and won major awards including the 2024 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) Public Library of the Year Award and the 2024 DFA Design for Asia Grand Award. The IFLA praised it as “a great example of a library built for the future” due to its innovative services.

By blending cutting-edge technology with cultural preservation, the Beijing Library represents China’s vision for modern public spaces. Its success demonstrates how libraries can evolve into centers for learning, creativity, and cross-cultural understanding. 

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1.1. Why is the library’s design considered “sustainable”?

A It looks like a gingko tree on the outside.

B It uses traditional Chinese architectural styles.

C It reuses resources and reduces energy consumption.

D It manages lighting, temperature, and wall color automatically.

解析：选C。细节理解题。原文第二段明确列举了该图书馆的可持续设计特征：资源再利用：雨水收集系统（rainwater collection systems）实现水资源循环利用；可再生能源：太阳能板（solar panels）减少对传统能源的依赖；节能管理：树形立柱通过自动调控光照、温度与声效（manage lighting, temperature, and sound）。故选C。

2.2. What technology is used to make ancient Chinese texts appear vivid?

A The Metaverse Experience Hall’s virtual assistants.

B Smart systems controlling indoor conditions.

C AI combined with 3D display technology.

D Solar panels on the building’s facade.

解析：选C。细节理解题。根据第二段的“while AI brings ancient Chinese texts to life through 3D displays”可知，人工智能通过3D显示技术使古籍焕发生机。故选C。

3.3. What can be inferred about the library’s events from the text?

A They focus only on classical music performances.

B Some aim to promote cultural exchanges globally.

C They are limited to physical activities.

D They target mainly adult audiences.

解析：选B。推理判断题。根据第三段的“It also hosts international exchanges like the China-Africa children’s hand-in-hand summer camp and diplomatic anniversaries, showcasing Chinese culture to global audiences.”可知，作为北京市新的文化地标，北京城市图书馆还在外交活动中发挥了作用，举办了中非儿童手拉手夏令营和外交周年纪念，并“向全球展示中国文化”，由此可推知，其中一些活动旨在促进国际文化交流。故选B。

4.4. What is the author’s attitude towards the Beijing Library?

A Doubtful.

B Disapproving.

C Uncaring.

D Positive.

解析：选D。推理判断题。根据最后一段的“the Beijing Library represents China’s vision for modern public spaces.”和“Its success”可知，作者认为通过尖端科技与文化传承的融合，北京城市图书馆展现了中国对现代公共空间的构想。它的成功证明了图书馆如何转型为集学习、创新与跨文化理解于一体的综合性中心，因此可推测国际图联对北京城市图书馆持积极态度。故选D。