世界最長的人行懸索橋

山東 王安基

4月，在葡萄牙的阿羅卡，世界最長的人行懸索橋“516 Arouca”向民眾開放。 據報道，這座橋全長516米，位于河流上方175米，橋面由金屬網格連接而成，游客能直接透過橋面看到峽谷，并且可以在這里擁有一段既刺激又獨特的經歷。

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Are you brave enough to walk on the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge? Being at over half a kilometer long, a newly opened, recordbreaking 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 （網格）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 Switzerland's 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（新石器時代的） 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 （網） 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. It's 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.

Language Study

Theme-centered chunks

be allowed to cross the bridge 被允許過橋

a unique experience 一種獨特的經歷

settle down 定居

be located in 坐落于

explore historical sites 探索歷史遺址

be home to ……的所在地

explore river beaches 探索河灘

in addition to 除……之外

be inspired by 受……啟發

be connected to 和……連接

draw on 利用；借鑒