Translation
唐朝始于618年,终于907年,是中国历史上最灿烂的时期。经过近三百年的发展,唐代中国成为世界上最繁荣的强国,其首都长安是当时世界上最大的都市。这一时期,经济发达、商业繁荣、社会秩序稳定,甚至边境也对外开放。随着城市化和财富的增加,艺术和文学也繁荣起来。李白和杜甫以作品简洁自然而著称的诗人。他们的诗歌打动了学者和普通人的心。即使在今天,他们的许多诗歌仍广为儿童及成人阅读背通。
The Tang Dynasty, which dated from 618 and ended in 907, was the most prosperous period in Chinese history. After nearly three hundred years of development, it had become the most flourishing power around the world, with its capital Chang’ an as the largest metropolis in the world. China during that period was embodied in the booming economy, thriving commerce, stable social order and even the open borders. As urbanization gained its momentum and wealth accumulated, art and literature also flourished. Li Bai and Du Fu were poets distinguished for their concise and natural writing style. Their poetry struck a chord with scholars as well as ordinary people. Even today, many of their poems are still widely read and recited by children and adults.
notes
power 强国
The nation declined as a world power.
作为一个世界强国，这个国家已经衰落。
flourish [V] 繁荣；昌盛；兴旺
to develop quickly and be successful or common；grow vigorously；move or swing back and forth；make steady progress
embody [ɪmˈbɑːdi] v. 体现，代表(思想或品质);包括;收录
urbanization n. 城市化;都市化
Urbanization is the process of creating towns in country areas.
gained its momentum 获得了动力
Once he got enough of them to come, the event gained its own momentum.
只要他能凑齐足够的人数，这个会议就能自动获得动力。
struck a chord with 引起共鸣
宋朝始于960直延续到1279期,中国经济大幅增长,成为世界上最先进的经济体,科学、技术、哲学和数学蓬勃发展。宋代中国是世界历史上首先发行纸币的国家。宋朝还最早使用火药并发明了活字( movable-type)印刷。人口增长迅速,越来越多的人住进城市,那里有热闹的娱乐场所。社会生活多种多样。人们聚集在一起观看和交易珍贵艺术品。宋朝的政府体制在当时也是先进的。政府官员均通过竞争性考试选拔任用。
The Song Dynasty started from 960 and lasted until 1279. During that period, China has witnessed a dramatic economic growth, making it the most advanced economy in the world. In the meantime, science, technology, philosophy and mathematics also experienced vigorous development. China back then was the first country to issue the paper money and also the earliest to use gunpowder and invent movable-type printing around the world. With burgeoning population, an increasing number of people flocked to cities where there were bustling entertainment outlets. People at that time enjoyed rich social life, gathering together to appreciate and trade precious artworks. The government system in Song Dynasty was also advanced, with all government officials selected and appointed through competitive examination.
notes
outlets [ˈaʊtˌlɛts] n.
(感情、思想、精力发泄的)出路;表现机会;专营店;经销店;折扣品经销店Clothing stores also face heavy competition from factory outlets.
成衣店也面临着来自工厂直销店的激烈竞争。
bustling [ˈbʌslɪŋ] adj. 繁忙的;熙熙攘攘的； v. 四下忙碌;催促(某人向某方向)
a bustling city
熙熙攘攘的城市
The market was bustling with life.
市场上生机勃勃。