世界城市览胜（9）Cape Town（南非）

Set on the waterfront（滨水地区）, surrounded by spectacular （壮观的；壮丽的）mountains, Cape Town （南非西南部港市开普敦）is one of the world's prettiest cities.

Think of San Francisco and the Mediterranean rolled up into one - a place with great arts and culture, nearby wine country with gorgeous （灿烂的）old architecture and prize-winning product, sunny, active beaches, and a city center full of charm and history.

It's been called the African Eden（伊甸园，乐园）and the Mother City, the place where modern South Africa has its roots. Explorers had sailed round the Cape for many years, but it wasn't until the mid-17th century that the Dutch landed and started a settlement against the backdrop （背景）of Table Mountain.

It has grown through the years as a regional centre and remains very much the reserve（保留地）of South Africa's European descendants.

The attractions here are endless, from simple walks around the historic downtown quarters（住处）, dining and drinks at the waterfront , art galleries, Cape wine tours to drives up the scenic west coast or along the Indian Ocean-side Garden Route.

Africa's racial policies kept Cape Town a travel secret for decades, but apartheid （种族隔离政策）is gone and the city wants a place on the world stage.