4 . There’s plenty of sunshine, sand, and celebration to go around in July. You deserve a vacation this month, and we have four places that are well worth visiting this July.

Antigua is the onetime capital of Guatemala, a colonial-era city that earned UNESCO World Heritage site status more than 40 years ago for its extraordinary baroque architecture. There are grand buildings, cobbled streets, and, notably, ruins that were left after the last major quake in 1976—see the Cathedral of Santiago, for example.

The 75th Festival International d’Art Lyrique is happening in Aix-en-Provence, which runs from July 4 to 24. This is a world-class celebration of classical music, with a heavy emphasis on opera. Performances this year will include Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte, Kurt Weill’s Threepenny Opera, and Verdi’s Otello. It’s determinedly affordable and egalitarian, since the event is state funded, with tickets for performances starting at €37.

From July 19 to 23 this year, costume play’s spiritual home returns to San Diego: the original, and still largest, Comic-Con, which first took place here in 1970 and was canceled due to COVID-19 for the previous two years. Last year, more than 135,000 people attended the event and we expect this year’s number to more than match that record.

For 10 days this month, Calgary is the rodeo capital of the world. It hosts the Calgary Stampede from July 7 to 16, 2023. The world’s largest outdoor rodeo will take place at GMC Stadium. Here you will see people show their skills at riding wild horses and catching cattle with ropes. Programming will ensure that the native Indian stories of this region aren’t overlooked.

Chang’an Tower, also known as the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, is an architectural wonder     1     (locate) in Xi’an, China. With its rich historical significance and stunning beauty, this ancient tower stands as a masterpiece of China’s cultural heritage.

    2     (original) built during the Tang Dynasty in the 7th century, Chang’an Tower served as a Buddhist pagoda, housing Buddhist materials that the monk Xuanzang brought from India. Its construction     3    (order) by Emperor Gaozong to promote Buddhism and facilitate (使……便利) the translation of Buddhist scriptures (佛经)     4     Chinese.

Rising to a     5     (high) of 64 meters, the square-shaped, thirteen-storey tower showcases the splendid craftsmanship of ancient Chinese craftsmen, each storey of     6     exhibits unique architectural features,     7     (reflect) the cultural influences of the time. Visitors can go up the internal staircase to the top for magnificent     8     (view) of the city. Surrounding the pagoda, the serene gardens and the Da Ci’en Temple offer a peaceful retreat as well.

Whether it is for experiencing a piece of history     9     exploring cultural wonders, Chang’an Tower is     10     essential destination for those exploring China’s vast historical landscape.

10 . Opening Notice for the National Museum of China (NMC)

NMC is open from Tuesday to Sunday,9:00-17:30(no entry after 16:30), and is closed on Mondays(except for public holidays). All visitors are required to book online 1-7 days in advance via the NMC official website or WeChat platform.

Audio guide devices are available at the West Hall Service Desk for RMB40, with a RMB100 deposit. A valid ID is necessary. Damage to an audio guide causes a fee based on the level of damage. Lost devices are subject to payment of the full purchase cost.

Wheelchairs and strollers are available for free use on the day of visit at the Service Desk. A valid ID card and a deposit of RMB500 are required.

Photography is allowed in the NMC collection exhibitions without using flash, selfie sticks, or tripods. Temporary exhibits may have specific photo policies, indicated by clear signs put up at both the entrance and the corresponding exhibit halls.

Bus Route:

You can take the No.1, No.2, No.52, No.82, No.120 buses, or Sightseeing Line 2, Tourist Bus Line 1 and Line 2 and get off at Tian’an men East Station.

Metro:

You can take Metro Line 1, get off at Tian’anmen East Station, and exit the station through Exit C.