Guizhou
Twice daily performances of traditional Dong singing and dancing with the accompanying narration translated into English on LED signs by the stage.
Must-see entertainment in Asia
Kuala Lumpur
One of KL's oldest still-functioning cinemas, this art deco–style building dates back to 1920 and screens Tamil and other Indian-language movies.
Chinatown, Merdeka Square & Bukit Nanas
This space functions as a musical instrument store during the day and hosts regular jazz gigs come night. Check the Facebook page for the schedule.
Jaffna
Has a comfy lounge with English- and French-language newspapers and a library with books in French and English. Offers occasional film screenings.
The Bund & People's Square
This striking 1930s art deco cinema was once one of Shanghai's most famous movie theatres, and today continues to screen the latest blockbusters.
Siem Reap
Popular with some Asian tour groups, this is the glitziest dinner-dance show in town, but in reality it doesn't live up to the hefty price tag.
Shanghai
This cinema is the main venue for the Shanghai International Film Festival and usually has at least one movie showing in English at other times.
Almaty
Horse races and occasionally kokpar, take place several kilometres north of the centre. Get someone to call ahead and see what’s on.
Busan
Catch a film or escape the summer heat for a couple of hours. Shows Hollywood films in English with Korean subtitles, as well as Korean films.
Mumbai (Bombay)
Home to Air India FC and ONGC FC, this ground hosts local football (soccer) matches between September and April. Many local matches are free.
Kuala Lumpur
Take your pick from the mainstream offerings at this 12-screen multiplex. Book in advance or be prepared to queue, particularly at weekends.
Khajuraho
Nightly one-hour folk-dancing performances showcasing seven different regions of India take place in Kandariya's comfortable indoor theatre.
Western Honshū
Okayama's concert hall, in an impressive circular building, hosts a range of international and local dance and classical music performances.
Makassar
Shows current Western films in their original language (with Bahasa Indonesia subtitles). On the top floor of the Ratu Indah Mall complex.
Dunhuang
A modern theatre that has a variety of shows, but is best known for the enduring Dunhuang Goddess.
Ambassador Theatres @ Spring Centre
Taipei
This huge cinema with subterranean screens often shows independent movies (including documentaries) as well as the usual mainstream fare.
Chennai (Madras)
This cultural and educational Mylapore-based institute is a major classical-music and dance venue. Check the website for upcoming shows.
Golden Screen Cinema Dataran Pahlawan
Melaka City
This cinema within Dataran Pahlawan mall shows everything from Hollywood to Bollywood. The website flags which movies are subtitled.
Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh
A nightly 45-minute sound-and-light show is held in the amphitheatre at Gwalior Fort. Get there 15 minutes before performances begin.
Bandar Seri Begawan
A three-screen cinema at the Empire Hotel & Country Club, showing Hollywood blockbusters.
Hanoi
One of the oldest cinemas in town, with architecturally significant, modernist lines. It occasionally shows English-language films.
Solo
This cultural centre hosts all-night wayang kulit (shadow-puppet) performances; private dance lessons are also available.
Busan
Screening Korean and a handful of international films, this cinema is opposite the famous hotteok carts in Nampo-dong.
Chandigarh
For those with a cultural and artistic bent, Tagore Theatre hosts music, dance and theatrical performances throughout the year.
Dalat
Small and dark bar that sometimes has live music and DJs, who crank the volume up loud to compete with the neighbouring bars.
Kuala Lumpur
There's a chance for audience participation at this fun Malaysian dance and music show that's combined with a buffet dinner.
Jaffna
Has a library stocked with magazines, newspapers and English literature and hosts cultural events including art exhibitions.
Yangon
The centre hosts occasional events and has a library with a collection of 18,000 volumes, including a good Myanmar section.
Ho Chi Minh City
Located on top of the Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint hotel, this centrally-located complex has five compact auditoriums.
Seoul
Formerly known as Freebird, this multi-space pub, live-music and DJ venue hosts a handful of rock acts every evening.
Kuala Lumpur
Hollywood blockbusters and locally made crowdpleasers are screened at this branch of the GSC multiplex cinema chain.
Chiang Mai
Hosts moo·ay tai (Thai boxing) matches for entertainment rather than as proving grounds for the sport.
Eastern Rajasthan
This history lesson with a little drama takes place below the fort in the Kesar Kiyari complex near Maota Lake.
Dunhuang
Dance performance celebrating the culture and history of the Silk Road and performed at the Dunhuang Theatre.
Thimphu
A modern cinema in a new mall development. Movies are generally in Dzongkha but some have English subtitles.
South Delhi
One of Delhi's premier auditoriums. Hosts concerts, plays and screenings. Check the website for schedules.
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre
Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon's main water-puppet venue, with shows starting at 6.30pm and 8.30pm and lasting about 50 minutes.
Gwangju
The U-Square Culture Centre, adjoining Gwangju's bus terminal, houses cinemas and performance halls.
Yogyakarta
An intimate bar and one of the city’s key live-music venues. There are bands most nights from 9pm.
Bishkek
Open to the public for occasional performances. Consult local event-listing websites for schedules.
