Beijing
Yet another Beijing venue specialising in classical recitals and orchestral ensembles. The concert hall is state-of-the-art, with around 1000 seats. You…
Must-see entertainment in China
Macau
One of the peninsula's older international casinos, the Sands' gaming floors have a somewhat dated, midrange-hotel-lobby vibe. Within walking distance of…
Hong Kong
For at least two weekends a month, this subterranean Italian restaurant morphs into an entertainment venue hosting jazz and other live music – chequered…
Beijing
The nightly 'Classic Acrobatic Show' is cheaper and less spectacular than the performance at Chaoyang Theatre, starring the more junior members of the…
Xi'an
Some travellers enjoy spending the evening at the free fountain and music show on Big Goose Pagoda Sq; it’s the largest such ‘musical fountain’ in Asia…
Tianqiao Performing Arts Centre
Beijing
The Grand Theatre at this modern performing-arts complex has 1600 seats and hosts big-name touring productions like Blue Man Group, Wizard of Oz and the…
Wan Chai & Northeast Hong Kong Island
A veteran on the scene, the Punchline hosts local and imported acts every month from 8pm or 9pm to 11pm. Tickets are around HK$350. Book online or call…
Suzhou
This place puts on performances of kūnqǔ (regional opera style) at 2pm on Sundays. Buy tickets by the theatre door on the day; arrive early as seats tend…
Wan Chai & Northeast Hong Kong Island
This basement cinema in the Hong Kong Arts Centre shows mostly art films and occasional Chinese classics with English subtitles. The ticket office is on…
French Concession
Landmark building built in the 1930s, with many original features. It shows a number of performances, from acrobatics and film screenings to family magic…
Dunhuang
Huge live evening show staged at the Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel, with a backdrop of the sand dunes. You can purchase tickets from the ticket office next to…
Dunhuang
An 80-minute acrobatic dramatisation of stories on the walls of the Mogao Grottoes. It’s held at the Dunhuang Theatre; English subtitles are provided.
Beijing
Modern theatre venue that hosts a range of performances, including ballet, musical theatre, drama, classical, opera and Chinese folk music. Check the…
Suzhou
The Pingtan Museum puts on wonderful performances of píngtán, a singing and storytelling art form sung in the Suzhou dialect. Two-hour shows are at 1.30pm…
Guangzhou
Local folk and singer-songwriter acts take to the stage at this rustic-looking cafe venue, but post-rock and heavy metal has featured too. It's next to a…
French Concession
Modern movie complex showing films in 2D and 3D, with some in English. There are also VIP rooms with reclining chairs. Occasional Hollywood premieres…
Guizhou
Twice daily performances of traditional Dong singing and dancing with the accompanying narration translated into English on LED signs by the stage.
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.
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.
Dunhuang
A modern theatre that has a variety of shows, but is best known for the enduring Dunhuang Goddess.
Dunhuang
Dance performance celebrating the culture and history of the Silk Road and performed at the Dunhuang Theatre.
Hubei
This taichi-themed dance show is held on Friday and Saturday nights at Taiji Lake, east of town.
Hong Kong
You can book tickets to movies and most major performances through Cityline's website.
Chongqing City
Holds a 2½-hour performance of Sichuan opera every Saturday afternoon.
Lijiang
With Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for a background and a strong background of Yunannese history and cultural groups to pull from, Lijiang's most popular live…
Hong Kong
Built in 1962, Hong Kong City Hall is still a major cultural venue, with concert and recital halls and a theatre. It also hosts Hong Kong Island's main…
Tsang
This glitzy song-and-dance show is aimed squarely at Chinese tour groups but is performed on a grand scale, using the entire old town as its backdrop…
Lhasa
Gyelpo's has long been a local favourite nangma (entertainment club), with a good floor show and singers. Gyelpo was a famous dancer on Tibetan TV. It’s a…
Jiangsu
Holds open-air kūnqǔ performances every other day. The quality won't blow your socks off but the costumes are bright and the actors enthusiastic. Don't…
Sun Never Left – Public Art Performance
Macau
Every weekend, artists at St Lazarus Church District set up shop on the picturesque Rua de Sao Roque, selling art and handicrafts. Buy coffee from a…
Hong Kong
Besides the tango milongas that take place here Monday to Thursday, this petite multipurpose venue is where amateur musicians hold their debut…
Forbidden City & Dongcheng Central
This six-screen cinema, at the eastern end of Wangfujing's Oriental Plaza, usually has at least one English-language option being screened.
Hong Kong
This eight-screen cinema complex in the IFC Mall is arguably the most advanced and comfortable in the territory.
Beijing
A student-oriented livehouse with a predisposition toward guitar solos, devil horns and dodgy drinks.
The Bund & People's Square
People’s Square cinema with an attached IMAX theatre (巨幕影院, Jùmùyǐngyuàn).
Kowloon
Hong Kong's lively amateur soccer league stages games at this stadium in Mong Kok.
Beijing
Multiplex cinema usually showing one or two Western movie releases.
Hong Kong
This reference library is a great resource for those studying contemporary Hong Kong and Asian art. It also has occasional talks by visiting artists and…
