Beijing

Martial-art musical

Louis Cha, the most influential and respectful Chinese martial-art novelist in Chinese-speaking areas, authorized one of his masterpiece, Demi-Gods And Semi-Devils, to be recreated as a stage musical. Although Cha's works have been put on screen again and again, it's the first time one of his classics has hit the stage. With the perfect combination of martial arts, sword dancing and music of different styles, audience can immerse themselves into a unique Chinese knight-errant world.

7:30 pm, Dec 15-30. National Stadium, the Olympic Park, 9 Tianchen Donglu, Chaoyang district. 400-610-3721

Liszt feast

Newly-laurelled champions from three major international Franz Liszt Piano Competitions in Utrecht, Weimar and Budapest will present an audio feast together in Beijing. This gala concert is one of the worldwide activities celebrating the 200th anniversary of birth of Hungarian composer and pianist Franz Liszt. The three young champions are Gabor Farkas from Hungary, Masataka Goto from Japan and British pianist Alexander Ullman.

7:30 pm, Dec 17. National Center for the Performing Arts, 2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district. 010-6655-0000

Ancient clothing

About 100 pieces of ancient clothing stretching through the history of Xinjiang, collected by the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum, will be exhibited in Beijing. On display are simple woollens from pre-Qin days, silk and cotton dresses made during the Han (206 BC-AD 220) and the Jin (AD 265-420) dynasties, and folk costumes of the later dynasties. Due to its geographical position, Xinjiang has witnessed many migrations between West and East, making it the convergence of different cultures and civilizations. The evolution of clothes here opens a door to the mysterious and glorious culture.

9 am-5 pm, Dec 29-Jan 16. National Museum of China, east side of Tian'anmen Square, 16 East Chang'an Avenue, Dongcheng district. 010-6511-6188

Shanghai

Oil paintings

Abstract paintings by Shanghai-based oil painter Ding Yi are exhibited. The artist has devoted more than a whole decade painting repeatedly with meticulous strokes, tiny crosses patterns on the canvas. The French luxury fashion brand Hermes has had silk scarves made after his paintings of crosses.

10 am-9 pm, until Jan 29, daily except Mondays. Minsheng Museum of Modern Art, F, 570 Huaihai Xilu. 0216282-8729

Self-taught painter

Young oil painter Li Xiongyi is having a solo exhibition entitled World of Innocence. The artist, born in 1988, left school at the age of 15, and since then has been painting at home. His paintings feature animals, portraits and still life in exuberant colors and simple composition. Although he has no systematic training, his art has won recognition by many critics. More than 70 pieces are displayed.

9 am-5 pm, until Dec 12. Shanghai Art Museum, 325 Nanjing Xilu. 021-6327-2829. 10 am-6 pm, Dec 25-Jan 8. Salon Art 800, 2F, 800 Guoshun Donglu

100 young artists

Young Artists 100 is a touring project that put together 300 pieces by 100 young artists from all over China. These art works, including paintings, sculptures, interactive installations and multi-media projects , have been shown in Beijing and Guangzhou and are now on display in Shanghai.

10 am-6 pm, Dec 11-14. Shanghai Urban Sculpture Art Center, 570 Huaihai Xilu. 010-8840-0376, 021-6280-5629

Hong Kong

Lend me a tenor

Christmas is a busy time of the year for the 70-strong Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir and it is no wonder. The amateur troupe of local and expat troubadours has been one of the most sought-after performance groups in the city since its inception in 1978. Hear these gentlemen harmonize and you'll convert to an instant fan.

7 pm, Dec 16. Hebe Haven, 10.5 Miles Hiram's Highway, Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung. 852-2719-9682. 7 pm, Dec 18. Aberdeen Boat Club, 20 Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen. 852-2552-8182. 7 pm, Dec 19. Hong Kong Football Club, 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley. 852-2830-9500

www.hkwmvc.com

Sugar and spice

The Nutcracker, written by Alexandre Dumas and set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's score, immediately captivated audiences when it was first performed in 1892. A sugar-spun story of a Nutcracker prince leading little Clara to a magical world of dance, it is a tour de force of colorful solos and pas de deux. This year is the 15th anniversary of former artistic director Stephen Jeffries' version, performed by The Hong Kong Ballet accompanied by The Hong Kong Sinfonietta. Don't miss a timeless Christmas classic for the whole family.

7:30 pm, Dec 16-18, 20-24; 2:30 pm, Dec 17-18, 24-26. Grand Theater, Hong Kong Cultural Center, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. 852-2105-9724

Macao

East meets West

Toast the festive season with song in one of the city's most historical and atmospheric churches. With its distinctive yellow and green facade, St. Dominic's ornate mouldings and soaring ceilings help to enhance the clarity of every note. This year's Christmas concert is organized by the Macao Orchestra and the Macao Chinese Orchestra and promises to be the perfect marriage of Chinese and Western music traditions. Guaranteed to be a treat for music lovers, it is a memorable way to usher in the holiday spirit.

8 pm, Dec 18. St. Dominic's Church, 1 Travessa Do Soriano. 853-8399-6699

(China Daily 12/11/2011 page15)