Out and about

Shanghai

Pole dancing for beginners

Those with a taste for the exotic can try pole dancing as a novel way to shed that extra padding from all those Christmas parties by attending classes in the former French Concession run by Soul Dancing Studio. The company claims it was the first to introduce the progressive dance style to Shanghai back in 2006. Its beginner classes focus on floor work, climbing, transitions, simple spinning and wrap-around techniques, while advanced classes incorporate upside-down tricks and one-handed moves. Call for times and prices.

Daily through March 31. 2/F, 1 Maoming Nanlu (South Road) (near Yanan Zhonglu). 021-6256-4400.

Qi dance session

This marks the final class of a three-month program organized by uber-health-conscious Mahota Farm and the Shanghai Qi Gong Institute. Part of China's Yangsheng culture, qigong exercises aim to harmonize breathing and movement to give you a steely focus and keep your energy levels at a premium. They are influenced by Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism and are part of a broader set of traditional Chinese medicinal practices.

6:15 am-7:45 pm, Jan 16. 100 yuan. Unit 10, 1st Floor, M-Town, 1580 Kaixuan Lu (Road), Changning district. 021-5267-9988.

Pop-up flea market

This one-day flea market could be a good opportunity to hunt for some cultural items at bargain basement prices in the wake of another heavy-spending series of end-of-the-year celebrations.

10 am-4 pm, Jan 18. 68 Alley 7611 Zhongchun Lu (Road), Minhang district. 021-6405-8771.

- Matt Hodges

Hong Kong

Theater genres on display

Hong Kong's Bamboo Theater enters its third year and will be based around an 800-seat temporary wood theater at the West Kowloon Cultural District. The annual three-week run of Chinese dance, Cantonese opera and contemporary music kicks off with an opening series of classical works from the world-renowned Chinese Theater Association's Plum Blossom Award Art Troupe. Peking Opera, Kunqu Opera and mixed opera genres will be on display as well as a new "rising stars in Cantonese opera showcase". Nostalgic screenings of classic Chinese opera movies will be held as well as a preview of the soon-to-be completed permanent Xiqu Opera Center, which will serve as the future home of this traditional Chinese art form.

5-10 pm weekdays, 3-10 pm weekends, Jan 17-Feb 9. West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade. 852-2200-0097. Westkowloon.hk.

Mix-and-match stage shows

The Hong Kong Repertory Theatre will be hosting its first International Black Box Festival showcase with five very distinct looks at the theme "Body and Performance - A Beautiful Connection". The event draws local artists and performance groups as well as entertainers from Japan, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Acts vary from rambunctious to subdued, from subtle to outlandish with plenty of passion that captures the theatrical art form.

Various dates and times. Jan 17-March 29. HK$180-280. HKREP Black Box, 8/F Sheung Wan Civic Centre. 852-3103-5900. Hkrep.com.

Phoenix's first date with Hong Kong

Versailles-based Grammy award-winning alternative rockers Phoenix are to make their Hong Kong debut at their only China stopover during their Asia tour. The four-piece band, formed in 1999 after a flirtation with Daft Punk's Bangalter and de Homem-Christo, is promoting their new album Bankrupt!, four albums and 14 years after the 2000 debut of their first album United.

7 pm, Jan 19. HK$680-780. Hall 10, AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok. 852-3128-8288. Hkticketing.com.hk.

- Timo Chui

Tianjin

Tax seminar

All foreign-invested enterprises are subject to the annual audit, the tax clearance and combinative auditions. And 2013 has been a year with many changes, and Chinese law requires all entities to submit an annual audited report of their financial statements. In this seminar, Grace Shi from Ecovis will discuss key requirements, report preparation and how to minimize taxes while remaining in compliance.

3-5 pm, Jan 16. German Chamber Tianjin Office, Room 1502 Global Center, No 309 Nanjing Lu (Road). 80 yuan for members, 150 yuan for non-members. 022-8787-9249.

Beijing

Temple fairs

Two international schools invite the public to celebrate the Year of the Horse with live performances, Chinese arts and crafts and lots of activities for kids.

11 am -2 pm, Jan 18. Beijing City International School. 010-8771-7171. Bcis.cn.

10 am-1 pm, Jan 25. Beijing Riviera Country Club (organized by Dulwich College Beijing). 010-6454-9000. info@dulwich-beijing.cn.

Reduce stress

Life in China can be anxious for new expats who must learn to cope with lifestyle challenges in a foreign land. This free seminar offers different ways to control stress. E-mail seminar@internationalsos.com to reserve a seat.

10-11:30 am, Jan 21. International SOS Beijing Clinic. 010-6462-9112.

Winter hiking

Taking a hike in the capital's hinterlands can be cool in every sense, without the summer crowds and tourists. Beijing Hikers offers regular weekend and holiday hiking trips around China designed to entertain the whole family. The 350-400 yuan cost (200 yuan for kids under 12) for regular hikes covers transportation (usually from Liangmaqiao subway exit B or the Lido Metropark Starbucks), plus a post-hike snack. 010-6432-2786, beijinghikers.com.

- Mike Peters

(China Daily 01/12/2014 page5)