SHANGHAI

Showcase of up-and-comers

Surge Art Fair is currently being held in Shanghai, showcasing hundreds of works of art from up-and-coming artists from home and abroad. Aimed at building a platform for high-quality artwork at affordable prices, the annual festival is free of charge. All works displayed at the fair are priced under 30,000 yuan ($4,800). The festival will move to Chengdu, Sichuan province, and take place at Dongjiao Jiyi, at the Eastern District Music Park, from Oct 1-5.

10 am-6 pm, Sept 18-22. 800 Show Creative Industry Park, 800 Changde Road, Jing'an district, Shanghai. 021-5213-8000.

It's a dog's life

The protagonist of the play Hi Mick is a dog, played by the mainland actor Peng Ziheng. The play tells about a dog that has dedicated its life to a family. It's a heart-warming story about love and companionship. The play is based on a story by Taiwan writer Tsai Chih-heng. Li Chung-hsi, head of Taiwan Drama Performance, has directed the production, a joint project of Taiwan Drama Performance with Beijing's Zheteng Culture Co Ltd.

7:30 pm, Sept 17-29. Studio D6, Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center, 6F, 288 Anfu Road Shanghai. 021-6473-0123.

Art reflects life

An exhibition titled Reflections, featuring established artists such as Ye Yongqing, Qiu Zhijie, Sun Liang and Guan Huaibin is on show. The curator Liao Liao believes artists' creations are their response to life and society, as well as a reflection of themselves. "They not only deal with the real world, but more importantly, the world of reason, in their works," he says.

10 am-6 pm, until Sept 29. 99 Creative Center of the Academy of Fine Arts of Shanghai University, 1F, Building 6 M50, 50 Moganshan Road, Putuo district, Shanghai. 021-2420-9822.

GUANGZHOU

Getting brassy

Presidio, a brass quintet from the United States, will be a treat for fans of Hollywood in Guangzhou, with their show Sounds of the Cinema. Famous songs from the silver screen, including themes from Star Wars and A Space Odyssey, will be played by the upbeat combination of a brass quintet, piano and percussion. Presidio was formed in 2006 and quickly achieved success. It has performed in more than 40 states across the US.

8 pm, Sept 21. Xinghai Concert Hall, 33 Qingbo Road, Ersha Island, Yuexiu district, Guangzhou. 020-8735-3869.

British style on high street

The British Council has invited Simon Kneen, the creative director of fashion brand Banana Republic, to tour four Chinese cities from Sept 22 to look at high street fashion and talk about the brand's exciting cooperation with designer Issa London, a favorite of Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine Middleton. Kneen has worked in the fashion industry for more than 30 years. Young fashion lovers in Beijing, Dalian, Shanghai and Guangzhou now have the opportunity to consult the veteran on how to combine luxury elegance with popular styles at affordable prices.

7:30 pm-9 pm, Sept 27. Fangsuo Commune, TaiKoo Hui Shopping Mall, 383 Tianhe Road, Tianhe district, Guangzhou. 020-3868-2327.

We recommend

Chinese painting exhibition held in Yinchuan	Striking a chord without compromise	Giant mooncakes greet Mid-Autumn Festival