Beijing

Peking opera

The play The Story of Taizhen depicts the life of Yang Yuhuan, Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) Emperor Xuanzong's favorite concubine. The Peking opera is part of the repertoire of the Mei School, which was founded by master Mei Lanfang. It is directed by the master's son, Mei Baojiu, and will be shown with various visual aides.

7:30 pm, May 17-19. Mei Lanfang Grand Theater, 22 Ping'anli Xijie, Xicheng district. 010-5833-1210

Shanghai

Historical figure

Original theater production Han Xin is now on stage. Han Xin is a historical figure from more than 2,000 years ago. He was a marshal who played an important role in Liu Bang's fight against Xiang Yu for the throne of China. The play highlights a few key moments and famous anecdotes in Han's life.

7:30 pm, until May 18; 2 pm, May 19. Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center, 1F, 288 Anfu Road. 021-6473-0123

Abstract paintings

Angelique Shidi's retrospective exhibition is ongoing in Shanghai. The artist has been widely exhibited in China and France since 2003. Her large abstract paintings, standing more than 3 meters high, were presented at the China Pavilion during the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai.

9 am-5 pm, until Oct 31. 7F, Power Station of Art, 200 Huayuangang Road. 021-3110-8550

Suzhou

Artistic expansion

Suzhou Museum is showing Chinese paintings by Liu Dan. Liu was born in Nanjing in 1953 and lived in New York from 1993. He moved back to Beijing in 2005. The ink artist is famous for exquisite depictions of rocks, landscapes and still-life paintings. His ambition is to expand the context of traditional Chinese art without violating the original principles.

9 am-5 pm, May 5-July 10, closed on Mondays. Suzhou Museum, 204 Dongbei Street, Pingjiang district, Suzhou, Jiangsu province. 0512-6757-6011