That's Kitto

Mark Kitto, founder of the popular magazine group that publishes That's Shanghai, That's Beijing and That's Guangzhou and now a "hermit" in Moganshan, a mountaintop village built by foreigners in the early 1900s as a summer retreat, will share his inspiring story during the lecture in Guangzhou on Jan 13. The lecture will be about Kitto's book China Cuckoo: How I Lost a Fortune and Found a Life in China, a book recording how the Welshman shifted from bustling publishing work in Shanghai to a relaxing life in the village in Zhejiang province, owning a cafe and hotels. The columnist for Prospect, a UK magazine, will talk candidly about China from his viewpoint.

3 pm, Jan 13. Fangsuo Commune, TaiKoo Hui Shopping Mall, 383 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe district, Guangzhou. 020-3868-2327.

Ancient words blossom into modern art

Artists' village on view

Xiaozhou village in Guangzhou is often compared to Songzhuang in Beijing. More than 500 artists live and work on the tranquil green land and are putting their creations inspired by life in the village on display until Jan 15. The Fourth Xiaozhou Art Festival is not only an art exhibition but also a platform where the public can know about the status quo of the artist village and participate in public forums. Apart from art pieces about Xiaozhou, visitors can also explore selections from a US photography competition and a Singaporean architecture exhibition.

9:30 am-5:30 pm, daily until Jan 15. Xiaozhou Art Zone, 138 Xiaozhou Donglu, Haizhu district, Guangzhou. 020-3408-8028.

Music to march by

Handmade tiger-head shoes popular in China's new year

The Red Star Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble from Russia will take the audience in Guangzhou back to the country's Great Patriotic War (1941-45) to feel the zeal of Russian young people at that time through crisp, exhilarating songs and dances. Dressed in the former Soviet Union army uniforms, proud young men sing famous military songs such as Katyusha. The audience will also watch young women merrily jump and swing around in traditional costumes to accordion music. Founded in 1977, the ensemble is one of the top three in Russia.

8 pm, Jan 15. Opera Hall, Guangzhou Opera House, Exit B1 of Zhujiang New Town subway station, Guangzhou. 020-3839-2888.