18 things to do in the Greater Bay Area this September

1. Hong Kong: trainspotting

A free exhibition of MTR photographs has landed at Central station. Railscape Reminisce combines both modern and vintage images that capture passenger journeys and dynamic scenery, celebrating the amazing transit system that keeps Hong Kong moving. Until 7 October.  

2. Hong Kong: a night's tale

The Aubrey, the funky izakaya and cocktail bar at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong which offers stunning views of Victoria Harbour, introduces The Aubrey After Dark , its new Friday night DJ event series. Founded by nightlife leaders Andrew Bull and Marina Bullivant, the party pays tribute to Hong Kong nightlife past and present, with internationally renowned and local DJs on the decks spinning funk, soul and disco till the small hours. 

3. Hong Kong: cause a racquet

The latest suave space to join The Magistracy complex at Tai Kwun is Jack’s Racquet Room , Black Sheep Restaurants’ homage to the sports rooms of South Asia’s recreational clubs. Top fixtures in cricket, tennis, rugby and more will be screened all day in a venue open to all. Sign up as a member to gain access to special prices, private bookings and other exclusive perks. 

4. Hong Kong: café break

New diner RightSideUp channels retro America, with mirrorballs and vintage furniture setting the scene. On the menu are classics like fried pickles (served with jalapeño ranch), juicy ribs and a fiery ghost pepper-topped Highway to Hell Burger, all pairing perfectly with creative cocktails. Philly cheesesteak martinis, anyone? 

5. Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival

As the moon rises high in the sky, lanterns flicker to life all over Asia for Mid-Autumn Festival on 17 September. Mooncakes and autumnal delicacies will be shared among families as they tell the tale of Chang’e, the moon goddess, and her warrior husband Hou Yi. In Hong Kong, a crackling dragon will prowl the streets at the annual Tai Hang Fire Dance, which takes place from 16-18 September. 

Where to get your Hong Kong mooncakes 

6. Hong Kong: plant power 

Chef Michael Smith is back with new endeavour Victuals at Basehall 02. Asian flavours and ingredients zhuzh up plant-forward dishes like three-grain mapo tofu, mango-topped buckwheat larb and zesty lemon XO ramen. 

7. Hong Kong: duelling winds 

The virtuosic talents of sheng player Loo Sze-wang and didgeridoo master William Barton will combine for one night at Coming Together . The concert celebrates Australian and Chinese musical heritage across four pieces: two by Beethoven; Peter Sculthorpe’s Earth Cry; and the world premiere of their piece written especially for this performance. 14 September.

8. Hong Kong: flicks of fancy

The Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival returns for another year, screening movies focused on the LGBT+ experience. It’s the longest-running festival of its kind in Asia and celebrates both local and international auteurs. 6-21 September.

9. Hong Kong: sing along 

The Chinese Cultural Festival is screening classic Chinese opera films at the Hong Kong Space Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui. Now’s your chance to see Madam Butterfly and My Kingdom for a Husband on the big screen. 7 & 14 September. 

10. Hong Kong: into the deep dark wood 

The stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved The Gruffalo is back, telling the tale of a brave little mouse and a not-so-terrifying monster with catchy songs, playful staging and a bit of audience participation. 13-15 and 19-22 September. 

11. Macao: follow the Beat 

K-pop group Monsta X member I.M will perform at Broadway Macau on his solo tour Off the Beat . The singer and rapper will show off his talent by performing hits such as Lure, Overdrive and God Damn. 29 September. 

12. Macao: all in one  

W Macau - Studio City celebrates its first anniversary with a range of offers. Enjoy some pampering with the Body & Suite package, which includes a one-night stay, complimentary breakfast, a 60-minute Detox Massage for two and special discounts on Away Spa products. Until 30 September.

13. Guangzhou: strum and sing  

Singer-songwriter Wakin Chau dominated the Mandopop and Cantopop scenes with his warm vocals in the 1980s and ’90s. While he tours the world, don’t miss Chau’s performance of his best tunes at the Baoneng Guangzhou Arena this month. 7 September. 

14. Guangzhou: he will rock you   

The acclaimed French musical Mozart, L’Opéra Rock , about the life and music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, will return to Guangzhou for five shows, marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. 6-8 September. 

15. Shenzhen: moonlight serenade  

Pipa player Jiang Motong kicks off Shenzhen Concert Hall’s Guo Yue Dang Chao concert series this month. Jiang, pianist Yu Boyang and percussionist Kong Fanrui celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with renditions of Fly Me to the Moon and a range of Chinese classical pieces. 15 September. 

16. Foshan: the sound of home   

The Guangdong Chinese Orchestra , founded to promote its home province’s music, will take the stage at the Foshan Grand Theatre to perform as an ensemble, and with solo performances on erhu, dizi, suona and other instruments. 8 September. 

17. Zhuhai: serious confessions

Adapted from an Austrian novel of the same name, the stage production of Letter from an Unknown Woman delves into the story of a woman who writes a long, melancholy letter to confess a secret. During this nearly two-hour-long monologue, Huang Xiangli uses the full range of her acting and musical talents to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. 7-9 September.  

18. Zhongshan: way back when 

On display at Zhongshan Museum’s Heroes in the Era of Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty exhibition are more than 180 artefacts that once belonged to the imperial family. From artworks to kitchen utensils to silver and copperware, the show offers a glimpse into everyday life over 2,000 years ago. Until 10 September.