The best things to do in the Greater Bay Area this January

The year’s off to a cultural start across the Greater Bay Area, with musical excellence dominating the region’s best theatres. From Broadway musicals to classical and K-pop, there’s something for everybody whatever genre you’re interested in.   

Here are some of the top things to do in the GBA this month – secure your tickets now.

1. Guangzhou: Pu Xiaobo and William

On 4 January, classical guitarist Pu Xiaobo and American-based pianist William will merge their instruments with jazz drums and double bass in Keys on Strings , a stunning musical crossover and auditory feast at the Guangzhou Opera House. Expect to hear pieces by Boccherini and Ravel.

2. Guangzhou: The Phantom of the Opera

As part of an international tour, Cameron Mackintosh’s masterful version of The Phantom of the Opera will be staged in English from 7 to 26 January at the Guangzhou Opera House. There’s never been a better time to witness Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s world phenomenon as it lands in the GBA.

3. Shenzhen: Munich New Philharmonic Orchestra

In this special new year’s concert, conductor Fuad Ibrahimov, violinist Chen Xi and pianist Zou Jingyi will lead the Munich New Philharmonic Orchestra through concertos and symphonies by Tchaikovsky, Sarasate and Grieg at Shenzhen Concert Hall. This show will take place on 4 and 5 January.

4. Shenzhen: Jean-François Rauzier 

The first solo exhibition of French photographer Jean-François Rauzier in South China, this showcase features more than 50 photographs. Inspired by painter Monet and the 150th anniversary of Impressionism, Rauzier’s Givernisme series – pieces created by hundreds of images stitched together in a technique known as hyperphotography – is a romantic, multidimensional experience. This exhibition runs until 23 February.

5. Shenzhen: Sir András Schiff

Legendary pianist Sir András Schiff , one of the world’s foremost interpreters of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and Haydn, will descend upon the Shenzhen Concert Hall on 9 January to dazzle the audience with magic works by the masters.

6. Foshan: Swan Lake

Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet Swan Lake will be performed on New Year’s Day at the Foshan Grand Theatre by Russia’s Tatarstan State Academic Ballet. Led by principal dancers Carvalho Wagner and Amanda Gomes in this staging, the beguiling tale tells the tragic story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse.

7. Zhuhai: Carmen

From the stages of Spain to Zhuhai comes Carmen, a delightful tale of passion, love, freedom and desire. Performed at the Zhuhai Grand Theatre on 14 January by the Granada Flamenco Ballet , this rendition stays faithful to the original while introducing a fresh new approach that enthrals modern audiences. 

8. Macao: 2025 Infinite 15th Anniversary Concert

South Korean boy band Infinite are in Macao for a pair of shows – their first in the region after a long hiatus. If you’re a fan, this is your chance to catch them in action on 11 and 12 January at Studio City Event Center as they tour Asia in celebration of their 15th anniversary.

9. Macao: Akmu

Brother-sister K-pop duo Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Su-hyun are known in South Korea as “The Nation’s Siblings” in recognition of the mark they made on in the entertainment industry from an early age despite their tough start in life. Their Akmu: On Air in Macau show lands at Broadway Macau on 11 January.