17 things to do in the Greater Bay Area this August

1. Hong Kong: light in the arch

One of Hong Kong’s most photogenic and historic buildings has received a technicolour new look. Love in the Light is a new exhibition by architect Stanley Siu on the verandah of the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex. Although urban legends tell of ghost sightings at the Grade I-listed historic building, built as a psychiatric hospital in 1892, it’s a popular place for photoshoots – even more so now, as its arches light up with colour and romantic music plays every 10 minutes from 6-10pm. Until 21 May 2025.

2. Hong Kong: a total snack

The latest arrival on Hollywood Road is Snack Baby , a Milanese gelateria-meets-cocktailbar concept with 1970s-inspired interiors. Pick from a range of slow-churned confections in flavours like caramelised mascarpone and mint stracciatella, alongside milkshakes, cocktails and mocktails. There’s also a dairy- and lactose-free selection.

3. Hong Kong: India calling

As a private chef, Samaira Kavatkar received plaudits for her unusual Indian-Portuguese style of cooking, now available more widely with the opening of her new restaurant, Nine One . Signature dishes include the chicken khuddi braised in a bottle masala gravy, banana leaf-wrapped fish khujit and a burrata salad served with chatpata coriander chutney.

4. Hong Kong: café break

It was only a matter of time before someone merged cha chaan teng and Instagrammable cafés. New Quarry Bay café Nook serves modernised Cantonese staples alongside nostalgic drinks. Expect satay wagyu beef piled high over noodles, Yeung Chow fried rice-inspired quesadillas and Yakult-based cocktails.

5. Hong Kong: feline fantastic

Honouring what would have been Doraemon creator Fujiko F Fujio’s 90th birthday, 100% Doraemon & Friends features a ticketed indoor exhibition at K11 Musea, as well as a free pop-up show on the Avenue of Stars. Say hello to everyone’s favourite blue robotic cat and his friends before they embark on their next adventure. Until 18 August.

6. Hong Kong: funny guy

Jordan Leung, who posts online as 69ranch, is back in the city for three nights as part of his Low Energy world tour. The Hong Kong comic known for his deadpan delivery and observational style will perform in both English and Cantonese. 1 August (English) & 2-3 August (Cantonese).

7. Hong Kong: shiny and new

Luxury boutique hotel and residence Lanson Place Causeway Bay has reopened after an extensive facelift, offering a smart place to stay in one of the city’s busiest districts. Business travellers can look forward to new amenities, such as a light-drenched gym and wellness area, all-day lounge Salon Lanson, and sleek meeting areas and privacy zones.

8. Hong Kong: your August concert calendar

9. Hong Kong: cinephile central

For fans of Hong Kong cinema, the Hong Kong Film Archive is putting on a fascinating retrospective of the city’s greatest classics – all told through their trailers. At the exhibition Coming to a Theatre Near You – Gems of Hong Kong Film Trailers, visitors can learn more about the industry and get a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s greatest films. Until 3 November.

10. Macao: summertime pampering

Looking for a relaxing treatment to revitalise your mind and body? The Palazzo Versace Macau’s Summer Rejuvenation Special offers a special discount on selected facials and massages. Take a friend with you and enjoy additional savings on treatments for two. Until 30 September.

11. Macao: fresh for the season

Enjoy an exquisite, summer-inspired afternoon treat at The Lounge at JW Marriott Hotel Macau. Featuring a selection of delicious, colourful pastries, savoury bites and herb-infused mocktails, the Serenity in Bloom Afternoon Tea is perfect for relaxing, indulging and celebrating the season. Until 31 August.

12. Macao: lucky roll

Chef Masaki Miyakawa, of three-Michelin-starred Sushi Miyakawa, is bringing his gourmet craftsmanship to Raffles at Galaxy Macau. Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa elevates Japanese food in the city by combining hallmarks of Edomae sushi and Hokkaido influences and spotlighting premium seasonal ingredients on an omakase menu.

13. Shenzhen: rap it up

Taiwanese rapper MC HotDog ’s Chinese Mainland concert tour stops off in Shenzhen, where he’ll perform hits from his two-decade-long career as well as new songs from his 2023 album, Disgusted Artist. 17 August.

14. Guangzhou: masterpiece on stage

Marking the 155th anniversary of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace , this award-winning stage adaptation of the literary masterpiece serves as the closing show of the 2024 Guangzhou Art Season. Watch some of Russia’s best stage actors bring to life this historic saga set during the Napoleonic Wars in the early 1800s over a nearly five-hour-long, epic performance. Performed in Russian with Chinese surtitles. 29 August–1 September.

15. Shenzhen: tech trek

Asia’s biggest exhibition of IoT (Internet of Things), IOTE Expo China is where industry heavyweights go to tap into the digitally connected universe of smart devices. The three-day event will see hundreds of exhibitors and more than 100,000 visitors gather to exchange knowledge and present the latest innovations in the field. 28-30 August.

16. Foshan: final encore

Active since 1973, legendary Hong Kong supergroup The Wynners are heading to the Foshan GBA International Sports and Cultural Center for their Farewell with Love concert. Travel down memory lane as the group perform their classics and thank fans for five decades of support. 3 August.

17. Zhuhai: a splash of creativity

Inspired by Jackson Pollock’s art, Plock! is a “circus and sound painting theatre” experience created by Belgian performance company Grensgeval. Audience members will dress in full protective gear and sit on stage as the acrobatic artist creates a piece of art using all his body parts and a range of movements and paints. 22-25 August.