Luxury Events 2015

(June 13th – 21st, 2015; Shanghai)

Going on it’s 18th year in succession, SIFF focuses on the globalization of the film industry and expanding the Chinese film industry. During the festival there are multiple markets, forums, film exhibitions, and an awards ceremony. SIFF will also be attempting something new, creating an “Internet Film Carnival,” where Internet companies launching their own films will be promoted through SIFF. Furthermore, SIFF will be launching “Week of Jackie Chan’s Action Films” commending his contribution to Chinese action films.

(June 20th, 2015; Hong Kong)

For over 2,000 years, the people of Hong Kong, and other locations in China, have carried out the tradition of the Dragon Boat Festival. It consists of eating zongzi (sticky rice treats), drinking realgar wine (cereal wine), and racing dragon boats. These traditions originated in ancient Chinese history. A great poet, Qu Yuan, committed suicide by drowning himself in the Miluo River when the State of Chu was conquered by Qin. Upon hearing of his death, fishermen raced their boats down the river in search of his body, and people threw eggs and zongzi into the river in an attempt to distract fish and animals that may feast on Qu Yuan’s body.

(June 21st, 2015; Shanghai)

The Touring Car Championship racing series is coming to China! Made of six rounds, the Championship travels to different locations for each round, and the next one will be happening soon. The Championship aims to bring the top mostorsports brands to China as well as improve domestic race events to promote its culture. The next round is on June 21st, followed by Korea (July 19th), Zhuhai (August 16th), and Shanghai-Jiading (September 27th).

(June 28th, 2015; Hong Kong)

These Dragon Boat Championships are made of several races on the water. Having already started in May with warm-up races, the next race takes place on June 28th with the short-course races. In July, Red Bull Dragon Roar races take place, ending with the Stanley Dragon Boat Rally in October. It’s a fun time to hang out by the water and cheer on Dragon Boat racers.

(July 6th – 9th, 2015)

Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, this fashion exhibition offers a large selection of the latest high-end fashion to the masses. There are various exhibits for all kinds of garments and accessories, from ladies’ wear to buttons that are available to buyers. With over 1000 exhibitors on the floor, there’s so much to choose from, and yet each show has its highlights. This year, the Brand Name Gallery, Intimate Wear Zone, and World of Fashion Accessories take the spotlight.

(July 24th – 28th, 2015; Hong Kong)

Ani-Con and Games is a convention for all things animated and digital entertainment. Like many other conventions, it has comic books, figurines, exhibits, and talks with the big names in the industry, as well as cosplay competitions and musical entertainment. It is open to all ages, as some of the comics and animation may be geared towards younger ages, but Ani-Con also mature comics and animated entertainment.

(July 30th – August 1st, 2015; Hong Kong)

This is the convention for digital entertainment, happening every year in Hong Kong. Covering comic and animation, next-gen arcade console gaming, digital entertainment, mobile gaming, game development and business, this is basically a line-up of several conventions. It becomes a large showcase for all things digital entertainment, as well as a place to network and congregate with those in the industry. Nearly a quarter million people come to this 4-day event, happening on 100,000 square-meters of space. To top it off, 550 creative developers bring the gaming experience to the convention, allowing for more than 1500 devices able to play games on site.

(August 3rd – 8th, 2015; Beijing)

The Great Wall Cups is the International Youth Football Tournament. It is being held in Beijing, China this year, and is known to be very similar to the FIFA World Cup Tournament. Three to four teams compete, narrowing it down to two final play-offs, making it a total of 4-7 games pending on the whether they win or lose. Following the tournament will be an award ceremony and after-parties.

(August 7th – 9th, 2015; Hong Kong)

Known for its top-of-the-line equipment, the Hong Kong High-End Audio-Visual Show (AV Show HK) showcases the best audio and theater systems it has to offer. Exhibitors from all over the world participate in this show every year to capture the attention of the Audio Visual Industry worldwide. Everyone is welcome, whether you like high-end equipment, or the standard stuff. This exhibition isn’t just limited to those who like to live the high-life, you may find yourself going home with a new gadget yourself.

(August 8th – 21st, 2015; Beijing)

A decade old, the BIMFA has become a hit amongst the people of China. From around the world, artists and participants gather in Beijing for two weeks to share their gift of music. It’s a nice time to appreciate music and all of its sounds with live entertainment. There are pianists, string instrumentalists, and even woodwind instrument players. During the festival there are also several competitions held for piano and concerto.

(August 13th – 17th, 2015; Hong Kong)

The Food Expo at Hong Kong is a great way to get out and taste something new. All kinds of categories are covered, such as bakery products, sauces and seasonings, organic foods, and of course sweet treats. Local and international interest from food professionals and retailers come together to network and show off their stuff at the expo. With more than 1,000 exhibitors from over 20 countries, you’ll have plenty of tasty bits to try.

(August 22nd – 30th, 2015; Beijing)

Much like the Olympic Games, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) is a program designed to test athletes in several events. For awhile, the Olympic Games was the main World Championships for athletics until the late 1900s where IAAF athletes wished to have their own World Championships. Now, the IAAF continues to hold competitions every two years, and this year it is being held in Beijing.

(August 28th, 2015; All of China)

A lot like the Hispanic “Dia de los Muertos,” the Chinese also have their Day of the Dead. It’s called “The Hungry Ghost Festival,” and occurs during the seventh lunar month. However, this festival is more of an observance, one that is much scarier than the Western Halloween. Ghosts of the dead are thought to be malevolent, so on the first day of the month, locals will burn fake paper money, incense, and put out food to appease the ghosts. On the last day, locals may burn more fake money, even clothes, and Taoist monks will chant to drive the ghosts out; some people may craft lanterns to float along the river to lure the ghosts away. Sounds eerie.

(September 11th – 13th, 2015; Shanghai)

The Expat Show is a combination of multiple exhibitions rolled into one for several days. There are over 150 exhibitors for food and beverage, tourism, clothing, jewelry, and wine, to name a few. During the show, there are also multiple activities going on, such as live shows and entertainment, and the cuisine festival. This festival is the ultimate tasting experience, bringing restaurants, wine companies, and chocolatiers together to provide you with plenty of tasty experiences.

(September 13th – October 6th, 2015; Shanghai)

In the spirit of celebrating tourism, Shanghai holds a festival in honor of tourists every year. Last year, there were over 2000 people putting together 32 international performances. As many as 9 million people have been known to attend the festival at a time. There are parades, gourmet meals, games and activities, a cruise, and so much more. How else can you pack over 20 countries into a single event?

(September 16th – 20th, 2015; Hong Kong)

In September, Hong Long becomes the hub for trading and buying jewelry. Key players of the jewelry industry are attracted to this fair, with over 3,000 exhibitors from nearly 50 countries to show off their gems. This is definitely the place to go if you are a collector, or want to dip your toes into the industry of jewelry and gems yourself. This fair can act as a springboard to launch you into the worldwide market and industry.

(September 21st – October 12th, 2015)

The National Tennis Tournament takes place in many locations in many countries, but for several days of the next few months, it will be taking place in China. Some parts of the tournament have the genders separated for competition, while others (marked with an asterisk), have both genders competing together. The line-up for the China Schedule is as follows: 10-5 Beijing*, 10-11 Shanghai, 9-21 Guangzhou, 10-3 Beijing*, and 10-12 Hong Kong.

(September 27th, 2015; All Around China)

Also known as the “Moon Festival” and the “Day of Reunion,” the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the night that the moon is at its brightest. It is Chinese belief that a full moon brings peace, prosperity, and family reunion. Thus, it is tradition to reunite with one’s family during this time and to enjoy a meal together. Every part of China does something a little different for the festival. For instance, Beijing is known for lighting sky lanterns throughout the town.

(September 27th, 2015; Shanghai)

In September, the 6th round of the China Touring Car Championship mentioned above for June returns to China. Come watch the racers speed around the track for the final around. It all comes down to this in Shanghai-Jiading.

(September 27th, 2015; Shanghai)

The Osmanthus Festival in Shanghai is centered around the flower, Osmanthus. In the summer, this flower blooms, and its scent washes over the city just in time for the festival. The flower is used in cakes, teas, and other foods, all of which you can try during the festival. There will also be folk art and many shows put on for your entertainment. If you would like to take a stroll and smell the flowers, Guilin Park is the perfect place.

(September 30th – October 6th 2015; Shanghai)

Ever see holidays lights synchronized to a melody or your favorite song? Shanghai takes that to the next level with a fireworks show choreographed to the sounds of music while they light up the sky. This is sometimes done during 4th of July in the West, but do firework experts from all over the world come together? No. Do they compete for the best show? No. In Shanghai, China, that’s exactly what happens. Watch as each show tries to out do the other this year.

(October 4th – 7th, 2015; Hong Kong)

Asia’s Leading International Fine Art Fair, Fine Art Asia, puts artworks as old as 5,000 years on display. These artworks illustrate Asian culture, but the galleries also host artworks from the Western world. This year, it is said to host the world’s most renowned gallery, full of Asian and Western antiques, masterpieces, as well as modern art and decorative pieces. This is a destination for high-profile consumers, major dealers, and collectors who want to give their living or personal space a little flair.

(October 9th – November 2nd, 2015; Beijing)

During the Beijing Music Festival, the best classical and jazz musicians come together for one of the best concerts of the year. Past festivals have also hosted orchestras and choirs, as well as premier rare performances. With the young music lover in mind, some of these concerts during the festival are free, so if you’re looking for a music experience like no other, then your destination is Beijing, China.

(October 11th – 18th, 2015; Shanghai)

Every mid-October, Tennis Masters from around the world compete to become the Champion. The eighth match of the ATP World Tour takes place in Shanghai, China on their way to the gold. Not only this, but the match in Shanghai is the second to last match in the ATP World Tour Masters 1000. This means all of the winners from earlier matches will be playing to surpass the other whilst in Shanghai, and only the best will go on to the final match.

(October 13, 2015; Shanghai)

Shangai’s Fashion Week comes through twice a year, and if you already missed April’s debut, you’ll be in time for Autumn Fashion. It’s all about connecting the local designers to those who have gone international. Shanghai leads the fashion trend by building channels of communication between home and abroad platforms. It’s been going on for over a decade, and will return once again in October.

(October 16th – 19th, 2015; Hong Kong)

This is Hong Kong’s well-known golfing tournament, few of which come close to matching Hong Kong’s Open Championship. Some of the holes on the course are the most difficult in history, with well-known players messing up an assured victory on a single hole. If you’re spectating, there will be plenty to do: a putting challenge, a hole-in-one contest, and a public bar to name a few things.

(October 20th – 29th, 2015; Hong Kong)

The Mega Show is basically a conglomerate with how many expos and conventions it crams together to make this show come alive. The first part of the show, from the 20th to the 23rd, covers: gifts and gift wrapping, festival and seasonal items, housewares and home décor, kitchen, dining, and glasswares, toys and games, and nursery items. The second show, from the 27th to the 29th, covers: giftware, outdoor living and décor, stationary, housewares, and textiles. You can find practically anything if you look for it while at the MegaShow.

(October 21st, 2015; Various locations in China)

Not widely celebrated throughout China, the Chongyang Festival, typically called the “Double Ninth Festival,” is the day believed to be when Yang is most present. This is because, typically on the Chinese Calendar, the festival takes place on or near the ninth day of the ninth month on the lunar calendar. Yang, being the symbol of good, causes the need for celebration. There are typically concerts, entertainment, and other such activities taking place during the festival.

(November 5th – 7th, 2015; Hong Kong)

This Wine and Spirits Fair in Hong Kong is definitely the place to go for choice alcoholic beverages. There will be all kinds of wines, spirits, cocktails, and hard liquors to choose from. There will also be wine services such as bottling, labeling, and packaging. Wine accessories and equipment will be made available as well.

(November 6th – 8th, 2015; Beijing)

In November, Beijing will be home to the International Wine Expo, having to do with all things wine from the beverage to equipment. The theme this year is “Healthy, vitality, and life-style beverages.” The exhibits will have all kinds of wines, spirits, and the equipment to care for such. The exhibitors and visitors come from all over the world, from club and resort owners, to wine retailers like supermarkets.

(November 12th – 15th, 2015; Shanghai)

The Shanghai Art Fair is not your normal art fair. Original works by the masters have been collected here: Picasso, Rembrandt, Dali, Monet, Zhang Daqian, and many others. The art comes from the galleries, organizations, and agencies of more than 20 countries, and they all go at a high price. In 2013, the fair made over forty million yulan; that’s shy of 6.5 million in USD.

(November 18th – 20th, 2015; Beijing)

At the China National Convention Center in November, a showcase of over 600 exhibitors will be hosting an array of foodstuff. Many fine foods and imported foods will be available, such as everything on the food pyramid and more. There will also be catering services at the expo to make connections with such services. In addition, the World of Food Beijing will be sharing its locations with Sweets and Snacks, offering the opportunity to taste chocolates, coffees, teas, and other sweets. The China International Dairy Expo and 4th China International Catering Exposition will also be on site.

(December 4th – 6th, 2015; Shanghai)

Designed to attract those who enjoy the high-life, Top Marques by Borrison collects more than 100 exhibitors every year to sport the best products on the market. You will be able to feast your eyes on the most exotic of luxuries, from private yachts to real estate and more. If you’re looking for classic vintage art, or even a fine wine, you’ll have come to the right place. It’s all being held in December at the Shanghai International Convention Center.

(December 13th, 2015; Hong Kong)

The competitive horse races every year in Hong Kong are always a sight to see. The events start on the 9th of December, but the Championship is on the 13th. The horse jockeys will be racing for a prize money of over $80 million. Following the championship, there will be a gala, where racing guests are invited to enjoy an amazing meal, fine wines, and a festive atmosphere.

(All of December; Various Locations)

It’s that time of year, the holidays are here. When it comes to winter holidays, China makes a lot of sound with the many venues and locations that hold celebrations and events. In Hong Kong, you can go to Disneyland, watch the Nutcracker at the Ballet, join in on the fun of Hong Kong WinterFest, or watch the Symphony of Lights every night at 8pm. In Shanghai, there are Christmas Markets set up in various venues, such as Christkindlmrkt, Santaville, and the Jiashan Market. Plus, several hotels and restaurants hold Christmas dinners and buffets. In Beijing, the shopping continues, but there are also several events like the Beijing Playhouse, and the Ice and Snow Festival, a three-month long event of winter fun.