Weekly China agenda: Adult entertainment expo and athletics

(AFP/MIKE CLARKE)

Key events on the Chinese agenda for December include the Asia Adult Expo 2009 in Macau and the East Asian Games in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's Business of Design Week 2009
November 30-December 5
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong

A gathering of the international design world which this year aims to "unleash the power of design by focusing on the vital relationship and complex interplay between design and business.'' If you survive that, there's also design conferences, forums, exhibitions and award presentations. This year's guest nation is France.

http://www.bodw.com

World SME Expo 2009
December 3-5
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong

With a focus on the development of "green'' industries, organizers the Hong Kong Trade Development Council say they have this year attracted 310 companies including 90 from 14 provinces in China and the event will "provide practical information and solutions targeting everything from brand design to corporate services, creating a one-stop platform for SMEs to enhance their competitiveness and find business partners."

http://www.hktdc.com/worldsmeexpo

AAE 2009 - Asia Adult Expo 2009
December 4-6
The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, Macau

The only event of its kind in Asia sees the world of adult entertainment gather to show its various wares. As well as pavilions promoting adult gifts and novelties, publications and "new media'' (including websites and mobile networks), there's performances from the likes of Aussie Bombshells and the Libido Japanese pole dance team.

http://www.verticalexpo.com

Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games
December 5-13
Various venues, Hong Kong

Nine countries, 3,500 athletes and a record 22 events for the fifth edition of the event, which is held every four years. It's Hong Kong's first go at hosting an international multi-sport event and while they'll be competing against athletes from Japan, Macau, North and South Korea, Mongolia, Guam and Taiwan, the Chinese delegation, led by hurdler Liu Xiang, will grab all the attention.

http://www.2009eastasiangames.hk/en/

CineAsia
December 8-10
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong

The largest gathering of the Pan-Asian cinema screening and distribution community - "from cinema owners and suppliers to film buyers and distributors'' - programs seminars on topics such as the growth of the film industry in China, plus screening of major Asian and Hollywood films.

http://www.cineasia.com

Amazing Tale: Three Guns released
December 11
China

Internationally acclaimed film director Zhang Yimou made his name with sweeping dramas such as Raise the Red Lantern but here he takes the American Coen brothers' 1984 thriller Blood Simple and sets it in a noodle shop in ancient China. Comedian Xiao Shenyang stars.

44th Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo
December 12 - January 4
Victoria Park, Hong Kong

Hong Kong's largest out-door expo takes over Victoria Park, right in the middle of town and features a veritable who's who of international designer brands and products. Perfect for pre-Christmas - or for those who simple love to shop.

http://www.hkbpe.com.hk

Hong Kong International Races
December 13
Sha Tin Racecourse, Hong Kong

One of the international racing community's biggest days each year - to rival the likes of the Japan Cup and the Breeder's Cup in the United States - with horses, trainers, jockeys and owners converging on Hong Kong from the far corners of the earth. Close to 100,000 fans pack the Sha Tin racecourse - and the world waits for the results.

http://www.hkjc.com

MS