The best of the week
Don't let the weather/time of year/smog get you down! Shanghai always has a good time up its sleeve to help raise spirits, and this week is no exception.
Flava D
Fri 15, Arkham, 80RMB (50RMB advance)
Londoner Danielle Gooding's recordings on Elijah and Skilliam's Butterz label have seen her emerge as one of the UK's leading grime producers. This ought to be a big one.
If that doesn't float your boat, those of who who are partial to a 'filthy drop' will be glad to hear dubstep dynamo Flux Pavilion is heading to Fusion on the same night. Let's hope his bass canon is just as potent as it used to be.
Paris Opera Ballet Highlights
Fri 15-Sat 16, Shanghai Oriental Arts Centre, 180-880RMB
Something of an Opera greatest hits, the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet presents some of their favourite pieces, including Swan Lake, Manon, Don Quixote, Paquita, Romeo and Juliet, Etudes of Czerny, L'Arlesienne, Delibes Suite, and the rarely seen but always brilliant In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated by William Forsythe. Now that's what I call opera.
Elsewhere, it's your last chance to see the award-winning War Horse before it checks out of Shanghai after a two month stint at Shanghai Culture Square. Chances are you'll be nearly as moved as the puppets.
Solace
Fri 15, General release
Anthony Hopkins plays a psychic doctor and Colin Farrell an FBI special agent in this dark serial killer thriller from director Alfonso Poyart, his first English language film. Catch it in cinemas from Friday.
Toro y Moi
Thu 14, QSW Arts Centre, 160-200RMB
After giving us one of last summer's best records What For?, chillwave icon Toro y Moi brings his unique sound to the QSW Arts Centre on Thursday night. The US-based artist likes to keep audiences guessing - last year he also dropped a surprise hip hop mixtape on Instagram. Whatever happens, this is sure to be a top show.