Events & Promotions:

The Royal Asiatic Society's book club meets to discuss English by Wang Gang, a tale of a young boy growing up in Xinjiang during the Cultural Revolution and the filthy things that his father is subjected to by horrific brown-nosing Red Guards. Copies of the book will be available at the discounted price of 175rmb at RAS events prior to this. It's a good, though infuriating read. Check it then head here to chat it up. Members 70rmb, 100rmb for non-members, includes a class of wine or some lemon squash.

Shanghai Pathways is hosting a walking tour that weaves through some of Shanghai's most fascinating backstreets. Along the way, participants will marvel at timeless Shanghai architecture and speak with long-time Shanghai residents who will provide unique insight and history into these timeworn alleys. 2 hour tour. 300rmb. Directions will be provided when you RSVP. Reserve your ticket at shanghaipathways@gmail.com

The card swap is back again at Shanghai Brewery. Professionals in PR, marketing, creative and media industries are invited to participate to swap business cards in a speed-networking format that will allow you to make lots of new contacts. RSVP by e-mail to Tuesnightsocial@yolk.com and get in RMB100 (RMB120 at the door). Pricing includes a drink and appetizers.

The Expatriate Professional Women's Society has pulled in Eike Stratmann, the woman behind those lovely Shanghai Detour art maps, to give a talk about how aspiring artists can break into the Chinese art world. If that sounds like it's for you, head to the Apartment from 7-9pm. 200rmb includes drinks and canapes.

Part of a series of global events, Portfolio Night takes place at the Ogilvy & Mather offices in May. Participants will receive 45 minutes of undivided attention with leaders from a number of the world's best agencies, including Ogilvy & Mather, Wieden + Kennedy, JWT, BBDO and more... Space is limited, so register and pay online here before May 20. 60rmb; 4.30pm - 8.45pm; 26/f, The Center, 989 Changle Lu

Do you work in sourcing and procurement? My sympathies. Nevermind, eh, you've got the sixth annual Indirect Procurement China Forum coming up. You can swap best practice strategies and accelerate indirect services and MRO procurement strategies in China. That'll be fun. Council Member: 3080rmb or US0, non-Council Member: 3480rmb US5.

Shanghai Toy Club and Zocou sponsor a kids' bazaar at O'Malley's. Come down and check out stalls selling stuff for the little ones, stuff they love and stuff that's good for them. Free to get in.

Just in time for the summer holidays and trips back-home, Shanghai Toy Club and Zocou are hosting the ever-popular Summer Kids' Bazaar at O'Malley's. More than 65 vendors selling unique and design items for kids, women and homes. No admission fee. Runs from 10pm to 3am. More info here.

Learn how to use your digital camera with locally based photographer Yolanda vom Hagen. She'll take you on a walk around the Bund and show you how to take awesome shots of the city. RSVP to publicwalks@shanghai-flaneur.com or call 138 1892 2040. 300rmb pp.

Whether you're an experienced yogi or a curious newbie, a yoga getaway is a great way to refresh and rejuvenate. At The Yoga Haven you can experience yoga, enjoy cleansing food, relax with meditation sessions and unwind within the calming tranquility of Moganshan's natural environment. Accommodation is in an elegantly renovated farm house. All meals are included. Yoga mats and yoga props will also be provided. Interactive nutrition sessions will be conducted by experienced teachers. Contact Caitlin for more info: caitlin.reilly98@yahoo.com.

Stepping Stones is a not-for-profit charitable organization registered in Hong Kong with a mission to improve the education and general welfare of disadvantaged children in China. They're hosting a fundraising night with martial arts, dancing, wine and tea tasting. Raffles, prizes and more. 300rmb entry, including welcome drinks and cocktail buffet. Dress code: smart casual/Shanghai 1930’s chic. Runs 7pm to 11pm.

If your kids spend their life in an expat bubble, never seeing the true face of Shanghai, pack them off for this photography walk. Local experts will show them some Shanghai street life and instruct them on how to capture it with their cameras. RSVP to publicwalks@shanghai-flaneur.com or call 138 1892 2040. 300rmb pp.

Kin's flea market returns with local designers and vendors selling their wares. Second hand clothes, arts and crafts, shows, music and more from the local community. Runs from 2:30pm to 6:30 pm. No entry fee.

Breakfast panel discussing business outlook in China over the next year. Upcoming marketing and social media trends will be discussed by those in the know. 325rmb for members, 425 for nons. Email info@cancham.asia for more. 8:30am-midday.

The Royal Asiatic Society presents a lecture by Hilary Spuring, winner of the Whitbread Book of the Year Award and the LA Times biography prize in 2005. Spuring will be discussing the role that Pearl Buck, had in influencing relations between China and the West. Pearl Buck was once an enemy under Mao and only now is she being recognized for her role in predicting China to become a 21st century superpower. Admission costs 30rmb for members and 80rmb for nonmembers. Starts at 7pm.RSVP to bookings@royalasiaticsociety.org.cn

Guest speakers in the law profession give this seminar on protecting your intellectual property in the murky legal waters of the Middle Kingdom. Carol Wang, a senior manager of Rouse (MIP Best Foreign IP law firm, 2012) gives a breakfast talk on challenges for IP owners, proactive legal enforcement strategies and highlight of the draft of copyright law amendment. Sponsored by AustCham and BritCham. 200rmb members, 300rmb non-members. RSPV to rachel.zhou@austchamshanghai.com

What should you do in the event of a medical emergency in Shanghai? Are you aware of which hospitals offer ER services? How can you plan ahead and prepare for unforeseen emergencies? Shanghai United Family Hospital’s Emergency Team discusses critical information for you and your family about the city’s medical emergency landscape. No entry fee. Runs 7pm to 8:30pm. See flyer for RSVP.

Bingo returns to Puxi's biggest sports bar. Pay 50rmb and get 10 rounds of bingo plus a free drink. For every round there are prizes to win, plus free vodka shots and meat pies doing the rounds. It's a silly, communal way to pass a midweek in sultry Shanghai. Booking is highly advised as tables fill up fast -- call 6437 9446 to reserve your spot. Starts 8pm.

Supply chain networking mixer. Want to meet other people who work in the supply chain industry? We thought so. Head down to Sonic Fly on Hengshan Lu and fill your boots. Sourcing, procurement, logistics? All that and more. Yes, more. Price is 150rmb for council members or 250rmb for non members, and that includes two drinks and a light buffet. Info here: http://cha1n.com/events/supply-chain-networking-mixer-5

Year in review with board elections of Expatriate Professional Women's Society. From 7pm, the sitting board of directors will present their achievement for the past year, with membership reports, financial reports and other data in a lively way. The elections are scheduled at 8:30pm. Price: Members 150rmb; Non-Members 200rmb. Price includes complementary drinks and canapés.

The Wellness Works is hosting nutrition talks as part of the World Health Store 12 week challenge. Access to the nutrition experts is free for challenge participants and only 50rmb for non-challengers. Spaces are limited so RSVP at events@the-wellness-works.com.

• June 3rd - Summary of nutrition Q&A after Weigh-In 2 (Rock Chai-WHS)
• June 10th - Jumping of the Weight-loss Plateau (why we plateau and how to get moving again (Margaret Keefe- Registered Dietician)
• June 17th - Eating for Energy (Keith Collins- Health Coach)
• June 24th – PUBLIC HOLIDAY – No Speaker
• July 1st- TBC (Rock Chai- WHS)
• July 8th: Metabolic Typing (Jessica Simkin- Holistic Nutrition & Yoga Instructor)
• July 15th: Staying Fit While On The Go: Strategies for Healthy Work Travel (Quan Trinh- health coach)

Jaiya's Animal Rescue (JAR) is a non-profit small animal rescue group committed to protecting and improving the health and welfare of animals through pet health care, education, and the promotion of adoption / fostercare as an alternative approach to purchasing animals. JAR holds Adoption Days once per month. This is a chance for rescued cats, dogs, kittens and puppies to be adopted, and to have a loving safe home. Event runs from 11am to 3pm. No entry fee.

The Royal Asiatic Society is hosting well-known author Jonathan Fenby to discuss his new book, Tiger Head, Snake Tail: China Today, How it Got There, and Where it is Heading. Fenby, who has already written several books on China, will discuss the twisting and intriguing phenomenon that is modern China. Fenby's book will be available at the event, and email bookings@royalasiaticsociety.org.cn to confirm the pre-order number. 80rmb for RAS members and 130rmb for non-members. Drink included. Starts at 6:30pm.

AsianBiz hosts a seminar, “Global Debt and How It Affects You”, presented by Mr. George Cuzzocrea, the Director of China for Elgin Group & Associates. Mr. Cuzzocrea will provide an analysis of the debt issues and how they affect global GDP, and how large emerging market economies like China can help the developed world return to trend growth. If you are interested, please RSVP by emailing events@asianbiz.cn. Event runs from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Price: 100rmb, includes two drinks and canapes.

Shanghai Voices International Music Group bring it on with an evening of authentic South American music. Tickets go for 100rmb-200rmb with a 50rmb discount for students, but all the money raised goes to Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation & Stepping Stones' School on Wheels project. Email ticket@steppingstoneschina.net or visit http://steppingstoneschina.net/charity-concert

The British Chamber of Commerce is holding a charity ball to celebrate "everything royal." Expect a night of good eating, plenty of drinking and dancing with everything done the Brit way. Proceeds from the event are going to four charities: CereCare Wellness Center for Children, Lifeline Shanghai, Lixin Charity Association and Mifan Mama. So iron your best fancy dress or regal outfit, fill out the booking form and email it to danielle.perry@britishchambershanghai.org by June 1st. The celebration runs from 6pm to 1am. Member price is 1,000rmb per person and non-member price is 1,300rmb per person.

The first annual Chinese Arts and Crafts Fair will showcase all types of artists making pieces related to Chinese culture. Expect antiques, calligraphy, jewelry and more. Musicians will even be on hand to exhibit and perform. Runs from 10am-4pm. Free to enter.

The Wellness Works is hosting a raw dessert demo and tasting taught by the chocolate duo, Adela and Kimberly. Raw food is cuisine that's unprocessed, uncooked, not heated above 40 degrees and is generally good for you. Expect to try chocolate brownies, raspberry ice cream and fruit tarts. You can learn more about the raw food thing and try it out all month at a string of events hosted by the Wellness Works. The cost is 200rmb. Runs from 2pm-4pm. RSVP events@the-wellness-works.com.

The Canadian Chamber's Annual Scavenger hunt is back. Step up in teams of 4 and join fellow Canadian Alumni for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s city-wide scavenger hunt: Shanghai Hustle. Navigate through Shanghai’s urban landscape to complete a myriad of tasks, challenges and puzzles and win bragging rights for your team and alma-mater. Contact: alumni@cancham.asia to register. Price: 100rmb for members, 125rmb for non-members. Runs from 12pm to 4:30pm.

The Royal Asiatic Society is hosting Suffolk University professor Ronald Suleski to lead a discussion on the hidden treasures present in Chinese flea markets. This illustrated talk will focus on a unique purchase Suleski made earlier this year and how the author of this book, an astrologer, was able to foretell many events that were to come. 30rmb for RAS members and 80rmb for non-members. Starts at 4pm.

Come meet healthy and social companion animals looking for a permanent home or ask SCAA how you can help needy cats and dogs in Shanghai. This event happens every month and aims to pair up cats and dogs that have been rescued from the streets of Shanghai with permanent loving homes.

The monthly night market returns to Dada this June, promising yet another round of local designers sharing their wares through pop-up shops and creative showcases. Twin Horizon will be there, as will The Hat Lab, Finch and more, all to the sound of tunes by DJs Sacco and Morgan... Free; 8pm - midnight

If you want to learn how to use your camera better, this walk will help out. Led by an experienced amateur photographer, it will take you around photogenic parts of the city and give you tips on how to take better snaps. 300rmb per person. Registration for public walks at publicwalks@shanghai-flaneur.com or call 138 1892 2040.

The Royal Asiatic Society is hosting a discussion by celebrated author Tim Luard on his recently published book, Escape from Hong Kong: Admiral Chan Chak's Christmas Day Dash, 1941. Luard will give an illustrated talk on the thrilling exploits of one-legged Admiral Chan Chak and his escape from Hong Kong through Japanese lines on Christmas Day of 1941. Luard will also be signing copies of his new book. 30rmb for members and 80rmb for non-members. RSVP at bookings@royalasiaticsociety.org.cn

Father's Day is coming up. If your dad's in town, head to the Guoman Hotel and treat him to Sunday brunch for 328rmb +15% (or another 150rmb for a glass of Champaign) and the hotel will give him a little gift, too.

Father's Day is coming up. If your dad's in town, head to the Guoman Hotel and treat him to Sunday brunch for 328rmb +15% (or another 150rmb for a glass of Champaign) and the hotel will give him a little gift, too.

The Wellness Works is hosting an Elemental Wellness retreat in Yangcheng Lake, Kunshan. The focus is to restore balance between nutritional habits and lifestyle. Jessica Simkin, nutrition consultant and yoga instructor, and Jennifer McClelland, Wellness Director at Absolute Sanctuary Spa, will lead workshops on topics like healthy foods and learning to prepare raw foods. The weekend will also involve morning yoga and an organic farm tour. The package includes full use of the 5-star accommodation, transportation, meals, workshops and activities. The cost is 3,800rmb and after June 8th the cost goes up to 4,200rmb. RSVP at events@the-wellness-works.com.

This walk around the former French Concession will uncover traces, memories and monuments to the past that can tell the story of Shanghai's tumultuous 20th century. Locally based expert will plot the course and explain Shanghais' Lilong neighborhoods. 300rmb per person. Registration for public walks at publicwalks@shanghai-flaneur.com or call 138 1892 2040

The Royal Asiatic Society is hosting a discussion with professor Wayne Patterson on Korea's "Chinese Decade". The talk will focus on Seoul in the dozen or so years prior to the Sino-Japanese War of 1894 - 1895 and Chinese efforts to influence activities on the Korean Peninsula. 30rmb for RAS members and 80rmb for non-members. Starts at 7pm. RSVP at bookings@royalasiaticsociety.org.cn

July 1 is Canada Day and Shanghai's Canadian Chamber of Commerce is organizing a day at the beach that claims to be the largest Canada Day celebration in China. Bring your family and relax on the sand. There will be games and competitions, kids activities and love music from Free Love Armada, plus a volleyball tournament and a Petro-Canada mini olympics. 100rmb for Can-Cham members, 125rmb for all others, 60rmb for kids. RSVP to project@cancham.asia.

ChinaJoy or the China Digital Entertainment Expo & Conference is the largest digital entertainment expo held in Asia. It's packed with computer games and famous for its cosplay models. Thousands of people attend every year, many just to ogle the girls. It's open to the public and makes a ridiculous day out if you're this way inclined.

The Vision and Career Development & Culture Center presents this 60-minute documentary about President Nixon's historic visit to China with footage and interviews from the journalists who covered it. Using a new perspective, CNN's former Senior Asia Correspondent and Beijing Bureau Chief Mike Chinoy explains how the media played a role in shaping the event. Doors open at 6.30pm. Screening starts at 7.30pm. 35rmb for nonmembers. Limited Seating. RSVP at 6169 5207.

Every Friday until the end of May, the Vision to Victory Career Development & Culture Center is hosting a free film screening at the Kerry hotel in Pudong. The first screens a new documentary reported and narrated by US-China Institute senior fellow Mike Chinoy, formerly CNN's Senior Asia Correspondent. The Week that Changed the World is a 60-minute documentary about Nixon's famed visit to China. Places are really limited though, so RSVP to memberservice@visiontovictory.com.

Every Friday night this spring, GT Fit dance studio screens a different Hitchcock film. Come down for a free screening in their cafe. There's fruit juice, tea, coffee or wine and cocktails. For a complete schedule, email gtflyd@yahoo.com

Whether you are new in town or have been around for years, head to Melange Oasis for a meet-up for cup of tea or coffee with other international parents, and share your thoughts on life in this weird and wonderful city. Children are welcome. Every Monday morning, from 10:30am to noon.

Calligraphy isn't just writing with a brush, done right and it's a form of meditation, helping you to focus and develop your inner superpowers. Everyone's welcome, beginners to experienced calligraphers, at this Sunday class at Aura. It will help those learning Chinese as well as those just looking for a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. 1500rmb for a 10-lesson chunk. All materials provided. Classes are 4-6pm every Sunday and the price includes tea or coffee.

Every Sunday this dance studio has a karaoke party. Sing, dance, drink and get some professional dance tuition while you're at it. Starts 4pm with a two-hour dance class, after that there's karaoke till 8pm. 100rmb includes two cocktails, wine or milkshakes.

These fortnightly cooking classes aim to give kids a chance to express themselves in the kitchen and develop an healthy interested in food. They take place every two weeks on Saturdays starting April 21 and every month the menu changes. April has the making chocolate muffins filled with marshmallows. May is all about pizzas. Call 3323 6571 to book; 3-5pm.

Fan of Latino dance? Youbecha, Dave. So go try it out. It goes down three times a week at GTfly. A trial class will cost you 40rmb for an hour and a five-month pass starts at 960rmb.

"Film lovers are sick people" - François Truffau. Bikes & Friends hosts a weekly cinema night with Cinephilia. Check it out every Sunday from 8pm to midnight. It's free to get in and the suds are cheap.

Here's a look at the next few films:
Apr. 22: Dark Days
Apr. 29: Breaking Away
May 6: Céline and Julie Go Boating
Mary 13: Jack Nicholson Mother's Day Sepcial - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Chinatown

Young Professionals Mixer is every Tuesday from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at Kerry Hotel Pudong @ Kerry Parkside, Century Park. The weekly event features various guests speakers addressing issues of career development, communication skills, and interview tips (lectures at 7:45pm). 35rmn craft beer pints. Limited capacity: RSVP and additional information at 6169 5207 or memberservice@visiontovictory.com.

Interested in learning the traditional Chinese art of calligraphy? We know you are. Steven Cheng holds a Master of Fine Arts from the Shanghai Theater Academy and is a certified calligraphy teacher. He'll teach you everything from the basics to the finest intricacies of this massive slice of Chinese traditional culture. Lessons take place every Sunday at 4pm. Each lesson is two hours and the 10-lesson course is 1500rmb. More info at artofcalligraphy@yahoo.com

Vision to Victory is holding a weekly Monday night Communication Class. An experienced coach will help you cultivate presentation, leadership and interview skills. Event runs from 6.30pm to 7.45pm. No Cost but there's limited Space so RSVP at memberservice@visiontovictory.com

Come by the PPAR Shelter to check out some kitties that need adopting. All of the cats are sterilized, immunized and treated for parasites prior to their adoptions. Every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm-5pm. For more info check here.