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Glimpses of China in Germany

The fourth biennial China Time Hamburg Aug 9-25 provides the latest information on China and its long, close relationship with Hamburg. The program focuses on politics, society and law, education and science, economy and environment, culture and lifestyle as well as sport and health, though lectures, cultural exhibitions and performances.

The 27th annual Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival in the north of Germany, which runs until Aug 12, will focus on Chinese culture. The festival presents many top-tier singers and artists from different ethnic groups in China.

More information on these two events at chinatime.hamburg.de, and www.shmf.de.

Here comes Santa

Be prepared to explain to your children why there is more than one Santa Claus if you're heading to Klampenborg in the northern suburb of Copenhagen, Denmark from July 23 to 26. That's when the annual summer World Santa Claus Congress presents Christmas competitions, a large gala show, and Santa parades that change the city into an ocean of fun. The congress will even select the "Honorary Santa of the Year". Visitors will have a chance to tour Copenhagen with Santa as a guide.

Details at www.worldsantaclauscongress.com.

Switzerland summer

During the scorching summer, it's a cool time to stay in Nendaz in Valais, Switzerland, which is right beside the Alps. Visitors can join in the International Alphorn Festival for the cozy weekend from July 20 to 22. The alphorn is a brass instrument played by Swiss mountain dwellers. The traditional event features folk dancing, county balls, and an alphorn-players' competition. The musicians will even lead livestock animals for a parade.

See more at www.nendazcordesalpes.ch/en

Designing 007

If there's one thing James Bond has taught us, it's that behind every great spy is a great tailor.

A new exhibition at London's Barbican Center explores the style of the suave secret agent, displaying costumes, props, set pieces and design drawings from half a century of 007 films.

Assembled with help from the films' producers, the exhibition includes the spy's tuxedos, Bond-girl ballgowns and villains' vestments, as well as a selection of props, gadgets and sketches of the films' exotic sets.

Designing 007 runs until Sept 5, marking the 50th anniversary of the James Bond franchise, from 1962's Dr No to this year's Skyfall. The show will then tour internationally, opening at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto in October.

More info at www.barbican.org.uk/bond.

China Daily - Reuters