National Centre for the Performing Arts

　　Introduction
　　The National Centre for the Performing Arts is situated in the heart of Beijing, along West Chang’an Avenue, adjacent to the Great Hall of the People and Tiananmen Square. It covers a land area of 118,900 square meters, with a total floor space of 217,500 square meters (including nearly 46,600 square meters of underground parking). The central building features a distinctive shell-shaped design, standing 46.68 meters high with its deepest underground point at 32.50 meters and a circumference of over 600 meters. The shell’s surface is ingeniously pieced together with 18,398 titanium panels and more than 1,226 pieces of ultra-clear glass, creating the visual effect of a stage curtain slowly drawing open. Surrounding the shell is a 35,500-square-meter artificial lake and a cultural leisure plaza covered with lush greenery, which not only beautify the external landscape of the centre but also embody the concept of harmony between humanity and nature. The north entrance of the National Centre for the Performing Arts connects directly to Tiananmen West Subway Station, where the ticket hall is located. After walking through the 80-meter-long underwater corridor that shimmers like a dreamy fairyland, you take the escalator up from the Olive Hall to enter the public hall inside the theatre. Three professional performance venues come into view: the Opera House in the center, the Concert Hall to the east, and the Theatre to the west. These three theatres are relatively independent yet can be interconnected via aerial walkways. The Opera House has 2,079 seats (excluding the orchestra pit), mainly hosting operas and dance dramas; the Concert Hall has 1,859 seats (including the choir area), used for performing large-scale symphonies and folk music; the Theatre has 957 seats (excluding the orchestra pit), primarily staging traditional Chinese opera and plays. In addition to the three main professional venues and a smaller experimental theatre, the National Centre for the Performing Arts also houses an underwater corridor, exhibition halls, the Olive Hall, a library and information center, a press conference hall, a rooftop activity area, a souvenir shop, a café, and other public spaces designed to enrich cultural life—collectively known as the “Fifth Space” that showcases the infinite charm of the Centre. Strolling through these areas offers an immersion in art and a sense of spiritual delight. Transportation

　　 A national performing arts center presenting high-end artistic performances including opera, concerts, dance, and traditional drama. Check performance schedules, select seats and book tickets online, and enjoy priority booking for popular shows. Members enjoy discounts of up to 20% off. Address: No. 2, West Chang’an Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing. Ticket hotline: 010-66550000 

The National Centre for the Performing Arts is aAAAA-rated attraction