National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA)

The Oval Exterior

With the Great Hall of the People to its east, the National Centre for the Performing Arts is located on Chang'an Avenue, Beijing. The NCPA, originally named National Grand Theater, was designed by French architect Paul Andrew. The main building contains three performing venues: the Opera House, the Concert Hall, and the Theater. In addition, the center has underwater corridors, an underground garage, an artificial lake and the green space. It covers an area of about 29 acres (about 12 hectares). The whole project started from December 2001. After more than 5 years' construction, it was finally completed in September, 2007. Now it is believed to be the deepest architecture in Beijing with the deepest point being -106.6 feet (-32.5 meters), equivalent to the height of a 10-floor building. The National Centre for the Performing Arts presents a sharp contrast to its surroundings with its oval exterior, making it very eye-catching.

Symphonies, dance shows, ballets, dramas, operas and other kinds of performances are frequently staged in the National Centre of the Performing Arts. If time is allowed, you can enjoy any shows that you like. The NCPA visiting tour includes art exhibitions, thematic activities, as well as facilities. You will both appreciate the magnificent architectural style and enjoy the profound art environment of thematic exhibitions here.
 
The exterior of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, like a steel-structured oval shell, is an ingenious material integration of over 18,000 titanium plates and over 1,000 sheets of ultra-white glass, which creates a vivid visual effect as if the curtain is drawn apart slowly before your eyes. With the weight of 6,457 tons and the longest axis of 696 feet (212 meters), the steel-structured oval shell is the largest dome in the world at present. Surrounding the centre is a crystal-like artificial lake. By using high technology, it will not ice in winter and the algae won't  grow in it in summer either. The National Centre for the Performing Arts and its reflection in water add radiance and charm to each other. All the passages and entrances are built underwater. When you walk into the center, a layer of water is above your head, which will also give you a special felling. Around the lake is a greenbelt, which does not charge fees from visitors. People wander there to feel the valuable tranquility in a busy city.
 The Opera House, the Concert Hall and the Theater are the three performance venues inside the center. They are separated houses, yet are connected by air corridors.

 Opera House:
The Opera House with golden color as its main hue is the most magnificent building inside the National Centre for the Performing Arts. Operas, dance dramas, ballets, and large-scale shows stage here. It has 2,091 seats; and the tickets for standing room are also available. The arc-shaped metal-net wall of the auditorium allows lights and shadows changing according to the progressing of the performance. The audience can easily immerse themselves in the artistic atmosphere. The seamless ballet stage is believed to be the largest one in China, whose surface is made of Oregon timber. The three-layer structure of the stage gives it good resilience and provides the best protect to the dancers' feet.

 Concert Hall:
By the east side of the Opera House sits the Concert hall where the large-scale symphonies and Chinese traditional music are performed. The silver white color makes it elegant and serene. Auditorium is around the stage, which makes it possible for the audience to enjoy performances from any angle. The ceiling of the hall rolling like waves is propitious to the diffusion of the sound. All the specialized designs realize the perfect integration between architectural and acoustic aesthetics. 1,859 seats are available here.

One thing cannot be missed that the pipe organ placed in the hall with 94 stops and an impressive array of 6,500 pipes is the largest one in Asia. It is the most valuable treasure in the Concert Hall.

 Theater:
The design of the theater has a distinct Chinese traditional style, where traditional Chinese operas, stage plays and national songs and dances are performed. 957 seats are set here, excluding the orchestra. Zhejiang's silk on the walls are flameproof, full of strong Chinese traditional taste. The advanced stage can not only satisfy the special needs of Chinese traditional opera's performance but also highlight the closeness between the audience and the performers.
 Air inlets of the air conditions are built under the seats. While seeing the performances, the audience will not feel the wind but will enjoy the coolness. What's more, noise elimination equipments are also installed. No noise will be made when you have to leave while the performance is going on.
  By Subway:
1. Take Subway Line 1 and get off at Tiananmen Xi Station. Get out from Exit C. There is an underground passage to the theater directly.
2. Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Hepingmen Station. Get out from Exit B1. Or get off at Qianmen Station and get out from Exit C.
 By Bus:
Take bus 1, 52 or Night Line 1 to West Tian'anmen. You can see the north gate after getting off.
Beijing Bus / Subway Search
 

Visit Ticket	Sep. 1 - Apr. 30: CNY 30 for adults;  May 1 - Aug. 31: CNY40 for adults;  free for children under 3.9 feet (1.2m)
Opening Hours	09:00-17:00, last entry at 16:30; closed on Monday except public holidays.
Show Ticket Booking	At the ticket office near the north gate: 09:30-18:00 for days without performances; 9:30-19:30 for days with performances

 Note: Children under 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) is not allowed to watch the shows in theatres, except for shows for children.

Further Reading:
Beijing Night Tours  –  Top 8 Night Activities

 Nearby Attractions:
Zhongshan Park
Zhongnanhai