National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA)
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The Oval Exterior |
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 - A Giant Oval Shell
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The Night View of the Theatre |
Three Performance Venues

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The National Centre for the Performing Arts Seen at a Distance |

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.

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.
Auditorium
How to Get To National Centre for the Performing Arts

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.

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 |


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Questions & Answers on National Centre for the Performing Arts
Asked by Jaroslav from CZECH | May. 17, 2023 08:10
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What are the the opening hours of the music shop? Same 09:00-17:00?
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Answered by Maria | May. 17, 2023 23:35
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What do you mean by music shop? The site is open for sightseeing 9:00-17:00. However, it closes much later because the performances are always given at night.
Asked by Kumiko Lancet from UNITED STATES | Apr. 09, 2019 07:40
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What is the date for the opera Il trovatore? It says only October. I want to know the date.
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Answered by Ina from CANADA | Apr. 15, 2019 01:30
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I found some information on the Internet. But I am not sure. It says that the performance will be held from Oct. 23rd to 27th, 2019. You are suggested to recheck it before going there.
Asked by fe from INDONESIA | Mar. 26, 2018 02:54
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take picture of National Centre for the Performing Arts
i just want to take picture from outdoor, is that possible ? is there entry ticket also ? and can i visit at night around 8pm, is the light of the building still on ?
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Answered by Eglise from FRANCE | Mar. 26, 2018 20:23
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Yes, you can take the outdoor picture of it and no charge is needed!
I was told the light will be on when there is a show in night, so you can go there and check it out!
I was told the light will be on when there is a show in night, so you can go there and check it out!
Asked by Greg from GREECE | May. 22, 2017 02:54
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It seems that the booking engine for NCPA Tickets is only in Chinese.
How can we book tickets in advance for a performance on August 12th?
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Answered by Marry from ITALY | May. 25, 2017 02:51
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You can dial their booking line +86 10 6655 0000 to get the information. Besides, you can also ask your Chinese friend to help you book it online.
Asked by Batulzii from MONGOLIA | Jan. 21, 2017 21:30
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Irish Dance Performance on Feb 2 in Beijing Performing Arts Center?
Is there will be Irish Dance Performance on Feb 2? I saw an ad in the newspaper China Daily 1/21-22, 2017? But I can't see this in 2017 NCPA Performance Schedule?
Thank you.
Thank you.
Answers (1)
Answered by Wyatt from CANADA | Jan. 25, 2017 01:07
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Yes, you will see the Irish Dance Performance on Feb.2. The performing dates are from Jan.29 to Feb.2, 2017. You can find this information on the official website of NCPA. The website has English version. Just look through it.