National Center for Performing Arts

Designed by French architect Paul Andrew, the National Centre for the Performing Arts presents an oval exterior, hence it got the nickname Egg. It is located in Chang'an Avenue West, with Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City to its east . The architect Paul Andrew cleverly designed this modern architecture to complement the red walls of ancient buildings. The National Centre for the Performing Arts covers an area of about 118,900 square meters with an artificial lake and green spaces around. It contains three performance venues - the Opera House, the Concert Hall, and the theatre. 、 A variety of performances are frequently staged here. It's possible to catch a variety when you are there. Another option is to get booked onto a tour to appreciate the grand architecture and art exhibitions on show. Quick Facts of the National Center for Performing Arts Location : No.2, West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing Opening Hours : 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday, Ticket Price : CNY40 How to Get : You can take Bus 1, 5, 10, 22, or 52 and get off at Tian'anmen West Station. Or you can take Subway Line 1 and get off at Tian'anmen West Station. Exit from Exit C. Appearance of the National Center for Performing Arts The exterior of the National Centre for the Performing Arts is shaped like an egg. It is a steel oval structure of over 18,000 titanium plates and 1,000 sheets of ultra white glass , creating a visual effect of curtains being drawn apart slowly before your eyes. The steel oval structure is the largest dome in the world at present. Surrounding the building is an amazing man-made lake. Due to technologies, it will not ice over in the winter, and algae won't grow in it during the summer months. The lake and the reflection of the National Centre for the Performing Arts add wonder to the scene, especially on beautiful summer nights. It was designed to be a cultural Island in the middle of a lake . All entrances are built under water. When you walk in, the water is above your head. If you head for the north entrance, you will descend the grand staircase, and above you, the light will shimmer through the lake water. Around the lake is 39,000 square meters of greenery . Arrive early to explore and feel tranquility in a very modern metropolis. The foyer is huge and covered in stone from 10 different regions of China. The interior walls are lined with thousands of panels of Brazilian rosewood.