National Centre for Performing Arts in Beijing

National Centre for Performing Arts in Beijing

The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), and colloquially described as The Giant Egg, is an arts centre containing an opera house in Beijing. The Centre, an ellipsoid dome of titanium and glass surrounded by an artificial lake, seats 5,452 people in three halls and is almost 12,000 m² in size.

English Name: National Centre for the Performing Arts
Chinese Name: 中国国家大剧院
Attraction Type:  Beijing Attraction, Opera House, Show
Best Time to Visit: Whole year
Admission Fee: CNY40
Address in English:  No. 2 West Chang'an Street, Xicheng District Beijing
Address in Chinese:北京市西城区西长安街2号

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Why is the National Centre for Performing Arts in Beijing so Special?

The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), and colloquially described as The Giant Egg, is an arts centre containing an opera house in Beijing. The Centre, an ellipsoid dome of titanium and glass surrounded by an artificial lake, seats 5,452 people in three halls and is almost 12,000 m² in size. It was designed by French architect Paul Andreu. Construction started in December 2001 and the inaugural concert was held in December 2007.

Where is the National Centre for Performing Arts in Beijing?

The National Centre for the Performing Arts is located at No.2, West Chang’an Street, Xicheng District, Beijing.

How to Get There

  • Take Subway Line 1 and get off at Tiananmen Xi Station. Get out from Exit C. There is an underground passage to the theatre directly.
  • 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 Subway Line 1 and get off at Tiananmen Xi Station. Get out from Exit C. There is an underground passage to the theatre directly.
  • 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.

Venues

Opera Hall

The Opera Hall with the main color of gold is the most magnificent building in the National Centre for the Performing Arts. Opera, dance, ballet and large performance stage. There are 2091 seats and station tickets are also available. The arc metal mesh wall of the auditorium can change the light and shadow according to the performance progress. It’s easy for the audience to immerse themselves in the artistic atmosphere. The seamless ballet stage is considered to be the largest stage in China. Its surface is made of Oregon wood. The three-layer structure of the stage gives it good flexibility and provides the best protection for the dancers’ feet.

Music Hall

On the east side of the Opera Hall is the Music Hall, where large-scale symphonies and traditional Chinese music are performed. The color of silver makes it elegant and peaceful. The auditorium is just around the stage and the audience can enjoy the performance from any angle. The ceiling of the hall rises and falls like a wave, which is conducive to sound transmission. All the professional designs have achieved the perfect integration of architectural aesthetics and acoustic aesthetics. There are 1859 seats here.

Theater Hall

The design of the theater has a distinctive Chinese traditional style, performing Chinese traditional opera, stage play and national song and dance. There are 957 seats, excluding the orchestra. The Zhejiang silk on the wall is fireproof and full of strong traditional Chinese flavor. Advanced stage can not only meet the special needs of opera performance, but also highlight the intimate relationship between audience and actors.

Useful Travel Tips

  • Visit Ticket: CNY 30 for adults; CNY 15 for children under 3.9 feet (1.2m)
  • Combo Tickets:
    A: CNY 40 for 1 adult + 1 minor under 18 years old
    B: CNY 65 for 2 adults + 1 minor under 18 years old
    P.S. Minors taller than 3.9 feet should provide a valid ID card.
  • Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00, last entry at 16:30; closed on Monday except holidays.
  • Show Ticket: 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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