Located on West Chang'an Avenue at the very heart of downtown Beijing, China's new National Centre for the Performing Arts (National Theatre) is a must-see attraction. The shell-like structure is surrounded by an artificial lake and beautiful park-like grounds covering 35,000 square meters. The Centre itself ellipsoid dome of titanium and glass, seating 5,452 people in three halls and is almost 12,000 m2 in size

The Centre houses three main venues along with a host of resources. The Opera House is the Centre's largest venue with 2,398 seats and first-class advanced staging equipment. It hosts extravagant performances form the world's leading opera troupes. The Concert Hall, with its superior acoustics, contains 2,019 seats and hosts international symphony orchestras and national music performances. The 1,035-seat Theatre hosts Chinese operas as well as modern drama.  It is also equipped with hi-tech, theatrical staging and audio visual equipment. The Centre is also equipped with a complete range of modern theatrical facilities.

It is a stage for the world's greatest artists. The Centre held its inauguration ceremony and hosted its first official concert on December 22 2007, signaling a coming of age for performing arts in China.

For photos of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, Check here