National Grand Theatre of China

The place we usually described as "The Egg", is The National Centre Theatre or Chinese National Centre for the Performing Arts - an opera house in Beijing, People’s Republic of China. It is said to look like an egg floating on water, or a water drop. The National Centre Theatre is 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 is designed by French architect Paul Andreu. It was designed as an iconic feature, something that would be immediately recognizable. Construction starts in December 2001 and the inaugural concerts are held in December 2007.
 
The dome measures 212 meters in east-west direction, 144 meters in north-south direction, and is 46 meters high. The main entrance is at the north side. Guests arrive in the building after walking through a hallway that goes underneath the lake. The titanium shell is broken by a glass curtain in north-south direction that gradually widens from top to bottom.

The National centre Theatre is located to the west of Tiananmen Square and the Great Hall of the People, and near the Forbidden City. Also, it is combined with the theatre’s futuristic design, created considerable controversy. Paul Andreu countered that although there is indeed value in ancient traditional Chinese architecture, Beijing must also include modern architecture, as the capital of the country and an international city of great importance. His design, with large open space, water, trees, was specially designed to complement the red walls of ancient buildings and the Great Hall of the People, in order to melt into the surroundings as opposed to standing out against them.
 
The government sanctioned the study completed in 2004 by the Research Academy of Economic & Social Development of Northeast University of Finance and Economics, of the upkeep costs of the building were publicized in domestic Chinese media.
 
The water and electricity bills and the cleaning cost for the external surface would be at least tens of millions CNY, and with other maintenance cost, the total could easily exceed one billion CNY. Therefore, at least 80% of the annual operational costs must be subsidized by the government for at least the first three years after the opening, and for the rest of its operational life, at least 60% of the annual operational cost must be subsidized by the government.

The director of the art committee of the National Centre for the Performing Arts and the standing committee member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Wu Zuqiang and the publicist & deputy director of the National Centre for the Performing Arts Deng Yijiang have announced that 70% of the tickets would be sold at low price for ordinary citizens, while 10% of the tickets would be sold at relatively expensive prices for separate market segments, and the 60% of annual operational cost needed to be subsidized by the government would be divided between the central government and the Beijing municipal government.

What to See?  

The NCPA is not just a venue for world-class performances—it’s a masterpiece of architectural brilliance and artistic immersion. Before even stepping inside, visitors are greeted by the mesmerizing Underwater Corridor, where rippling light reflections create a surreal, sci-fi ambiance. The grandeur continues with the iconic titanium dome, a semi-elliptical structure that appears to float above the surrounding artificial lake, blending seamlessly with the sky—especially breathtaking at sunset.  

Inside, each of the three main theaters boasts its own distinct aesthetic. The Opera House dazzles with traditional Chinese charm, featuring walls adorned with crimson silk, while the Concert Hall exudes elegance in pure white. Don’t miss the red spiral staircase on the west side—its dramatic curves make it a favorite photo spot. Art lovers will appreciate the permanent exhibitions, such as "The Never-Ending Stage", which showcases behind-the-scenes stories of legendary performances, and the "Beijing Hutong" exhibit, where nostalgic installations bring old Beijing to life. For a modern twist, the digital art zone offers interactive experiences like virtual orchestra conducting or immersive light-and-sound puzzles.  

Beyond performances, the NCPA itself is a work of art. Designed by French architect Paul Andreu, the colossal "Eggshell on Water" is a futuristic landmark, best admired at dusk when its titanium exterior glows against the night sky. Inside, over 2,000 gradient glass panels form the dome, while the sweeping curves of the public spaces invite striking minimalist photography. Hidden gems await detail-oriented visitors—like the handcrafted silk walls in the Opera House, embedded with 480,000 titanium nails.  

What to Do?

The NCPA offers far more than passive observation—it invites interactive cultural exploration. Scan QR codes throughout the exhibition areas to access audio guides, including a playful children’s version with opera excerpts perfect for families. If you’re curious about the magic behind the scenes, check the schedule for rare backstage tours that reveal rehearsal rooms and production secrets—an unforgettable peek into theatrical craftsmanship.

For a moment of relaxation, head to the second-floor café, where baristas craft "Swan Lake" latte art accompanied by live piano melodies—an ideal pause between explorations. Don’t leave without browsing the Art Lifestyle Store, stocked with exquisite performance-themed stationery, jewelry, and décor that blend artistry with everyday usability.

Photography enthusiasts will find endless inspiration here. Capture the interplay of light through the water-like穹顶波纹, frame dramatic perspectives on the red spiral staircase, or experiment with geometric compositions in the theater corridors (a wide-angle lens is highly recommended). As night falls, take a leisurely stroll around the illuminated complex—the NCPA’s reflection shimmering in the lake, with Tian’anmen Square’s glow nearby, creates a cinematic finale to your visit.

Must-Experience Highlights

For a truly memorable visit, time your trip to catch a live performance. The NCPA’s three theaters host daily shows, from opera and ballet to symphonies and drama, with tickets starting at just ¥80. If you’re on a budget, don’t miss the free public performances—often impromptu piano or violin recitals in the lobby, where you can pause and let the music transport you.

Pro Tip: Pair your visit with an evening stroll around the lake to see the NCPA illuminated, doubling its magic. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, art lover, or casual traveler, this cultural gem promises an unforgettable experience.