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Nowadays, a new attraction - National Centre of the Performing Arts (abbr. NCPA) jumps into most visitors' eyes. The modern construction, an eggshell design, definitely leaves a deep impression to all people. Seemly it is breeding of a promising future, which awaits to make a breakthrough.

With an excellent location to the west of Tiananmen Square and the Great Hall of the People, it is very near the Forbidden City. For the exterior view, the surface of the centre is made of titanium and glass and surrounded by an artificial lake, so more likely lots of people would call it Pearl on Water. Totally it can seat 5,452 people in three halls and is almost 12,000 square meters in size. Designed by French architect Paul Andreu, its construction started in December 2001 and the inaugural concert was held in December 2007.

Surrounded by an artificial lake, the beautiful Centre likes a pearl floating on the lake.	awesome exterior view of the centre at dusk

Internally, there are three major performance halls: Opera House, Concert Hall and Theater Hall.

Grand Opera House	Elegant Concert Hall owns the Asian largest pipe organ, which was especially made by German.

National Centre of the Performing Arts of Beijing, stands the highest level of performing house in China, counterparting with famous Broadway Theatre of New York city. As the most bright spiritual symbol, National Centre of the Performing Arts once was highly praised by USA Today as a strong evidence for increasing comprehensive strenghs of China for its perfect modern architecture and highest status in Performing Arts and Music.

NCPA 2011 Performance Schedule