subject: National Grand Theatre Beijing – an Ultramodern Cultural Icon [print this page] National Grand Theatre Beijing an Ultramodern Cultural Icon
China is no stranger to grand buildings and constructions since its old days, when the titanic bulwark of the Great Wall and the vast palatial grounds of the Forbidden City marvelled the world. Even in the present, China does not fail to deliver the surprise, as many massive and ambitious construction projects came to the fore; especially during the building frenzy of 2008 Beijing Olympics games. When thinking of the present built wonders in China, there are many architectural masterpieces that have pushed the bounds of imagination and captured the hearts of visitors, and the national Grand Theatre of Beijing is a unique creation even among them.
Known affectionately as The Egg', the National Grand Theatre's unique elliptical form is hard to miss in the skyline of Beijing as it proudly sits in the Tien An Men Square next to the Great Hall of The People. This vast construction of glass, titanium and steel sitting like a magical construct in the middle of an artificial body of water was unveiled in 2007 as a renovation of the old national theatre that stood on that very space. The building itself is the brainchild of French architect Paul Andreau, who faced a barrage of criticism during the building's early years as many felt it was not Chinese' enough in terms of appearance. Despite the controversy, the project was completed successfully to give Beijing one of its latest and grandest crowd magnets.
The space enclosed within the massive silver bubble of the National Grand Theatre is home to a large complex of two theatres, a concert hall, and a 2000 seat grand opera where the finest performers in china and the world stake the stage frequently. The two theatres frequently put on shows of the famous Beijing Opera which is one of the star attractions that never fails to draw in crowds. Even when there are no shows on schedule, you will find that visiting the National Grand Theatre of Beijing is a welcome experience when sightseeing and enjoying the futuristic visions of Beijing.
Hotels in Beijing that offer choice accommodation can be found quite close to the Tien An Men Square and the National Grand Theatre of Beijing for your ease of sightseeing. Beijing hotel accommodation is now world class in terms of comfort and service, as you will find out at a place like the Traders Upper East Hotel, Beijing.
