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This is NOT a UFO it is the Beijing National Centre for the Performing Arts.The National Centre for the Performing Arts is located in Chang'an Avenue West. The NCPA (originally named National Grand Theater), designed by French architect Paul Andrew, includes the main building (containing three performing venues: the Opera House, the Concert Hall, the Theater), the underwater corridors, the underground garage, the artificial lake and the green space. It covers an area of about 118,900 sq meters (about 142,203 sq yard); and the total area of building is about 217,500 sq km (about 260,127 sq yard). The whole project started from December 2001. After more than 5 years' construction, it was finally completed in September, 2007. Now it is believed to be the deepest architecture in Beijing (the deepest place of the center is -32.5 meters, equivalent to the height of a 10-floor building.). National Centre for the Performing Arts presents a sharp contrast to its surroundings with its oval exterior, which makes it very eye-catching.

Symphonies, dance shows, ballets, dramas, operas and other kinds of performances are frequently staged in National Centre for the Performing Arts. If time is allowed, you can enjoy any shows that you like. The NCPA visiting tour includes art exhibitions, thematic activities, as well as facilities. You will both appreciate the magnificent architectural style and enjoy the profound art environment of thematic exhibitions here.

The Exterior
The exterior of National Centre for the Performing Arts, like a steel-structured oval shell, is an ingenious material integration of over 18,000 titanium plates and over 1,000 sheets of ultra-white glass, which creates a vivid visual effect as if the curtain is drawn apart slowly before your eyes. With the weight of 6,457 tons and the 212.2- meter longest axis, the steel-structured oval shell is the largest dome in the world at present. Surrounding the centre is a crystal-like artificial lake taking an area of 35,500 square meters. By the use of high technology, it will not ice in winter and the algae won't grow in it in summer either. National Centre for the Performing Arts and its reflection in water add radiance and charm to each other. All the passages and entrances are built underwater. When you walk into the center, a layer of water is above your head, which will also give you a special felling. Around the lake is a 39,000-sqare-meters greenbelt, which is free of charge. People wander there to feel the valuable tranquility in a busy city.

Three Performance Venues
The Opera House, the Concert Hall and the Theater are the three performance venues inside the center. They are separated houses, yet are connected by air corridors.