National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA)
The basics
Anyone with an interest in Beijing’s modern architecture won’t want to miss a visit to the ‘Giant Egg.’ General entrance tickets get you into the building to tour the Opera House, Concert Hall, and Theater at your own pace. Many architecture and nighttime sightseeing tours of Beijing stop outside the building for a look at the impressive façade. The center hosts national and international classical music performances, as well as opera, ballet, and traditional Chinese dance performances; check the schedule before your visit if you’d like to see a show.
Things to know before you go
- The National Center for the Performing Arts is a must-visit for architecture buffs and culture-philes.
- Book your ticket ahead of time and skip the line at the ticket office.
- Food and drink, including bottled water, are not permitted inside the venue.
- Orchestra-level seating is accessible for wheelchair users.
How to get there
To reach the National Center for the Performing Arts, take a Line 1 subway train to Tiananmen West and use Exit C. There is an underground passage from the station directly to the venue.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The center is closed on Mondays but open throughout the day from Tuesday to Sunday for general visits. Tickets for specific shows can be purchased at the ticket office at the north gate.
Dining at the National Center for the Performing Arts
Visitors to the NCPA will find a few options for dining onsite. Cafes to the east and west of the main foyer serve coffee, tea, and lite bites. The main restaurant, called Western Cuisine, is on the theatre terrace and serves Italian and Southeast Asian dishes.
- Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang)
- Great Hall of the People
- Monument to the People’s Heroes
- Tiananmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace)
- Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Maozhuxi Jinian Tang)
- National Museum of China (NAMOC)
- Meridian Gate (Wumen)
- Treasure Gallery
- Qianmen Street
- Imperial Garden of the Palace Museum
- Inner Court (Nei Ting)
- Wangfujing Street (Wangfujing Dajie)
- Marco Polo Bridge (Lugou Qiao)
- Nine Dragon Screen at the Palace Museum
- Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
- Beijing Suggested Itineraries
- Beijing Cuisine
- Climb the Great Wall
- Acrobatic Shows
- Beijing Temples
- Summer Palace Cruises in Beijing
- Exploring the Hutongs of Beijing
- How to Spend 3 Days in Beijing
- Know Before You Go: Visiting the Great Wall of China
- Guide to Climbing the Great Wall of China
- How to Spend 1 Day in Beijing
- Food Lover's Guide to Beijing