The stage is set

The chief designer is Sun Zonglie, who also masterminded Beijing's Mei Lanfang Grand Theater, a popular venue on the West Second Ring Road, noted for staging traditional operas, such as Peking Opera.

The latest technology was deployed in the construction of the new opera house. Scenery changes are done effortlessly thanks to five ancillary stages. All can rise, fall, and be adjusted thanks to 87 mechanical boom poles.

"Now I am standing on the stage of the new theater; it feels like a moment when a dream comes true," says Liu Yunzhi, a renowned violinist, who is also president of the China National Opera House.

"The venue will become a new hub for people to gather and enjoy the artistry of opera," says Liu, adding that the distance between the main stage and the audience members sitting in the row farthest away is less than 30 meters, which allows those sitting in any seat to feel immersed in the performance.

"It's more than just a new landmark that you can only look at," adds Liu. "The building is always open to the public and offers art that people can enjoy."