A cultural beacon of Beijing

The National Centre for the Performing Arts welcomed visitors from across the country to its annual Open Day Arts Festival on Monday morning to celebrate its 18th anniversary.

From early morning, anticipation filled the air as the first wave of visitors arrived at the NCPA, all eagerly joining the day's festivities.

At 9 am, the festival began with the resonant beat of drums, followed by the joyful voices of a youth choir, symbolizing the theater's vibrant energy and growth over the past 18 years.

Crowds flowing along the corridor were greeted by mesmerizing performances, including the dragon dance and robot lion dance, blending tradition with futuristic technology. Vibrant drapes adorned with the years 2007 through 2025 fluttered in the breeze, marking the theater's incredible journey.

Throughout the day, performances and events captivated audiences, including screenings of theatrical productions that brought cinematic magic to the stage, the NCPA Chorus' concert, and a performance by the Beijing Symphony Orchestra. From traditional Chinese opera to classical music, audiences were immersed in a rich cultural heritage alongside contemporary art, blending both into a unique artistic experience.

Celebrated artists, such as actor Pu Cunxin, violinist Lyu Siqing and singer Gong Linna, also joined the celebration by performing and giving speeches, attracting large crowds.

Jiao Miao, director of the NCPA Chorus and its resident conductor, recalls her connection with the theater when she was very young.

"One day, my father took me on his bicycle past a vast construction site. He told me, 'This is the National Centre for the Performing Arts'," she says. "Originally, I had decided to become a teacher, but imagining that magnificent building made me quietly change my ambitions." After graduating from the China Conservatory of Music as a conductor, Jiao applied for a job at the NCPA, becoming the choir's conductor in 2014, the year the chorus was founded.

"Today, I am very excited to perform with the choir on this special occasion. What makes me even more excited is that the male choir of the NCPA Chorus released their debut album on this day. We have built a special bond with the audience over the years, and I feel both fortunate and proud," she says.

One of the festival's most engaging features was the AI and digital theaters, where visitors could experience immersive technology through projects and virtual stage settings. These cutting-edge displays highlighted the NCPA's integration of art and technology, showcasing the future of theater.

In addition to the main NCPA venue, the celebration took place at the NCPA's two other venues — the Beijing Performing Arts Center and the Taihu Stage Art Center. Visitors were invited to the Taihu Stage Art Center to explore the technical and artistic behind-the-scenes processes of stage design, a particularly memorable part of the celebration. Hands-on workshops allowed participants to create their own stage props and costumes, while exhibitions and immersive VR experiences brought the intricacies of stage production to life.

On Monday, Li Jianying, a retired nurse who lives in Baoding, Hebei province, about 150 kilometers from the capital, woke up at 2 am, rushed to the station by 4 am, and by 9 am, when the theater opened its doors, was among the first to enter.

"In 2018, a friend took me to the National Centre for the Performing Arts for the first time. The atmosphere immediately captivated me," she recalls.

"I travel back and forth between Baoding and the NCPA every weekend. I take the train to Beijing in the morning, attend a lecture in the afternoon, enjoy a performance in the evening, and then return to Baoding excited and looking forward to next week. The warmth and spiritual nourishment that art brings have kept me passionately engaged," she says.

"As the NCPA marked its 18th anniversary, it was clear that this cultural beacon of Beijing continues to play a vital role in making world-class performances accessible to all," says Wang Ning, president of the NCPA.

Contact the writer at chennan @chinadaily.com.cn