The Shanghai Poly Grand Theatre accommodates various performances, including symphonies, musicals, and dramas. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
Designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando, the Shanghai Poly Grand Theatre is an architectural marvel by Yuanxiang Lake in Jiading district, Shanghai.
It creatively combines elements like cylinders, curves, and geometric transformations to offer a unique aesthetic experience. Visitors ascend as if entering a kaleidoscope, which leads to the theatre's dazzling stage.
A standout feature is the starry curtain wall made of LED fiber optic lights. Sunlight refracting through the glass forms an irregular smiling face, while at night, it resembles a sky full of stars. The theatre also boasts a "time-traveling escalator" that creates a momentary spatial dislocation, offering a surreal experience.
The theatre houses a 1,466-seat grand theatre and a 400-seat small theatre, accommodating various types of performances, including symphonies, musicals, and dramas. The stage is versatile, capable of rising, rotating, and transforming into an orchestra pit.
Since its opening on September 30, 2014, the theatre has hosted 300 to 400 performances annually.
It also features China's first outdoor waterside theatre, where nearly 300 spectators can enjoy performances amid natural beauty. The waterside theatre offers light shows every Friday and Saturday.
Additionally, the second Sunday of each month is Citizen Open Day, providing free tours and activities.
The Shanghai Poly Grand Theatre features China's first outdoor waterside theatre. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
The Shanghai Poly Grand Theatre is located at No 159 Baiyin Road, Jiading district, Shanghai. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]