Theatre of the Beijing Exhibition Centre

The Beijing Exhibition Theatre (北京展览馆剧场) is part of the Beijing Exhibition Centre (北京展览馆), a major venue for cultural and artistic performances in Beijing. Initially built as an open-air theater in 1954, it was later transformed into an indoor theater in 1959. With a seating capacity of 2,763 across 43 rows, it remains one of the largest professional performance venues in the city. The theater’s auditorium, with a diameter of 62 meters, is the largest of its kind in Beijing, designed to accommodate a wide range of performances from ballet and symphonies to operas, concerts, and conferences.

Theatre Design and Facilities

The Beijing Exhibition Theatre features a spacious and functional layout suitable for various high-profile performances.

Stage: The stage is 17.7 meters wide, 10 meters high, and 20.3 meters deep, allowing it to host large performances like ballet, operas, symphonies, and concerts.

Orchestra Pit: The orchestra pit spans 80 square meters and can accommodate more than 70 musicians. Its design ensures excellent acoustic performance and complements the stage area.

Dressing Rooms: The theater has six dressing rooms, with five on the second floor and one on the first floor. These rooms are equipped with standardized mirrors, lights, makeup chairs, and clothing racks. The rooms also feature video surveillance systems that broadcast the performance to backstage areas, allowing actors to keep track of the event’s progress.

Audience Hall: The auditorium, with its 62-meter diameter, is divided into three sections: front, middle, and rear. It features a wooden wall design and acoustic panels that enhance the natural sound experience, creating a grand and majestic atmosphere. The intricate design of the ceiling with sparkling lights further adds to the theater’s majestic ambiance.

Lobby: The lobby is spacious and well-lit, decorated with bronze sculptures that blend Eastern and Western cultural motifs. The elegant arches and detailed floor patterns create a classical atmosphere.

Audience Guidelines

Ticketing: To avoid counterfeit tickets, please ensure that you purchase tickets from designated official channels. Each ticket is valid for one person, with assigned seating.

Entry: Doors open 60 minutes before the show. Please arrive on time and ensure that you are dressed appropriately. Large bags or suitcases are not allowed inside.

Security: All visitors will undergo security checks. Dangerous items, such as sharp objects or flammable materials, are strictly prohibited. Liquid items are also not allowed.

Behavior During the Show: Please set your mobile phone to silent or vibration mode. Avoid talking loudly, moving around, or disturbing others during the performance. Refrain from climbing over seats or throwing objects.

Children: Children must be accompanied by an adult and have a valid ticket for admission. Ensure children’s safety during the performance.

Late Arrivals: Late arrivals will be directed by the staff to enter the theater at an appropriate time.

Photography and Recording: No photography, video recording, or audio recording is permitted during the performance without prior approval.

Exceptions: If any of these guidelines conflict with specific event requirements, the event rules take precedence.

Transport Information

The Beijing Exhibition Theatre is located at 135 Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, making it easily accessible by various transportation routes.

By Bus:

• From Beijing West Railway Station, take bus routes 319 or 65 and get off at Beijing Exhibition Centre station.

By Subway:

• From Beijing Railway Station, take Line 2 of the Beijing Subway, transfer at Xizhimen Station to Line 4, and get off at Zoo Station. Walk 460 meters to the Beijing Exhibition Centre.

• From Beijing South Railway Station, take Line 4 of the Beijing Subway and get off at Zoo Station. Walk 460 meters to the venue.

From Beijing Capital International Airport:

• Take the airport express line to Dongzhimen Station, then transfer to Line 2 and change at Xizhimen Station to Line 4. Get off at Zoo Station, and walk 460 meters to the venue.

Historical Significance and Past Performances

Since its establishment, the Beijing Exhibition Theatre has hosted performances by some of the world’s most renowned ballet troupes and orchestras. In its early years, Soviet ballet companies, such as the Russian Classical Ballet Troupe and the Alexander Red Banner Song and Dance Ensemble, frequently performed here. Other notable groups, such as the Royal Ballet of the United Kingdom, Baden-Baden Philharmonic Orchestra (Germany), and Matsuyama Ballet Troupe (Japan), have also graced the stage.

VIP and Lounge Areas

The theater is equipped with two luxurious VIP rooms, each offering an opulent setting:

VIP Room 1 accommodates up to 22 people.

VIP Room 2 can host up to 18 people.
The rooms are designed in a royal style, with arch-shaped windows, candelabra-style lighting, and plush seating. The red-themed décor adds to the luxurious atmosphere, making it an ideal space for meetings and relaxation.