The National Centre for the Performing Arts in Xicheng District offers a variety of performances including opera, music, and theatre. Even if you don't attend a performance, the egg shaped building itself is worth a visit. The exterior is made from a steel oval structure that includes over 18,000 titanium plates and 1,000 sheets of ultra-white glass.
Beijing Opera (京剧 jīngjù) is most popular style of traditional Chinese opera nationwide. This kind of opera is nothing like Western opera, with the costumes, singing style, music and spectator reactions being distinctly Chinese. The plot is usually quite simple and drawn from popular stories set in ancient China, so you might be able to understand some of what happens even if you do not understand the language; some theatres also provide English surtitles for the benefit of tourists. The most distinctive feature of Beijing opera you will notice that distinguishes it from other traditional Chinese opera styles is the elaborate face paint worn by the main characters. Some of the best places to watch Beijing Opera are found in Xicheng District including Huguang Guild Hall (湖广会馆 Húguǎng Huìguǎn), Liyuan Theatre (梨园剧场 Líyuán Jùchǎng) and the Mei Lanfang Grand Theatre (梅兰芳大剧院 Méi Lánfāng Dà Jùyuàn). There are also a number in Dongcheng District including Chang'an Grand Theatre (长安大戏院 Cháng'ān Dà Xìyuàn).
Acrobatics shows are also worth a visit if you want to see some traditional Chinese entertainment. Some of the best shows are found in Tianqiao Acrobatics Theatre in Xicheng District and in Chaoyang Theatre in Chaoyang District.
Beijing is famous among the Chinese for its drama plays (话剧 huàjù), and some of the more famous theatres for contemporary Chinese plays include the Capital Theatre in Dongcheng District and Century Theater in Chaoyang District. However, performances of Western plays are rare.
Classical music is also popular in Beijing. Some of the best places to go are the National Centre for the Performing Arts and the Century Theater both mentioned above as well as Beijing Concert Hall in Xicheng District.
