Chinese architecture started from ancient cave-dwellings, that are still inhabited on the flat yellow plains in varioust parts of Northern China. You ca be sure not to find any kinds of modern accomidites from these caves, but they don’t come without their benefits of course. For example, they are very warm in the winter as well as cool in the hot summer time. This and the also classic nest dwellings date back 7,000 years. If you want to look at where all this has lead up to, you only need to look into direction of the modern capital of today know as Beijing.
While largely the construction scene has been fully evelated to the current century, you can still see traces of the historical past. And even some, that has been erected only recently. While such examples are unfortunately few, we are lucky that there are some which reflects the genius behind Chinese architecture. In the old days, constructions were made to please the eye and sooth the soul on top of convenience and sustainability. Now the economic profit model has come into play, which is something that simply has to be accepted. There is no way turning back as China has become the rich country it is today. Instead, it’s better to focus on what is still revining the structural environment with respect to tradition. Another such place, is definitely the Chaoyang Theatre in Beijing that houses a nation-wide, as well as world famous acrobatic show.
As it is with most constructions, it is equally important what is happening inside the building than how it is constructed within it’s outer core. The best way to combine all these necessary elements into one, is through tourism. Chinese acrobatic troupes have provided this kind of a basis for traditional development for years now with occational but huge scale success. Just look at the times they have show at the Chaoyang Theatre, which is now a whopping four times a day. There is simply no way to look over this venue, as obviously there are important variety arts being acted out. To fascilitate such an amazing acrobatic show, they equally needed a building that would represent the venue itself in a traditional and respectful way. A theatre building that connects with something as ancient as Chinese acrobatics itself was the outcome.
As was the peak of Chinese architecture, during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Now it was time for Chaoyang District to show it’s capabilities. While boasting with several modern structures already, such as the CCTV Headquarters, a traditional flavor brought in exactly the kind of spirit that the place lacked. Best of all, with the right kind of sustainable mentality amongst all the beauty created over the years, we can expect the theatre construct to stay standing for centuries to come.
For those interested you can find the building at the location below, and don’t forget to go and watch the show too if needed. There are discount tickets available for advanced bookings. Check it out at the link within the article.
Address: 36 North East Third Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
Venue: Chaoyang Theatre | The Flying Acrobatics Show
More China construction news coming later!
Reading this post, I just might have to visit the theater by myself! Next time I’m in Beijing, for sure. And thanks for all the great stuff about architecture that I am loving so much.
Cheers man!
Danny
You will love it for sure. If you do decide to visit, please give me another comment because I’d love to hear your opinion also. Thanks Danny! 🙂
Love the show, love the city. Excellent article as well. Architecture is best enjoyed by having fun in the magnificent events that are within them. Chaoyang is no exception here!
Thanks,
Steve M.