Zhuhai Opera House, Zhuhai 珠海
The Zhuhai Opera House in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province was designed by the company of renowned architect Zaha Hadid, who was also responsible for the London Aquatics Centre in east London. The Zhuhai Opera House (also known locally as the Zhuhai Grand Theatre or 珠海大剧院) is now a major performing arts venue and architectural symbol of Zhuhai. It is unique for being built on Yeli Island at the mouth of Xiangzhou Bay, where the Pearl River meets the South China Sea - giving it a stunning seaside setting. The shell-shaped buildings are particularly spectacular at sunset and when illuminated at night.
Construction & Design
Construction began in 2010 and was completed in 2017. In all, the project took about 6-7 years from groundbreaking to full public operation.
The total investment for the 59,000 m² of built space was around 1.08 billion RMB (about $158 million USD at the exchange rates at the time).
The opera house's design draws its inspiration from marine life and classical art, especially The Birth of Venus by Italian painter Sandro Botticelli - hence its twin "shell" shapes reminiscent of scallops (symbolizing the sun and moon). This "Sun and Moon Shell" concept was selected from an international design competition and reflects Zhuhai's coastal character.
The main onsite architect was Chen Keshi (from the School of Urban Planning and Design, Peking University). The facility integrates advanced acoustic, lighting, and stage technologies, aiming to support performances ranging from orchestral concerts to drama.
Performance Spaces
The main (large) shell has 1,550 seats and stages opera, ballet, symphonies, musicals and other large-scale productions. The small theatre shell with 550 seats is for smaller scale drama, local stage shows, and contemporary performances.
Access
Yeli Island, Xianglu Bay, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China.
The opera house sits along the waterfront, easily accessed by public transport and is a short taxi ride from central Zhuhai or Macau/Guangzhou connections. It is also close to Lovers' Road and the Zhuhai Museum. Another must-see near Zhuhai is the New Yuan Ming Palace, a reconstruction of the Old Summer Palace in Beijing. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is another of the area's attractions.
Zhuhai Essentials
Zhuhai's proximity to Macau and Hong Kong makes it an important transportation hub in the region. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, the world's longest sea bridge, connects Zhuhai with Hong Kong and Macau, enhancing regional connectivity and facilitating trade, tourism, and business activities.
There are flights to Zhuhai Jinwan Airport from many Chinese cities including Beijing, Dalian, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Wuhan and Xian.
A high speed ferry sails from the Macau ferry terminal in Sheung Wan to Zhuhai. There are sailings from Sheung Wan at 8 am, 10.30 am, 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm. The fare is presently HKD 220.
There are also boats from Kowloon (China Ferry Terminal) to Zhuhai at 11.30 am and 5.45 pm.
There are trains from Zhuhai Railway Station to Guangzhou and other major cities in China.
Within the city itself there are numerous buses to get around, taxis, rental cycles and a tram line.
Accommodation in Zhuhai & Macau
Located in the heart of Zhuhai, this upscale hotel offers luxurious rooms, multiple dining options, a spa, fitness center, and stunning views of the city.
Situated in Hengqin District, this modern hotel features spacious rooms, several restaurants, a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and easy access to popular attractions
A prestigious hotel known for its elegance and impeccable service, it offers luxurious rooms, fine dining restaurants, a spa, and breathtaking views of the Zhuhai coastline.
Part of the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom resort, this family-friendly hotel provides themed rooms, an outdoor pool, kids' activities, and proximity to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom theme park.
Located in Gongbei District, this contemporary hotel offers comfortable rooms, multiple dining options, a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and convenient access to the Gongbei Port
Situated in Jida District, this waterfront hotel offers well-appointed rooms, multiple restaurants, a swimming pool, a spa, and panoramic views of the coastline
A centrally located hotel with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and easy access to shopping areas and attractions such as Lovers' Road and Zhuhai Opera House.
This budget-friendly hotel in Gongbei District offers clean and comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a convenient location near the Gongbei Port and shopping areas.
A 4-star hotel close to the Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macau Bridge offering suites and rooms fitted with a large flat-screen TV, an outdoor pool and buffet breakfast.
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