As the lights dimmed at Tianqiao Theater, young dancer Hu Yang—dressed in flowing white—gracefully took the stage, his sword cutting arcs of light through the air. Thunderous applause filled the venue. Outside, a large poster prominently displayed "Operated by: Shunyi Grand Theater."

The classic dance drama Li Bai, produced by the China National Opera &Dance Drama Theater, completed a three-show run at Tianqiao Theater earning 1.7 million yuan at the box office. This success highlights the story of a suburban Beijing theater forging a new path and invigorating the capital's performing arts market.

A "Premiere Theater" Breakthrough

"This would have been unimaginable four years ago," said Wan Zhiyong, General Manager of Shunyi Grand Theater, watching audiences linger after the performance. When the theater opened in 2021, many doubted whether a professional venue in suburban Shunyi could thrive.
The results speak for themselves.

In four years, Shunyi Grand Theater has hosted 232 productions with 369 performances, conducted 101 public arts education events, and welcomed more than 220,000 audience members. Leading Beijing-based companies—including the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, National Peking Opera Company, China National Traditional Orchestra, Beijing Peking Opera Theatre, and Beijing Symphony Orchestra—have all brought high-quality productions to Shunyi. New works such as My Half Life and Hometown, Long Time No See have chosen Shunyi as their second stop after debuting downtown. The annual "Shunyi · Art Yunchaobai Cultural Season," held for two consecutive years, has made Shunyi one of the few Beijing suburbs with a self-owned performing arts brand.

Amid intense competition in Beijing's performing arts market, Shunyi Grand Theater has carved out a distinct role as a "premiere theater."

Productions like Musical High Song by the China Oriental Performing Arts Group and the upgraded dance drama Only Me, Blue and White both premiered at Shunyi, using the venue as a creative incubator to test productions before live audiences. Many performance groups also choose Shunyi as their rehearsal and integration venue.

"What sets us apart is our professional, market-driven operation," said Wan.

Shunyi Grand Theater meets local and regional viewing needs while actively partnering with state-owned enterprises, subdistricts, and government agencies to organize group bookings and arts education events. This two-way approach has earned strong market returns and positioned the theater as a valuable channel for production companies to receive audience feedback.

Policy Support Fuels Innovation

Rooted in Shunyi but not limited to it, the theater has developed a unique pathway by "operating beyond the theater itself."

"High-quality Peking Opera always performs extremely well here," said Wan. In November last year, under Shunyi's operation, the classic Peking Opera The Phoenix Returns to the Nest—starring renowned artists Yu Kuizhi and Li Shengsu—was staged at Century Theater, earning enthusiastic reviews. This year, Shunyi brought Li Bai to Tianqiao Theater, again meeting warm audience response.

Beijing's policy support has arrived at the perfect time.

The newly issued Beijing Support Measures for High-Quality Performing Arts Development provides funding incentives for productions with strong audience appeal and high performance volume. After staging two successful performances of The Jizhou Mystery, Shunyi Grand Theater quickly secured a 90,000-yuan venue subsidy through the program. "Li Bai also earned strong reviews and ticket sales. We plan to apply for support as well," said Wan.

Shunyi is now applying for designation as one of Beijing's "new performing arts spaces" and is exploring integrated culture-commerce-tourism development. The theater is also planning direct investment in high-quality productions—using its experience downtown to strengthen its operations in Shunyi.

"This two-way flow—gaining experience in the mature market downtown and bringing resources back to Shunyi—creates a healthy cycle," Wan noted.

Expanding International Cultural Exchange

Operated by China Arts and Entertainment Group's CAEG Theatres, Shunyi Grand Theater is also leveraging CAEG's global resources to expand international cultural exchange and explore new culture-tourism pathways.

In June, at the invitation of Russian partners, Shunyi led a delegation to the 3rd "Baikal Lucky Charm" International Ethnic Drama Festival, presenting a special performance featuring traditional culture from Jinjiang, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage item. In November, at the invitation of Russia's Republic of Mari El, the theater brought its Colorful Puppet Garden performance to the 2nd “Yandar”International Puppet Theater Art Festival.

These international engagements have not only strengthened cultural dialogue between China and Russia but also raised Shunyi's international visibility and cultural influence, advancing the district's efforts to build a "globally oriented, internationalized Shunyi."

Beyond performances, the theater is negotiating culture-tourism projects overseas and plans to launch performance and study-tour programs in Irkutsk from June to August next year. Shunyi is also preparing for exchange performances in Brunei, Laos, France, Spain, and other countries.

"As Shunyi District advances its role as a key hub for Beijing's international exchanges, Shunyi Grand Theater is stepping up as a cultural ambassador," Wan said confidently. "In the future, audiences from across Beijing will find it easier and more appealing to come to Shunyi for cultural experiences. Our brand will only shine brighter."