Beijing Temple Theatre links past and future

Beijing Temple Theatre, built in 1667, reopened in April last year after undergoing three years of renovation work and will provide a unique experience for audiences. [Photo by Zhang Wei/China Daily]

Beijing Temple Theatre, whose history spans more than 300 years, will provide a unique experience for audiences by linking past and future, traditional and modern in both domestic and foreign performances.

The theater, located in Beijing's Xicheng district, reopened in April last year after undergoing three years of renovation work. The old theater is now endowed with new vitality and vigor. Performances were presented in April this year to celebrate the first anniversary of the reopening.

Beijing Temple Theatre, built in 1667, reopened in April last year after undergoing three years of renovation work and will provide a unique experience for audiences. [Photo by Zhang Wei/China Daily]

"We renovated the theater with both innovation and security in mind. Eight projectors were installed in different directions to satisfy various theatrical forms, and a fire safety inspection was conducted to ensure that the 300-year-old wooden theater won't be a safety hazard," said Zhang Peng, the theater manager.

Beijing Temple Theatre, the sole indoor all-wood opera theatre in the capital, was built in 1667. It originally presented Kun Opera performances and witnessed the development of Peking Opera. It has accepted various performances from both East and West, Zhang said.