The Guangzhou Opera House sits on the north bank of the Pearl River in Zhujiang New Town, its irregular stone forms resembling two pebbles deposited by the river. Designed by Zaha Hadid and opened in 2010, it is one of the most impressive pieces of contemporary architecture in China — and among the best concert halls in Asia by acoustics and programme quality.
The interior matches the exterior: flowing concrete surfaces, no right angles, and a 1,800-seat main auditorium that wraps around the stage so that no seat is far from the performers. The Guangdong Museum sits immediately adjacent, and the whole complex forms a cultural district on a scale that makes Guangzhou's investment in public space apparent. Performances range from Cantonese opera and classical Chinese music to international orchestras and touring productions. Book ahead for major performances; the box office sells remaining tickets on the day. The building is worth visiting for its architecture even if you have no ticket.