After two years of construction, the Datong Grand Theatre in Datong city in Shanxi province opened to the public on Aug 12. 

Designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki and the Shanghai Xian Dai Architectural Design (Group) Co, the theatre is 37 meters high, covers a total construction area of 47,376 square meters and has four floors above ground and two floors underground. 

The theater features a shell-like dome roof, which is inspired from the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Datong city. The overall appearance is designed to resemble a rolling hill and the windows on walls have been created to recall the caves in the Yungang Grottoes. 

Inside the huge curved shell, there are two theater halls with 1,508 seats and 902 seats, respectively. The larger one is suitable for a variety of performances including opera and the other will mainly stage concerts and dramas. The two share the same backstage, which is unique in China.

To celebrate the opening of the theater and the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, 12 shows -- including musicals, dances, dramas and symphony concerts -- will be staged from Aug 12 to Sept 12.

The Datong Grand Theatre in Datong city, in Shanxi province, opens to the public on Aug 12. [Photo/sxgov.cn]

The interior of the Datong Grand Theatre [Photo/dtnews.cn]