Beijing Exhibition Center (Beijing)

Opened in 1954 as the city's first large-scale, comprehensive exhibition venue, the 735,000-square meter, Russian-style building is a period piece landmark fronted by a red star-topped spire and an entrance lobby festooned with massive, multi-layer crystal chandeliers. Offering a cohesive yet flexible and easily accessed venue are the three East Wing exhibition halls and single large hall, entertainment theatre and restaurant in the West Wing. Primarily intended for the display of heavy industrial and agricultural machinery, the two outdoor areas flanking the central building have a total of 8, ooo square meters these spaces can also be set up to exhibit light industrial products, including those of the electronic and similar enterprises. Two features not generally available elsewhere in the city are the Cinema hall and Beijing Amphitheatre. The Cinema Hall's 1,000 seats and production facilities are designed for motion picture showings, live stage productions and a range of general and seminar type meetings. With its up to date sound and lighting systems, the 2,700 seat, bi-level amphitheatre features a stage eminently suitable for large scale musical productions.