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The Capital Theatre is a dedicated performance venue of the Beijing People's Art Theatre. It was built in 1954 and is located on Wangfujing Street in the bustling downtown area of Beijing. The Capital Theatre often stages plays rehearsed by the People's Art Theatre, such as "Four Generations Under One Roof", "Thunderstorm", "Longxugou", "Li Bai" and other classic works, and the leading actors are generally veteran actors.
Attraction Location: "3 Chang’an Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China (北京市东城区长安街3号)"
History: Capital Theater is one of Beijing's prominent performing arts venues, hosting a variety of traditional Chinese operas, modern theater performances, concerts, and dance shows. Established in the mid-20th century, it has become a cultural hub for performing arts in Beijing.
Architecture: The theater features a modern architectural design blended with traditional Chinese elements. Its main hall offers a grand stage with seating for hundreds, equipped with advanced sound and lighting systems. The exterior façade reflects elegance with Chinese motifs and spacious entrance plaza for audiences.
Cultural Value: Capital Theater is a center for both traditional and contemporary performances. It contributes to the preservation of Chinese opera arts such as Peking Opera (京剧), Kunqu (昆曲), and supports modern theatrical performances. It is widely recognized for hosting high-profile performances and cultural events.
Other Information: The theater also provides educational programs, workshops, and occasional backstage tours for visitors interested in the performing arts. It is suitable for both local and international tourists who want to experience Chinese performance culture.
Opening Hours: "Varies depending on performances; typically 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM during show days"
Contact Number: "+86 10 6510 1234"
Ticket Price:
Standard performance tickets: ¥100–¥600 depending on show
VIP/Front row tickets: ¥800–¥1200
Discounts available for students, seniors, and group bookings
Best Photo Spots: Main entrance with traditional Chinese architectural details, the grand hall interior, backstage if accessible, and lobby displays
Time Reference: 2–3 hours for a standard performance; allow extra time for pre-show exploration of the lobby and exhibits
Other Information: Dress code is generally smart casual; advanced ticket booking is recommended, especially for popular performances
Luxury: Beijing Hotel NUO (北京诺金酒店) – 5 min drive
Grand Hyatt Beijing (北京凯悦酒店) – 10 min drive
Mid-range: Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing (北京王府井广场酒店) – 10 min drive
Novotel Beijing Xinqiao (北京新侨诺富特酒店) – 8 min drive
Budget & Boutique: Beijing 365 Inn (北京365旅馆) – 15 min walk
The Orchid Hotel (兰花酒店) – 10 min drive
Must-Try Dishes: Peking Duck (北京烤鸭)
Zhajiangmian (炸酱面) – noodles with soybean paste
Dumplings (饺子)
Famous Spots: Quanjude Roast Duck (全聚德烤鸭店) – 10 min walk
Da Dong Roast Duck (大董烤鸭店) – 5 min drive
Beijing Dadong Restaurant (北京大董) – 10 min drive
1-Day Route: D1: Capital Theater (首都剧场) → Tian’anmen Square (天安门广场) → Forbidden City (故宫博物院) → Wangfujing Street (王府井大街) → Dinner
Transportation: Walk between attractions; taxi/subway for longer distances
2-Day Route: D1: Capital Theater → National Centre for the Performing Arts (国家大剧院) → Overnight stay nearby
D2: Beihai Park (北海公园) → Jingshan Park (景山公园) → Departure
Transportation: Subway lines 1 & 2 and walking
3-Day Route: D1: Capital Theater → Wangfujing Street → Beijing Opera Experience Workshop
D2: Tian’anmen Square → Forbidden City → Lunch at nearby traditional restaurant → Overnight stay
D3: Temple of Heaven (天坛) → Summer Palace (颐和园) → Departure
Transportation: Subway lines 1, 2, taxi for remote destinations
We went to see the Beijing People's Art Theatre in the evening! We bought the tickets a day in advance. We had been wanting to go there for a long time. It may not be a regular Beijing tour, but it must be recommended.
During the trip, only Feng Yuanzheng's "Player" was performed. Unfortunately, I didn't buy tickets in time. When I remembered, the tickets were sold out. I could only go on a pilgrimage on the last day of the trip and visit the museum on the 4th floor.
The Capital Theatre is located at No. 22 Wangfujing Street, Beijing. It was built in 1954 and is the first professional theatre for performing dramas after the founding of New China. The Beijing People's Art Theatre is located inside. It can seat 1,200 spectators and is still used for performances.
The Capital Theatre is one of the epitomes of Beijing. You can apply for membership of the People's Art Theatre and choose your favorite plays to watch. The location is easy to find, just on the north side of Wangfujing. Come and experience the charm of the People's Art Theatre.
If you want to watch a drama, you have to go to the National Theatre of China Capital Theatre. The quality is guaranteed, both in terms of the repertoire and the environment. Especially after I was almost sick of all the crappy experimental dramas in recent years, the plays of the National Theatre of China seem to be getting better and better.
Remember to watch a play when you come to Beijing. The plays of the People's Art Theatre are great! This is also our first time watching a play. I think the actors are amazing! Must praise! We watched "Hamlet".
It was my first time watching it, and even the side rows were full. It was very exciting. It was worth it.
This is a good place for old Beijingers to watch dramas. Beijing dialect is not difficult to understand and is very similar to Mandarin. Watching the dramas in these theaters is also a wonderful thing to do when traveling to Beijing.
There are often some cheap but interesting plays in the People's Art Theatre's small theater.