Beijing Chaoyang Theater: From a Designated Venue for Tourism to a Cultural Landmark for Acrobatic Residency
Basic Overview & Geographic Location
Beijing Chaoyang Theater is located at No. 36, East Third Ring North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, within the CBD core area. It neighbors the Jingguang Centre to the south and Chaoyang North Road to the north, offering convenient transportation. Built in 1984 and under the Chaoyang Culture & Tourism Group, the theater seats approximately 1,300 people and primarily operates as a comprehensive cultural performance venue focusing on acrobatics. Audiences can easily reach the theater via Subway Line 6 or Line 10, as well as multiple bus routes.
History: From Tourism Performances to Dedicated Acrobatics
In 1986, Chaoyang Theater was designated by the Beijing municipal government as a "designated venue for tourism performances," initially hosting large-scale theatrical and musical performances for Chinese and international guests. Starting in the mid-to-late 1980s, the venue gradually shifted its focus to exclusive acrobatic performances. Over more than two decades of specialized operation, it has established the cultural brand of "See Acrobatics at Chaoyang."
In 2001, Chaoyang Theater was named a National Advanced Cultural Collective. In 2013, it became one of Chaoyang District's first Cultural Tourism Demonstration Units. Through years of dedicated operation, the theater has built a recognized brand in acrobatic performances and has hosted over five million international visitors.
Brand Identity: "See Acrobatics at Chaoyang"
Chaoyang Theater is not only a Beijing landmark for acrobatics but was also an officially designated performance venue for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. With over three decades of dedication to the art of acrobatics, the theater has witnessed countless breathtaking moments and thunderous applause. Its regular programs include bowl balancing, duo balancing, chair stacking, plate spinning, contortion, hoop diving, bicycle stunts, and ball juggling. "See Acrobatics at Chaoyang" is more than a slogan—it is a cultural memory deeply held by generations of Beijing residents and international tourists.
The theater has received over five million international guests, with performances highly praised by foreign presidents, parliamentary leaders, and members of the International Olympic Committee. It has become an important channel for foreign embassy staff, business organizations, and travel agencies to understand Beijing and China, successfully building a cultural bridge between traditional Chinese culture and the world.
Latest Development: China National Acrobatic Troupe Residency
In 2025, Chaoyang Theater reached an important milestone. In April, it established a resident performance partnership with the China National Acrobatic Troupe under Beijing Performance & Arts Group. Starting in May, the theater launched "Peak of Artistry – 75th Anniversary Gala of the China National Acrobatic Troupe," marking the beginning of year-round resident performances.
"Peak of Artistry" features selected award-winning works from the troupe's 75-year history. From its first gold medal in 1957, to its first "Golden Clown" award in 2004, and through to its 75th gold medal and fourth "Golden Clown" award in 2025, the troupe's repertoire embodies the evolution of Eastern acrobatic aesthetics. Featured acts include "Light at the Horizon – Roller Bowls," which won the Crystal Grand Prix, the highest honor at the 12th Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain in France (2004); "Holy Fight – Hoop Diving," winner of the Golden Clown award at the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival (2013); and "Flower Femininity – Collective Diabolo," which has twice earned the Golden Clown award. These acts combine traditional acrobatic skills with Chinese folk dance, Peking opera, and other elements, establishing a connection with contemporary audiences.
Lyu Limin, Party Secretary and Chairman of the China National Acrobatic Troupe, stated that the resident performances will precisely align with Beijing's initiatives to become a major performing arts hub and a capital of theatrical excellence, creating top-tier performances in the city's core tourism zone and allowing Chinese and international visitors to experience the unique charm of traditional Chinese acrobatics.
Diversified Development & Future Outlook
In addition to its core acrobatic performances, Chaoyang Theater also hosts dance dramas, stage plays, family shows, and other diverse programs. As part of its strategic development, the theater has completed intelligent upgrades to its stage equipment and service systems, evolving into a comprehensive cultural performance space integrating acrobatics, contemporary performances, and cinema.
In 2026, Chaoyang Theater was officially selected as a screening venue for the Beijing International Film Festival. From screen to stage, from international cinema to world-class acrobatics, this veteran theater continues to write a new chapter as an indispensable cultural landmark in eastern Beijing.
Looking ahead, the theater plans to further strengthen its position in the cultural tourism performance market, explore diverse audience integration, enhance international exchanges, offer visitors unique cultural experiences, and support the development of cultural tourism in Beijing.
Practical Information:
- Regular Showtimes: Daily 16:00–17:00 / 17:30–18:30 / 19:00–20:00
- Ticket Inquiry: +86 135-2288-6608
- Address: No. 36, East Third Ring North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
