National Grand Theater under full illumination before its first test performance was staged on September 25.

The pearl-shaped futuristic structure, designed by French architect Paul Andreu, is located to the west of the Tiananmen Square in downtown Beijing.

According to the theater

management, its inaugural show is scheduled for the end of this year.

Inset: The concert hall of

the National Grand Theater.

(For more, see pages 14-15 of this issue).