SHANGHAI GRAND THEATER (OPÉRA DE SHANGHAI)

In the north-west corner of the Palestinian Square, in the centre of the city, proudly stands the Shanghai opera, designed by the French architect Arte-Charpentier. This 2 000-seat opera house, inaugurated in 1998, combines Chinese tradition with international modernity. The roof, round and slightly bent on the edges evokes the sky, while the base, square, represents the earth. The whole structure reads as the Chinese character wang, meaning "king", all in light and air materials. The opening of this opera marked the cultural renewal of the city, desired by local authorities and those of Beijing (most of the then members, President and Prime Minister, were from Shanghai). This is where most of the big shows, from operas to Broadway musicals, go through international artists'concerts.