Grand Theater,
Wanping Theater

State-of-the-art facilities from all over the world at the Grand Theater of the Wanping Theater

With a population of approximately 24 million, Shanghai, China has been called the Paris of the Orient. Even today, Shanghai's energy remains undiminished, and the city sports a strong presence as the center of the Asian economy. In this city where tradition and technology intersect, the Wanping Theater, a theater for traditional Chinese performing arts, having the world's latest technology, was unveiled in June 2021 with a brand new look - with the motif of a fan.
The Grand Theater was built for traditional performing arts and plays which are its main attractions. It is furnished with the latest equipment from around the world. In the stage space with a frontage of 16 meters, 10 meters above ground, and 20 meters below ground level, 65 sets of electronically controlled stage sets are arranged, with 25 square elevating devices arranged in an orderly board-like grid. The stage is also equipped with network-operated lighting and sound equipment, and has a variety of facilities to accommodate highly creative scripts and presentations that combine classic performances with new technology.

Mechanism to provide the best stage experience no matter where you are seated

The fan shape, the symbol of the theater, is incorporated not only in the exterior of the building, but everywhere. The seats spread out in a gentle fan-shaped arc toward the stage of the Grand Theater, providing a clear view from any seat. In order to prevent the view being blocked by the seats in front, both the first and second floor seats are arranged in a mortar-shape, with steps that increase in height toward the rear of the theater. In the design that incorporates steps of different heights, the line of sight to the stage is carefully considered for each row, and the chairs have high backs of 1,000 mm height for ease of passage and legroom.

Beautiful, comfortable and tranquil seats for appreciating the stage

The theater, which has numerous state-of-the-art technologies from around the world, chose Kotobuki Seating's chairs for its seating. The chair has a spacious design with a width of 560 mm for one person, and its three-dimensional backrest has cushions extending to the edges. It firmly supports the upper body of the person who sits on it, providing a comfortable sitting experience.
While deep-seated chairs often require the user to raise themselves up by putting their hands on the armrests or the backrest of the seat in front of them, Spacia has a barrier-free design that allows users to stand up without using their hands. The side view shows that the part of the chair seat resting against the back of the knees is made thin, making it easy to stand up even when both hands are occupied. In addition, the chair has an automatic flip back mechanism that slowly retracts the seat. This eliminates any worry about the seat snapping back and making noise on standing up.
And on the side where the legs and elbow rests integrate, a 'fan' shape is carved out adding a feel of lightness to the stately appearance. The fan-shaped row number plate also adds a touch of sophistication to the design.

Photo provider :Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co.,LTD
Photographer : Ma Yuan

Facility Overview

The Wanping Theater stands out on the intersection of the Zhongshan South Road 2 and Wanping South Road, in the center of Shanghai, the heart of China's economy. The design incorporating the fan shape, a symbol of traditional Chinese performing arts and drama, is both traditional and novel. Originally completed in 1988, the Wanping Theater was closed for nearly five years for renovation and reopened in June 2021 as a new symbol of traditional performing arts in Shanghai.

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