Two pebbles smoothed by the flow of the Pearl River.
Building in Guangzhou, China.
Featured in Zaha Hadid's definitive monograph, Zaha Hadid. Complete Works 1979–Today. 45th Ed.
Visitor Guide
Visit the interior auditorium to see the 'asymmetric' seating—it's designed to mimic the geology of a canyon.
The granite plaza at night; the building's triangular glass 'veins' glow from within like bioluminescent creatures.
Lobby is often open for a fee (30 RMB); performance hall access requires a ticket. Tours are available at 10 AM and 2 PM.
This was Zaha Hadid's first project in mainland China and utilized custom triangulated steel nodes for the frame.
1-2 hours
Design & Structure
Modeled after the 'erosive' effects of a river, using deconstructivist geometry to create a seamless landscape.
Granite, glass, and a massive steel frame; the interior uses glass-fiber reinforced gypsum (GFRG) for the fluid curves.
The project uses a custom 'triangulated' steel structure to support the irregular, windowless shell.
See Together
Buildings that pair well with Guangzhou Opera House — they're nearby or share a compelling architectural conversation.
More by Zaha Hadid
View all →
Ordrupgaard
Port Authority Building (Antwerp)
Contemporary Arts Center
Bergisel Ski Jump
Phaeno Science Center
King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center
Nearby in Guangzhou
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed Guangzhou Opera House?+
Guangzhou Opera House was designed by Zaha Hadid and completed in 2010. It is located in Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
Where is Guangzhou Opera House located?+
Guangzhou Opera House is located in Guangzhou, People's Republic of China. Its coordinates are 23.1175°, 113.3172°.
When was Guangzhou Opera House built?+
Guangzhou Opera House was completed in 2010. It was designed by Zaha Hadid.
Can I visit Guangzhou Opera House?+
Guangzhou Opera House is a real building in Guangzhou that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.