Beijing's newly established National Performing Arts Center and the Meilanfang Grand Theatre entertained a steady flow of theatre goers over the National Day holidays.

With more arts festivals taking place on the Capital stage, the fan base is growing rapidly for performances that would have been dismissed as high-brow, only a few years ago.

International troupes in array enter and exit this city's stages. The just concluded 2008 International Folk Song Week, saw 24 overseas bands sharing the stage with 14 domestic groups at the National Performing Arts Center. For many people who live in Beijing, a night out at the theatre is an established part of the social routine.

Mr. Wang, theatre-goer, said, "I find that attending a show is a chic way to entertain. And the building's glossy exterior and lush decoration is an attraction in itself for my family and me."

Ms. Liu, theatre-goer, said, "I have found great personal benefit in the theatre experience. It's enriched my life since I retired. And it's also raised my understanding of the arts, including our own Chinese arts and those from abroad."

(Xinhua News Agency October 8, 2008)