Eggshell's birthday party

Several events are being staged to celebrate the first anniversary of one of Beijing's dazzling new landmarks, the National Center for the Performing Arts.

They include a concert given by China National Symphony Orchestra, an opera and the Peking Opera, Red Cliff. Based on the historical battle that inspired John Woo's film of the same name, the six-act Red Cliff boasts an A-list cast and 180 hand-made costumes.

There are also three exhibitions, lectures on art and music, and the opening of the theater's art file center.