A grand new stage

The revival of Tianqiao and its new performing arts center means Beijing can welcome shows that couldn't come to the capital before, Chen Nan reports.

Before Beijing had grand cultural venues like the National Center for the Performing Arts, and popular commercial areas such as Sanlitun, there was Tianqiao, once a destination for folk arts and small businesses in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Located in the capital's downtown, people could find pet markets and teahouses, and enjoy performances of cross-talk shows, acrobatics and operas. However, this landmark from an earlier chapter of Beijing's history was threatened by the country's fast development and urbanization.