Nation's largest standalone cultural center to open in Longhua

The new Shenzhen Cultural Center, set to become the largest standalone cultural center building in China by floor area, is scheduled to begin trial operations in September, according to the Shenzhen Municipal Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau.

Located on Minzhi Avenue in Longhua District, the center has a total floor area of 83,300 square meters. The complex rises seven stories above ground with two basement levels and has a total investment of 1.265 billion yuan. 

A computer-generated image of the new Shenzhen Cultural Center.

Officials describe the project as a new cultural landmark designed to serve residents of all ages through a wide range of public programs and facilities. Upon completion, the center will house a 1,200-seat theater, a 500-seat theater, a 500-seat multifunctional hall and a 90-seat black-box performance space, as well as rehearsal and training rooms, exhibition halls, studios, reading areas and retail outlets.

The building’s design concept draws inspiration from Guangdong’s maritime heritage. Flowing architectural lines link indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a continuous, open layout.

A computer-generated image of the new Shenzhen Cultural Center.

Outdoor areas include an open-air plaza, stepped seating for performances and a tensile membrane canopy shaped like sails, designed to accommodate concerts, gatherings and community events. Inside, the structure emphasizes flexibility and comfort, incorporating adaptable spaces intended to support evolving cultural uses over time.

The project was formally approved in 2015 and broke ground in 2022 after several years of planning and preparation. When trial operations begin in September, the venue is expected to function as what officials describe as a “living room for Shenzhen culture,” offering expanded access to public arts and community programming.