Songshan Lake Exhibition and Performance Center by ZHA
The Songshan Lake Exhibition and Performance Center, designed by ZHA in collaboration with the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design, is a new cultural and sports facility in Dongguan City, China. Covering a total floor area of 45,000 square metres, the new cultural centre was designed to be a civic and cultural anchor for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The new venue will host a variety of national and international events, exhibitions, and performances for audiences of all ages. The construction of the riverside building started in 2021, and the complex was officially opened on March 30, 2026.
The design incorporates multiple distinct structures that crescendo and flare, rising at its western edge to frame the main theatre and exhibition space and evoking the traditional silk "water sleeves," white extensions of robes worn by performers of Cantonese Opera. The Grand Theatre's walls and ceiling are defined by 100,000 slender spines, varied in length, density, and tone, that enhance sound diffusion, control reverberation to enrich acoustic clarity throughout the theatre. Prefabricated aluminium soffits and roof panels feature a light grey opalescent finish to minimise solar heat gain.
Informed by the region's traditional Lingnan architecture, the extended overhang of the building's roof maintains generous levels of natural light throughout the interiors while protecting the building and its outdoor spaces within Dongguan's humid subtropical climate. A 1,200-seat Grand Theatre and an Exhibition Hall are designed to host large-scale productions by local, national, and international performers, in addition to conferences, industry forums, art exhibitions, and sporting competitions. Another 400-seat Multifunction Hall is expected to host smaller theatrical productions and children's theatre.
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