Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
40min; ¥30) is an attempt to take the concept of immersive realism even further.
The seats move, and there are water and wind effects - no Smell-O-Vision yet,
but surely it's only a matter of time. The only distinctly Chinese example of
science on display is a fantastic Ming dynasty azimuth in the courtyard. H e ld
up by sculptured dragons it's a more successful blend of science and aesthetics
than anything inside.
Just north of the museum, the
Oriental Arts Centre
(
www.shoac.com.cn)
is a magnificent, glass-faced, flower-shaped building that houses a concert hall,
opera theatre, exhibition space and performance hall - they form the petals. It
was designed by French architect Paul Andreu, who also created the new opera
house in Beijing. Locals complain that it's a white elephant - it cost more than
a billion yuan, has huge maintenance costs and doesn't get a great deal of use.
If you happen to be in the area, however, its worth a visit just to appreciate the
elegant curves, puzzle at why they made the interior walls look like snakeskin,
and to check out the third-floor exhibition of European music boxes.
W
The Zendai Museum of Modern Art
It's out of the way, but art buffs should seek out the
Zendai Museum of
Modern Art
(daily except Tues 10am-8pm; ¥20, free on Sun;
50339801,
T
www.zendaiart.com), a half-hour stroll through the park and out of its north-
eastern exit, at 28, Lane 199, Fangdian Lu. You'll know when you've arrived
when you see the eye-catching red “ love” sculpture outside. The Zendai MoMA
is a privately run arts centre along the line of MoCA (see p.62), so expect similar
work - a mix of the quite good and the hopelessly obscure. The museum also
hosts frequent lectures and concerts.
W
92
