Inside the Shanghai Grand Opera House, a US$590 million performing arts marvel

Even before its doors opened on October 17, the striking, gleaming-white landmark had long redefined the skyline along the Huangpu River in Shanghai. The Shanghai Grand Opera House, which took 10 years to build, is a massive spiral structure rising above the Expo Culture Park in the Chinese city’s Pudong New Area that captures the gaze of passing ferry passengers and riverfront walkers. By day, it resembles a Chinese hand fan; by night, glowing against the water, it evokes a pearl nestled inside...