Located at Pudong New Area, the new Shanghai Oriental Arts Center in the shape of a butterfly is an architectural symphony in Shanghai.
 
Covering an area of 40,000 square meters close to Century Square, the center was designed by leading French architect Paul Andreu. He also designed the Grande Arche de la Defense in Paris and the Beijing Opera House next to the Forbidden City.

The center's five main halls are like the five petals of a beautiful butterfly orchid in full bloom. They are the entrance to the main hall, the concert hall, the performance hall, the exhibition hall, and the opera house. The 1,953-seat concert hall in the center is city's first fully professional performance venue for concerts with the most advanced digital sound console, first-class seating for audiences and a state-of-the-art organ. It is one of the very few top concert halls in China. Apart from the concert hall, the center comprises a 1,020-seat opera house and a 333-seat performance hall. The interior is decorated with a dazzling display of porcelain accessories.

At night the 'orchid' will turn into a sparkling gem with a rainbow of lights changing colors according to the melodies being played. 

The opening concert will be held at 20:00 on December31, 2004, as a New Year gift to Shanghai music lovers.