Opera as a form of music is one of those things that just isn’t for everyone. But the architecture of opera houses like the Sydney Opera House, The Royal Opera House in London and the Paris Opéra is something everyone appreciates. Henning Larson’s latest creation, Hangzhou Yuhang Opera, nestled between Hangzhou and the shores of the East Lake is going to end up on every list of World’s Best Opera Houses because of its unique construction and presence. It was designed and built to resemble cracking ice on the surface of a man made lake–specifically, the East Lake that they built next to the opera house. The exterior of the building and the grounds they built surrounding it are simply stunning, and it’s equally impressive inside. The new structure houses a 1400-seat multipurpose auditorium, 500-seat black box theater and an exhibition center. The Hangzhou Yuhang Opera was completed earlier this year and is already open to public.
More Travel
The Bucket List of Remote Places to Kayak
Here's your guide to the coolest places to kayak.
You Don’t Need Couture Cash to Live It Up in Paris
Your chic, sophisticated, and smart visitor’s guide to the City of Light.
The Coolest Places To Travel In 2026
23 places for your consideration.