CHANGCHUN, China, Feb. 12, 2026 — Recently, a newly restored theater in the heart of Changchun, the capital of northeast China’s Jilin Province, has welcomed the new year with a surge of orchestral music—signifying both a return of the city’s history and an architectural renaissance.
“So thrilling!” said Xu Changxin, a 74-year-old native of Changchun, as he gently ran his hand along the restored brick wall.
Originally opened in 1935 as Fengle Theater, the building was once known as the “top-tier theater of the Far East”. After decades of changing purposes and structural deterioration, the century-old structure has reopened as the Jilin Provincial Concert Hall, following a careful renovation based on the principle of “restoring the old as it was, while reviving its functionality”.
The project maintains the building’s distinctive curved facade and arched dormer windows while incorporating cutting-edge acoustics and performance facilities. It now serves as the centerpiece of a rejuvenated historic area, featuring a newly constructed public plaza that both physically and symbolically links the venue back to the city’s urban framework.
Initially designed as a cinema, Fengle Theater later served various roles, including as a pharmacy, before falling into disrepair and being classified as a D-grade hazardous structure. In late 2024, provincial authorities intervened to rescue the landmark.
The renovation faced its share of challenges. Original blueprints were incomplete, demolition and relocation processes were complicated, and timelines were tight. Still, the team refrained from the urge to demolish and rebuild. Instead, they kept key structural and aesthetic features—including the original wooden triangular trusses in the ceiling—even when preservation meant compromising on stage effects.
“We insisted on restoring the original appearance while meeting the requirements of a modern performance venue,” said Zheng Ning, chief designer of the theater restoration project.
This balancing act has yielded results. Since reopening, the concert hall has hosted over 10,000 visitors. Musicians have also praised the space. “No matter where you sit, the sound quality remains consistent,” said Zhang Tongtong, director of the Jilin Symphony Orchestra.
The concert hall is more than just a standalone restoration; it is part of a larger initiative by Jilin authorities to reintegrate historical architecture into modern urban life. In recent years, the province has stepped up efforts to preserve historic districts, protect ancient trees, and repurpose heritage buildings for public use—aligning with international conservation standards and community involvement.
“We are not merely saving old buildings,” said Bi Haikun, deputy director of the Jilin Provincial Cultural Activity Center. “We are returning them to the people.”
Source: The Jilin Provincial Concert Hall
CONTACT: Contact person: Mr. Han, Tel: 86-10-63074558
