Tuesday marked the second birthday of Beijing's National Center for the Performing Arts. As a tradition to mark the occasion, "the giant egg" is open free of charge to the public. This year, the center offered an assortment of artistic events that attracted scores of music lovers.

Beginning on Tuesday morning, the four major parts within the complex, which include the opera house, the theatre, the concert hall, and the mini theatre, were all opened to visitors. People were busy crossing from one venue to another, catching various concerts, operas, and other exciting shows.

At the entrance to the theatre, professors from China Traditional Opera Conservatory were on hand to explain the function of facial masks in Peking Opera. They also showed the spectators how to paint the masks on actors' faces.

A visitor said, "The masks of Peking Opera were a mystery to us before. Now, not only do I know what they represent, but also how they are done."