Clad entirely in white aluminium panels, the opera house swoops and curls against the bleak landscape, at times resembling a thundering snow-drift and, at others, a hyper-stylised tented yurt.

[3] The primal references are deliberate, a not entirely subtle nod to the region's harsh climate and wild topography, making it nicely embedded into the surrounding nature.

While the bold and beautiful structure inside the opera house achieves zen aesthetics with contemporary white walls, atmospheric skylights and tons of timber.

[4] The Harbin Grand Theatre includes a number of performance venues:[5] Ma wanted its snow-white structure to have a soothing aesthetic, in contrast to modern landmark buildings in Chinese cities which are often towering and imposing.

[4] The architect "envision(s) Harbin Opera House as a cultural center of the future – a tremendous performance venue, as well as a dramatic public space that embodies the integration of human, art and the city identity".