Three New Venues Similar to the Las Vegas Sphere Will Open in China

The Las Vegas Sphere is getting some imitators. On May 30, Tiangong Nova, the first Chinese venue similar in design to Sphere, opened in Qianjiang. Now there are plans to build two more similar venues in Shanghai and Guangzhou.

The details:

• Tiangong Nova features a 7,500 square metre high-definition LED display on its exterior.

• Inside, there is a 3,200 sqm LED screen, a multi-channel sound system, and motion-capable seats.

• The first programming will be films showcasing the culture of the Chinese state of Chu.

• The Shanghai version, known as The West Bund Starry Sky 360°, was greenlit last month. It is expected to hold 3,000 people and be finished by the end of 2027.

• In Guangzhou, the project is called Guangzhou Pearl Spherical Giant Screen. This version will hold 5,000 people. No timeline has been provided.

Background:

• These venues are opening as official Spheres are expanding worldwide.

• A new 20,000-seat version is expected to open in Abu Dhabi, and a smaller, 6,000-seat version will open near Washington, D.C.