China’s Zhejiang province, located southeast of Shanghai, is composed entirely of islands—nearly 1,400 of them. In an effort to improve the quality of life for the rapidly growing population and economy, the province developed an engineered peninsula to serve as a major tourist destination and entertainment hub for the area. The City of Zhoushan wanted a unique theatre, situated on the new island’s waterfront in a public garden setting, to serve as a landmark of the new cityscape and reflect the community as a whole. As part of a design competition, Gresham Smith’s iconic, contemporary design was selected for its unique reflection of local culture.