L-Acoustics Powers Landmark Audio Installation at Ya’an 1869 Panda Performing Arts Center

The city of Ya’an holds a singular place in China’s natural and cultural history, being the site where the first giant panda was introduced to the world in 1869. That moment not only brought the panda to international attention but also helped shape China’s modern cultural diplomacy. Today, Ya’an continues to play a leading role in panda conservation — now, with the new Ya’an 1869 Panda Performing Arts Center shaping how those efforts are communicated through immersive storytelling and sonic precision.

Marking one of the most ambitious deployments of high-end audio systems in China dedicated to conservation awareness and cultural education – the Ya’an 1869 Panda Performing Arts Center has unveiled a comprehensive L-Acoustics professional sound installation across its three performance spaces. Situated within the Ya’an Bifengxia Panda Base—one of four branches of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda—the venue is a unique fusion of heritage, education, and cutting-edge technology, delivering crystal-clear sound for theatrical productions, musical events, and public engagement programmes.

The center opened in February 2025 with Panda Is Back – a live production combining entertainment with an educational narrative around panda preservation. And for L-Acoustics Certified Provider Rightway Audio Consultants (RAC), delivering both intelligibility and emotional depth was paramount. “In educational entertainment, every word of narration, every environmental sound effect, and every musical element must be crystal clear,” stated Ning Zhaoqi, System Designer at RAC. “Clarity directly impacts the audience’s comprehension and emotional engagement.”

To achieve this, RAC engineers employed L-Acoustics Soundvision software to model and fine-tune audio distribution across all three zones. The centrepiece is the 1,200-seat Main Theatre, equipped with a sophisticated LCR configuration that comprises six K3i enclosures per side, plus a combination of A15i Focus and Wide units for centre fill. A further four A10i loudspeakers provide in-fill coverage, while the low-end fidelity is provided by six KS21i and four KS28 subwoofers. The result is a wide and balanced soundstage capable of switching between theatrical subtlety and concert-scale dynamics. Additionally, L-Acoustics X12 units are deployed in multiple roles across the venue—not only as stage monitors, but also as overhead speakers for height-enhanced spatial effects.

“The overhead speaker configuration gives us tremendous flexibility,” explained RAC Lead Engineer Shi Zhuohao. “For environmental sounds like bamboo forests or mountain winds, the overhead elements create a natural sense of space that supports the authenticity of the content.”

On the other hand, the 1,200-seat Performance Hall is driven by L-Acoustics X8i systems, with SB18 IIi subwoofers providing tight, extended low-frequency support. Designed to accommodate everything from lectures to cultural performances, the system is anchored by a DiGiCo Quantum 225 console for robust and adaptable control.

Meanwhile, the Outdoor Plaza utilises the visually discreet Syva and Syva Low systems. These slimline enclosures offer high SPL output and a 140° horizontal coverage angle—ideal for large-scale community gatherings and open-air education sessions, all while blending into the architectural aesthetic of the venue.

“When you’re presenting content that carries the cultural weight of China’s most beloved species and the scientific importance of conservation research, technical excellence becomes a responsibility,” emphasised Shi. “The L-Acoustics professional sound systems ensure that every educational moment, every cultural reference, and every conservation message reaches audiences with the clarity and impact these subjects deserve.”

With audio now playing a pivotal role in the visitor experience, the Ya’an 1869 Panda Performing Arts Center underscores how technology can elevate environmental storytelling—making panda conservation not only informative, but also unforgettable.