The Central Academy of Drama

The Central Academy of Drama is located on 39 East Mianhua Lane, Dongcheng District of Beijing. The academy was established in April 1950. It was named by Mao Zedong. It inherited the drama department of Lu Xun Art Academy in Yan’an, art school of North China University, and National Drama College in Nanjing. Its abbreviation is Zhong Xi (literally “Central Drama”). Many Chinese actors, actresses, and directors graduated from the Academy, such as Gong Li. It is regarded as one of three most prestigious drama schools in China (the other two being Beijing Film Academy and Shanghai Theater Academy).