Taiwan diva Tsai Chin will inaugurate musical performances at the renovated Workers' Indoor Arena in Beijing with a solo concert scheduled for December 14.

Renovation for the multi-purpose venue has been completed, making it ready for a line-up of star singers, according to the Beijing News.

Tsai Chin said at a press conference on Wednesday that she was thrilled to be the first performer at the new venue, and that a careful selection of her best-known hits would be presented to honor the special occasion.

At the same time, Taiwan rock singer Shin has also announced a show on Christmas Eve.

Built in 1961, the Workers' Indoor Arena was frequently crowded with music fans who wanted to see their idols perform live. It was closed for renovation shortly after Leon Lai's show at the end of 2005.

The new arena will have 12,000 permanent seats and 1,000 temporary seats. Facilities such as lighting and wheelchair ramps have been enhanced.

The arena will host a series of shows before being closed again in April to prepare for the boxing competitions of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
 
(CRI November 15, 2007)