This bamboo theater in Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, has been built to honor the sea god of Hung Shing. Bamboo theaters are elaborate pop-up structures erected annually to host Cantonese opera performances.
Bamboo theater —
This bamboo theater in Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, has been built to honor the sea god of Hung Shing. Bamboo theaters are elaborate pop-up structures erected annually to host Cantonese opera performances.
Andrea Lo/CNN
Bamboo theaters are constructed without a foundation and don't require nails or drills.
Bamboo theater —
Bamboo theaters are constructed without a foundation and don't require nails or drills.
Andrea Lo/CNN
Workers first identify existing structures around the construction site that could be used to tie wooden pillars to -- this provides a "foundation" of sorts. The pillars are borrowing the strength of these structures.
Bamboo theater —
Workers first identify existing structures around the construction site that could be used to tie wooden pillars to -- this provides a "foundation" of sorts. The pillars are borrowing the strength of these structures.
Andrea Lo/CNN
Bamboo canes are tied together with nylon ties. Once the building comes down, the canes can be used three more times.
Bamboo theater —
Bamboo canes are tied together with nylon ties. Once the building comes down, the canes can be used three more times.
Andrea Lo/CNN
A close up of the bamboo theater as it rises.
Bamboo theater —
A close up of the bamboo theater as it rises.
Andrea Lo/CNN
One week into construction the bamboo theater is taking shape. The wooden pillars seen here, placed at an angle, add stability during the building process.
Bamboo theater —
One week into construction the bamboo theater is taking shape. The wooden pillars seen here, placed at an angle, add stability during the building process.
Andrea Lo/CNN
All hands on deck, one week into construction. It will take the team two-and-a-half weeks to build the theater, and three days to dissemble it.
Bamboo theater —
All hands on deck, one week into construction. It will take the team two-and-a-half weeks to build the theater, and three days to dissemble it.
Andrea Lo/CNN
But the schedule is a fluid one. Chan Yuk-kwong, who heads Wah Bo Engineering, was responsible for this project. He says he's usually juggling several theaters at the same time, and his workers are allocated to different locations at a moment's notice.
Bamboo theater —
But the schedule is a fluid one. Chan Yuk-kwong, who heads Wah Bo Engineering, was responsible for this project. He says he's usually juggling several theaters at the same time, and his workers are allocated to different locations at a moment's notice.
Andrea Lo/CNN
During bad weather, construction is halted -- which was what happened when CNN visited the site on a rainy day.
Bamboo theater —
During bad weather, construction is halted -- which was what happened when CNN visited the site on a rainy day.
Andrea Lo/CNN
The Ap Lei Chau theater measures 81-feet-wide, 130-feet-long, and 45-feet-high. It took 4,000 bamboo rods, 600 wooden pillars, as well as 1,800 metal sheets -- which cover the exterior --<strong> </strong>to make the theater.
Bamboo theater —
The Ap Lei Chau theater measures 81-feet-wide, 130-feet-long, and 45-feet-high. It took 4,000 bamboo rods, 600 wooden pillars, as well as 1,800 metal sheets -- which cover the exterior -- to make the theater.
Andrea Lo/CNN
Around two weeks in, workers simultaneously build the interiors and work on the roof.
Bamboo theater —
Around two weeks in, workers simultaneously build the interiors and work on the roof.
Andrea Lo/CNN
A worker is seen adding metal sheets to create a protective, rain-proof exterior. They poke a hole through each sheet, then put a nylon thread through it. The thread ties the sheet and the bamboo cane beneath it.
Bamboo theater —
A worker is seen adding metal sheets to create a protective, rain-proof exterior. They poke a hole through each sheet, then put a nylon thread through it. The thread ties the sheet and the bamboo cane beneath it.
Andrea Lo/CNN
With the exteriors nearing completion, bamboo canes are added to the metal sheets as a final touch.
Bamboo theater —
With the exteriors nearing completion, bamboo canes are added to the metal sheets as a final touch.
Andrea Lo/CNN
The stage has wooden panel flooring.
Bamboo theater —
The stage has wooden panel flooring.
Andrea Lo/CNN
Wooden poles are tied to the bamboo at an angle to protect it from the wind.
Bamboo theater —
Wooden poles are tied to the bamboo at an angle to protect it from the wind.
Andrea Lo/CNN
An entryway created entirely by bamboo and wood panels.
Bamboo theater —
An entryway created entirely by bamboo and wood panels.
Andrea Lo/CNN
Colorful banners advertising the opera adorn the structure.
Bamboo theater —
Colorful banners advertising the opera adorn the structure.
Andrea Lo/CNN