China International Youth Exchange Center, Theatre building in Maizidian Subdistrict, Beijing, China

The China International Youth Exchange Center is a theatre building in Maizidian that houses multiple functional spaces for events and programs. The facility includes a main performance venue, conference spaces, exhibition areas, educational rooms, and residential accommodations on its grounds.

In 1984 Japanese prime minister Yasuhiro Nakasone and Hu Yaobang, general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, proposed building a Sino-Japanese youth exchange centre in Beijing, funded by Japanese grant aid and Chinese government allocations. After three years and eight months of construction and eight months of trial operation, it opened on 3 May 1991, with Wang Zhen, Li Peng and former premiers Nakasone and Takeshita attending. In 2004 it merged with the China Youth International Talent Exchange Centre to form the present centre.

The name recalls the Sino-Japanese Youth Exchange Center inaugurated on 3 May 1991, when Wang Zhen, Li Peng and former Japanese prime ministers Nakasone and Takeshita attended. The Century Theatre, designed by Kisho Kurokawa with Chinese architects, hosted PM Kaifu's 1991 policy speech on Japan-China relations. The Silver Olive sports complex takes its olive shape from the wish for peace and friendship.

The facility is well organized with clearly defined areas for different types of events and activities throughout the grounds. Visitors can find all necessary amenities in one location, making it convenient for multi-day programs and conferences.

The complex was designed by Beijing architect Li Zongze with Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, who proposed a "Hehe" (harmony) concept expressing lasting friendship between Chinese and Japanese youth. The Silver Olive sports hall, shaped like an olive, carries the same wish for peace.