Located on the eastern edge of the West Kowloon Cultural District, at the junction of Canton Road and Austin Road, the Xiqu Centre is directly accessible from the Hong Kong West Kowloon Station (Express Rail Link) and Austin MTR station, and easy to reach by public transport from all parts of Hong Kong. The building’s striking design was inspired by traditional Chinese lanterns and blends traditional and contemporary elements to reflect the evolving nature of the art form. Stepping through the main entrance, shaped to resemble parted stage curtains, visitors are led directly into a lively atrium with a raised podium and space for presenting the rich and ancient culture of Chinese traditional theatre.

The building has a total area of 28,164 sqm and houses a Grand Theatre, accommodating 1,075 seats, a Tea House Theatre, with a capacity of up to 200 seats, eight professional studios and a seminar hall, all specially designed for different types of xiqu-related functions and activities. The design details of each of the facilities have also been created in response to the practical requirements and aesthetic features of the art form. A unique feature of the venue is the location of the Grand Theatre at the top of the building, which allows for a large open atrium below with space for exhibitions, stalls, and xiqu demonstrations and workshops.

It successfully blends theatre, arts education and public space together and the design reflects four core design principles integral to the art form and Chinese culture:

1. The concept of "flow" or "qi" is interpreted in the fluid movements in the building and the use of curved planes, arched openings and circular paths;
2. The concept of nature is expressed by bringing the landscape into different levels of the building to create in-between spaces;
3. The concept of gateway and pavilion is represented in the openness and door-less nature of the design, welcoming different visitors into the building from all four of its corners;
4. The concept of courtyard is presented as a generous covered public space on ground level, which serves as a perfect urban stage for events and celebrations.