The name literally combines 人民 (rénmín), “The People,” with 大会堂 (dàhuìtáng), “Great Assembly Hall.” Thus, it translates directly and powerfully to “The Great Hall of the People,” emphasizing its official function as the place where the nation's representatives convene.
The 人民大会堂 is far more than just a building; it's a potent symbol of the People's Republic of China. Constructed in 1959 as one of the “Ten Great Buildings” for the 10th anniversary of the PRC's founding, its Soviet-influenced monumental architecture was designed to impress and project national strength. Its primary cultural significance lies in its role as the venue for the “Two Sessions” (两会, liǎnghuì), the annual plenary sessions of China's top political bodies: the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). When images of the Great Hall fill the news, it signals that the most important political events of the year are underway. Compared to a Western counterpart like the U.S. Capitol Building, the Great Hall of the People has a broader function. While the Capitol is almost exclusively for the legislative branch, the Great Hall is multi-purpose. Its massive Great Auditorium seats 10,000 people for political assemblies, while its State Banquet Hall can host dinners for 5,000 guests. This dual function as both a legislative and a grand ceremonial space makes it unique. It embodies the centralized nature of the Chinese state, where political, ceremonial, and diplomatic functions are often hosted in one symbolic location.
In daily life, 人民大会堂 is referred to by its full name. It is a constant presence in national news broadcasts, especially during the spring when the “Two Sessions” are held.