The Beijing Olympic Park (北京奥林匹克公园) is a complex of world-class sporting venues located in the Chaoyang District of Beijing, China. The park was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics, which were held in Beijing, and is now a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The centerpiece of the park is the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, which can seat up to 80,000 people. It was designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron and has become an iconic symbol of the city. Other notable venues in the park include the National Aquatics Center, or Water Cube, which was designed to resemble a bubble of water, and the National Indoor Stadium, which was used for gymnastics and other indoor events during the Olympics.
In addition to the sporting venues, the park also features a number of gardens, lakes, and walking paths, making it a peaceful and scenic place to visit. The park is easily accessible by public transportation and is open to the public year-round.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Beijing Olympic Park
- Map of Beijing Olympic Park
- Vlog about Beijing Olympic Park
- Explore Beijing Like A Local
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | About 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | The park is free, but you need to pay to visit the various buildings |
| Opening hours | 24 hours a day |
| Telephone Number | 0086-010-64529060 0086-010-64529088 |
Location and Transportation
The Beijing Olympic Park is located in the Chaoyang District of Beijing, China, and is easily accessible via public transportation.
Bus: Take bus 311, 319, 379, 450, 466, 484, or 695, get off at Wali Nankou Stop (洼里南口站), and you will be standing at the center of the park.
Subway: Take subway line 8 or 15, get off at the Olympic Park Station (Aolinpike Gongyuan, 奥林匹克公园), and the National Stadium will be to your south and the Olympic Forest Park to your north.
Highlights of Beijing Olympic Park
The National Stadium
The National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, is an iconic stadium located in the Beijing Olympic Park. It was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and served as the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as several athletic events. Designed by Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, the stadium features a distinctive lattice-like exterior that resembles a bird’s nest. It has a seating capacity of over 80,000 and is the largest steel structure in the world. Today, the stadium continues to host sporting events and concerts and has become a symbol of modern China.
The National Aquatics Center
The National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube, is a stunning building located in the Beijing Olympic Park. It was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and served as the venue for the swimming, diving, and synchronized swimming events. Designed by a consortium of architects and engineers, the building features a unique “bubble” design that is covered in ETFE, a translucent material that allows plenty of natural light to enter. Today, the Water Cube has been transformed into a water park and recreational center, offering a range of activities including swimming, diving, and water slides.
The Olympic Forest Park
The Olympic Forest Park is a large park located north of the Beijing Olympic Park. It covers an area of over 6 square kilometers and is home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife. The park was designed as a “green lung” for the city, providing a place for residents to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. It features several lakes, ponds, and streams, as well as a network of walking and biking trails. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including picnicking, boating, fishing, and hiking. The park is also home to several cultural attractions, including the China Science and Technology Museum and the National Indoor Stadium.
The Olympic Observation Tower
The Olympic Tower is a 234-meter tall tower located in the heart of the Beijing Olympic Park. It was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and is a popular attraction for visitors to the park. The tower offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including the National Stadium and the National Aquatics Center. Visitors can take an elevator to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Olympic venues. The tower also houses a revolving restaurant, where diners can enjoy a meal while taking in the views.
Map of Beijing Olympic Park
Subway location: Olympic Sports Center B2 exit is the closest to the Bird’s Nest. Taxi location: West gate of the National Aquatics Center. Dining: Xin’ao Shopping Center – right outside the Olympic Park subway station exit. They have restaurants of different price ranges. Lighting times: In summer, the lights are turned on around 19:40 and turned off at 22:00. Regarding tickets: Bird’s Nest costs 100 yuan, Water Cube costs 30 yuan, but this is only for entering the venues. If… Read more »