The Olympic Park Observation Tower (奥林匹克塔) in Beijing, China is a remarkable architectural landmark that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Standing at a height of 246 meters, the tower is located within the Olympic Green, a sprawling complex that served as the main venue for the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Designed by the renowned architect, Mark Hemel, the tower boasts a unique structural design that resembles a huge torch with a spiraling staircase encircling its core. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower where they can enjoy panoramic views of the city, including the Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest.
In addition to its stunning views, the Olympic Park Observation Tower also features a range of exhibits and interactive displays that showcase the history of the Olympics and the development of Beijing as a modern metropolis. The tower is a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique perspective on one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly changing cities.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Olympic Park Observation Tower
- Vlog about the Observation Tower
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | About 1 hour |
| Opening Hours | 09.00 – 16.30; Last admission: 16.00 17.00 – 21.30; Last admission: 21.00 |
| Ticket Price | Adult: 160 RMB Children under 1.3 meters: Free |
| Telephone Number | 0086-010-84296869 0086-010-84296866 |
Location and Transportation
The Olympic Park Observation Tower is located in the Olympic Green in the northern part of the city, adjacent to the Fourth Ring Road. It is easily accessible by public transportation, including the subway, buses, and taxis.
Bus: Take bus 311, 319, 379, 450, 466, 484, or 695, get off at Wali Nankou (洼里南口), and walk about 400 meters to the north to reach the tower.
Subway: Take subway line 8, get off at Senlin Gongyuan Nanmen Station (The south gate of the Olympic Forest Park, 森林公园南门), and walk about 100 meters to the southeast to reach the tower.
Highlights of Olympic Park Observation Tower
Architectural Design
The Olympic Park Observation Tower in Beijing is a masterpiece of modern architectural design. The tower’s unique shape resembles a giant torch, with a spiral staircase that winds its way up the building’s exterior. Its striking form is made possible by its structural system, which consists of a reinforced concrete core surrounded by a steel exoskeleton. The tower’s exterior is covered with glass panels that reflect the surrounding landscape, creating a shimmering effect that changes with the light. Inside, the tower features a range of cutting-edge technologies, including elevators that travel at speeds of up to six meters per second and advanced environmental control systems that ensure a comfortable experience for visitors.
Rooftop Observation Deck
Located at a height of 230 meters, the observation deck offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Beijing, including the Olympic Stadium and the National Aquatics Center. The deck features both indoor and outdoor sections, allowing visitors to enjoy the views in any weather condition. The indoor area is air-conditioned and has large windows for unobstructed views, while the outdoor section is open to the elements for a more immersive experience. There are also seating areas and a cafe where visitors can relax and enjoy refreshments while taking in the stunning views of the city.
Interactive Exhibits
The Olympic Park Observation Tower in Beijing features a range of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the history and culture of Beijing, as well as the science and technology behind the tower’s construction. The exhibits include a virtual reality simulation of the tower’s construction process, allowing visitors to experience the challenges and triumphs of building such a complex structure. There are also models of famous landmarks and exhibits showcasing the history of the Olympics and the development of Beijing as a modern metropolis.
Restaurant
The Olympic Park Observation Tower in Beijing features a unique restaurant, which offers visitors a dining experience like no other. Located on the 73rd floor, it provides stunning panoramic views of the city as guests enjoy their meals. The restaurant offers a wide range of Chinese and international cuisine, including seafood, meats, and vegetarian options, as well as a selection of fine wines and cocktails. With its elegant atmosphere and breathtaking views, the revolving restaurant at the Olympic Park Observation Tower is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
Vlog about the Observation Tower
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Observation Decks: Apart from the fully glassed-in indoor observation deck, there are also two levels of 360° outdoor observation decks, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Best Time to Visit: There is no time limit for visiting the observation tower, but the optimal viewing time is generally from before sunset until after the city lights up at night. Plan to spend about 2 hours exploring the tower to fully enjoy the scenery.
Olympic Tower Restaurant: Reservations are required for dining at the Olympic Tower Restaurant. The restaurant offers both lunch and dinner options, with seating available on the 73rd floor (Western cuisine) and the 68th floor (Chinese cuisine). Availability depends on the time slot and table availability. The food quality is decent but not exceptional. Dining at the restaurant allows you to bypass purchasing an admission ticket.
Exhibition Halls: On the first and second floors, there is a small-scale Olympic exhibition hall that visitors can explore for free. The exhibition features podiums, brief introductions to historical figures, Olympic sculptures, photo opportunities with Bing Dwen Dwen and Shuey Rhon Rhon (the mascots of the Winter Olympics), Olympic torches, and more.