The Bird's Nest, China National Stadium is the quintessential symbol of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the anchor of the Beijing Olympic Park. As the world's first "Dual Olympic" stadium—hosting both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Summer and 2022 Winter Games—it stands as a testament to architectural innovation and national pride.
Key Highlights
Architectural Marvel: Designed by Pritzker Prize winners Herzog & de Meuron in collaboration with artist Ai Weiwei, the stadium's exterior resembles a woven nest made of 42,000 tons of steel trusses. This design creates a stunning visual effect while providing structural support for the massive roof.
Grand Scale: With a total construction area of 258,000 square meters and a capacity of 91,000 spectators, it is one of the largest steel structures in the world.
Dual Olympic Legacy: It hosted track and field events and football finals in 2008, and was transformed into the "Ice Ribbon" stage for the 2022 Winter Olympics ceremonies.
Things to Do
Stadium Tour: Visitors can walk around the bowl-shaped seating area, visit the player changing rooms, and stand on the athlete's runway.
Roof Truss Walk: For the adventurous, there is a guided tour that takes you onto the roof structure for a bird's-eye view of Beijing.
Night Views: The stadium is beautifully illuminated at night (usually from 19:00-22:00), making it a perfect spot for photography.
Visitor Information
Address: No. 1, National Stadium South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing.
Tickets: Required for stadium entry (approx. ¥100 for adults, prices vary by season). The surrounding park area is free to enter.
Metro: Line 8 (Olympic Sports Center Station).