National Stadium: Bird's Nest
The National Stadium, known in China and around the world as the Bird's Nest, is situated in the Olympic Green Village. It was designed as the primary stadium for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and used for track, field, football, and weight throw and discus events. Since the Olympics finished, the stadium has been open to tourists and is used for sporting competitions and recreational activities.
Quick Facts on National Stadium
- Location: No. 1, South National Stadium Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
- Opening Hours: 9:00-21:00
- Ticket Price: CNY100
- How to Get: Take the Subway Line 8 and get off at the Olympic Sports Center Station. Exit at the B1 North Exit. Take Bus 386, 407, 490, 613, 645, or 658 and get off at the Beichen Bridge West Station. Or take Bus 81, 82, 510, or 607 and get off at the Beichen West Bridge North Station.
Design and Construction of National Stadium
The stadium was a joint venture between three architects: Jacques Herzog, Pierre de Meuron, and Li Xinggang. It looks like a massive bird's nest, which is said to embrace and look after human beings.
The construction of the National Stadium started at the end of 2003 and was completed in March 2008. It covers an area of 20.4 hectares, containing seating for 80,000 people, and at a cost of about 33 million dollars. A further 11,000 temporary seats can be added when needed, which should give you some idea of the colossal size and accomplishment of the stadium. The tallest point is 68.5 meters above the ground and covered in waterproof transparent material, and at the lowest point, 42.8 meters.
The stands are shaped like a bowl, and the zones surround the court and seating. Other features are changeable to suit different numbers and sporting needs. The seating areas were cleverly designed so that no matter where you sit in the stadium, you will get a perfect view of the court and activities with no visual obstruction.
It is said that the Beijing National Stadium not only symbolises the 2008 Olympic Games, but also sets a precedent in modern architectural history and achievement. On visiting the stadium, it is easy to see why.
The Bird's Nest Today
A walk around the Olympic Park on a weekday, it is difficult to imagine that it was home to one of the greatest sporting events on earth a few years ago. Like many other cities that haven't known what to do to make new buildings lucrative, after hosting the Olympics, the Bird's Nest has gone the same way.
That's not to say that it isn't worth a visit, because it most certainly is. The Bird's Nest is truly inspiring, and you can mix it in with a visit to the National Aquatics Centre, fondly known as the Water Cube, where many medals were won during the event.
There are guards recognisable wearing black combat clothes on hand to point you in the right direction, but apart from that, there is little roar of car engines or children screaming, it can seem surreal and quite a silent destination. Visitors are happy to pay a small fee to wander around the site at quiet times to say that they have been there. It is a spectacular site, and many Chinese are rightly very proud of what China achieved in 2008.
The Happy Ice and Snow Season Gala
Remarkably, the Bird's Nest has become home to the winter's Happy Ice and Snow Season gala, featuring a 100-meter-high ski slope with a ten-degree angle. Tons and tons of artificial snow are moved into the stadium for the crowds that descend on this Winter Wonderland.
A magic blanket is set on the east side to take you up to the top of the slope, and snowboards, skis, snowshoes, suits, and gloves are available to hire in abundance. Look out for the snow castle, man-made artificial ice rink, the giant play ball on the ice rink, and the snow playground.
This provides fun for locals and visitors to enjoy during the winter months. Locals love it as they don't have to travel far to ski, and children love snow, real or not. Skating, snow fighting, and ice sculptures can also be enjoyed, and what a place to spend Chinese New Year.