Olympic Park and the Bird's Nest

The 2008 Olympics site: the Bird's Nest stadium and bubble-skinned Water Cube, now doubling as 2022 Winter Games venues. The park is free and the architecture is best from outside, especially lit up at night. Going inside the stadium (around 40-100 CNY) is skippable unless you're an architecture or Olympics devotee.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

When should I visit Olympic Park?

Dusk. The Bird's Nest glows red and the Water Cube ripples blue from around sunset, the plaza fills with strolling families and kite-flyers, and the architecture finally looks like the postcards. Daytime visits can feel like walking an airport apron.

Can you skate or swim where the Olympians did?

Yes — the Water Cube runs public swim sessions in the competition pool area, and winter brings public ice activities. It's a fun flex to swim under the bubbles. Bring a swim cap; Chinese pools require them.

Is it worth paying to go inside the Bird's Nest?

Honest answer: for most people, no. The basic ticket runs about 40 CNY with fuller access around 100, and the interior is a big empty stadium unless an event is on. The genius of the building — that tangled steel lattice — reads best from the plaza, free.

Did the 2022 Winter Olympics use these venues?

Yes — the Bird's Nest hosted both 2008 and 2022 opening ceremonies, the only stadium ever to do so, and the Water Cube became the curling venue. The park is the rare place that hosted Summer and Winter Games.

What else is near Olympic Park?

The Olympic Forest Park just north is a huge, genuinely local green space great for a run or picnic, and the China Science and Technology Museum on the park's edge is excellent for kids. The Olympic Tower has an observation deck with axis views if the air is clear.

What is the Water Cube now?

The National Aquatics Center — it hosted 2008 swimming, was converted to the 'Ice Cube' for 2022 curling, and now runs public swimming, a water park, and sightseeing visits (sightseeing around 30 CNY, water park considerably more). The bubble facade at night is the real attraction.

How do I get to Olympic Park?

Line 8 (fittingly) to Olympic Green or Olympic Sports Center stations — the line was built for the Games and drops you into the heart of the axis. It's a straight shot from the Drum Tower area on the city's central axis.

How much time does Olympic Park need?

Ninety minutes covers a plaza wander and photos from all the good angles. Add an hour if you go inside a venue, more for the Olympic Tower observation deck. It combines well with an evening — it's not a full-day destination.

Nearby in Ask Beijing

• Olympic Forest ParkPark0.31 km · 4 min walk
• China Science and Technology MuseumMuseum1.48 km · 19 min walk
• Ditan ParkPark4.52 km · 56 min walk
• WudaokouNeighborhood5.04 km · 63 min walk
• Voyage Coffee (Wudaoying Hutong)Café5.1 km · 64 min walk