The Beijing Olympic Park is the site of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Its total land area is 2,864 acres (1,159 ha), 1,680 acres (680 ha) in the North, 778 acres (315 ha) in the central part, and 405 acres (164 ha) in the Central Asian Games. The park is planned to have ten locations, the Olympic Village, and other ancillary facilities. It was later transformed into an extensive multi-purpose activity center for the public.
Central Part – bird’s nest and water cube
As the primary section of the Olympic Park, this section contains important sites and landmarks. At the northwest corner is the Olympic Village, and on the south side, you can see the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest), the Aquatic Center (Water Cube), the Convention Center, the Indoor Stadium, and the Chinese Museum of Science and Technology. By visiting this section you can still feel the sense of competition and friendship.
The Ling Long Tower, with a total height of 433 feet (132 m), is the tallest building in the Olympic Park and operated as the International Broadcasting Corporation during the Games. As night falls, it becomes extremely attractive with colorful lights changing as an option. To the right of the Ling Long Tower is the National Stadium, which hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Games. Covering an area of 2,195,838 sq. ft. (204,000 sq. Ft.), The park will house 91,000 spectators. It takes the shape of a bird’s nest and resembles a cradle for breeding creatures. It symbolizes mankind’s hope for the future. The unique structure of the Birds Cage is very important in terms of art and architecture. National Indoor Stadium (Bird’s Nest)
The National Aquatic Center is also located close to the bird’s nest. It is called a water cube. Its creative concept begins with the pattern of cell formation and the natural structure of soap bubbles. The massive square was created by combining modern technologies with traditional Chinese culture. In the past, Chinese ancestors believed that the earth was square, that the sky was round, and that nature worked in harmony. A square water cube with a round bird’s nest sculpts and interprets this idea.
Northern Part – Olympic Park
Located north of Kehui Road, the park is considered to be the endpoint of the central axis of Beijing. It is divided into two zones by the Fifth Ring Road. Namely, South Park and North Park. The Southern Garden is characterized by an artificial landscape with the Ahoi Sea and Mount Yangtze, made from the traditional techniques of classical garden construction. In contrast, the northern park, with its large vegetation, is closer to nature. Passing through the fifth ring of the highway forms an ecological corridor between the two districts.
Outside the south entrance to the park, a viewing tower has been erected. As the 6th tallest observation tower in China, it consists of five independent towers and stands at 810 feet (246.8 m). The five towers are built on steel frames and are arranged in the pattern of the five Olympic rings. From a distance, the towers look like claws, hence the nickname Giant Claws. From the top of the tower, visitors can see a bird’s eye view of the entire park
Southern Division – Former Sports Center and Chinese Ethnic Cultural Park
As the former National Olympic Games Center, all venues, including the stadium, gymnasium, and Yindong Natatorium, were used for the 1990 Asian Games. In addition to the sports center, there is the Chinese Ethnic Cultural Park (Chinese Ethnic Museum). It collects and exhibits the cultural relics of 56 ethnic groups in China. Visitors can learn more about ethnic culture and spend a good day attending various festivals. In addition to these sites and museums, there is also a plot of land that will be developed into cultural and business districts in the future.
With modern design concepts, stunning landscaping, and beautiful natural landscapes, the Olympic Park successfully integrates with sports and nature, setting an example for the mutual development of man and nature.