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Olympic Park (Bird's Nest)

奥林匹克公园·鸟巢
Ào Lín Pǐ Kè Gōng Yuán
Landmark2-3 hoursAlways open85/100 popularity
Black and white image of Beijing's iconic Bird's Nest stadium, showcasing its unique architecture.
The Beijing Olympic Park hosted the 2008 Summer and 2022 Winter Olympics, the only city ever to have done both. The 91,000-seat National Stadium — nicknamed the 'Bird's Nest' (鸟巢) for its woven steel facade — was designed by Herzog & de Meuron with Ai Weiwei as art consultant. Adjacent is the Water Cube (now called Ice Cube after a 2022 rebrand), whose ETFE-bubble facade glows in changing colors at night. The plaza between the two is huge and free to walk; both stadiums can be entered for a tour ticket (50-80 RMB). Best at dusk when both venues light up. Pair with the Olympic Forest Park to the north (free, great for an autumn walk) — together they make a full half-day for architecture and modern Beijing fans. Reach via Metro Line 8 (Olympic Sports Center or Olympic Green stations).
Address
1 National Stadium South Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing
朝阳区国家体育场南路1号

Highlights

  • Bird's Nest at Night (鸟巢夜景)Steel weave glows red after dark — best photo at dusk
  • Water Cube → Ice Cube (水立方→冰立方)ETFE bubble facade; rebranded for 2022 Winter Olympics curling venue
  • Stadium Interior Tour (体育场内部参观)80 RMB for Bird's Nest, 50 RMB for Water Cube; recommended for sports fans
  • Olympic Forest Park (奥林匹克森林公园)Adjacent to the north, free entry, great fall foliage
  • Metro Line 8Olympic Sports Center / Olympic Green station — couldn't be easier

For foreign visitors

  • English service: full english menu
  • Cards accepted: visa, master
  • Booking / entry: not needed
  • Best time: Dusk for night-lit stadium facades
  • Wi-Fi: free
  • Transit access: metro direct

Photos

sydney opera house near body of water during daytime
Stunning night shot of Beijing's Bird's Nest, reflecting vibrant city lights.
Here's a possible caption: beijing's iconic bird's nest stadium is pictured.
Empty seats and expansive view of Beijing National Stadium, bathed in daylight.
a large building with a large white structure on top of it
Stunning nightscape of Beijing's Olympic Bird's Nest Stadium reflecting in a calm lake, showcasing modern architecture under a starry sky.
man in black jacket and pants walking on sidewalk during daytime
View of the Beijing National Stadium, an architectural marvel known as the Bird's Nest.
red and white metal frame
Illuminated nightscape of Beijing's Bird Nest Stadium reflecting on a serene lake.
Bird's Nest Colosseum, Beijing China
Close-up night view of the National Stadium in Beijing with unique architecture and red illumination.
a large building lit up at night in the snow
The stunning Bird's Nest stadium reflecting in the water at night in Beijing.

What travelers say (5 reviews)

Hannah T.·TripAdvisor·5/5

Hosted both 2008 Summer and 2022 Winter Olympics — the only city in the world to do so. The Bird's Nest at night is stunning.

2026-03-22
鸟巢夜景党·Xiaohongshu·5/5

晚上灯光秀必看！整个奥森被点亮，水立方变粉色超梦幻。带三脚架去拍。

2026-04-15
Greg P.·Google Maps·4/5

Take metro Line 8 to Olympic Sports Center. Free to walk around the park. Bird's Nest interior is a separate ticket (~50 RMB).

2026-01-30
Liz K.·TripAdvisor·4/5

The Water Cube is now an indoor water park called Happy Water Cube — fun for kids but the architecture matters more.

2026-02-12
OlympicNerd·YouTube·5/5

Visit during Spring Festival — there's a light installation throughout the park that beats most cities' New Year displays.

2026-03-08

Videos

Beijing Travel Guide - Bird's Nest HD
Beijing Travel Guide - Bird's Nest HD
Wikibeijing Private Day Tour

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