The National Stadium, popularly known as the Bird’s Nest, is a famous landmark in Beijing. It is located in the center of Beijing Olympic Park. The stadium was the main venue for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, hosting events like athletics, football, and throwing sports. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and also holds sports games and recreational activities.
National Stadium Facts
Completed in March 2008 after construction began in December 2003, the National Stadium is one of the largest steel structures in the world built for sports.
- Chinese name: 国家体育场-鸟巢
- Location: No. 1 National Stadium South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
- Area: 258000 square meters
- Construction Started: 2003
- Opened: 2008
- Stadium Capacity: Up to 91,000
- Opening Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
- Recommended Visiting Time: 2-3 hours
- Tickets: CNY 100. Trip.com discount
The National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) was co-designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron and Chinese architect Li Xinggang. Recognized as an architectural masterpiece worldwide, it is not only a monumental sports venue but also embodies the cultural symbolism of nurturing life and embracing nature, representing China’s open attitude toward the world.
Architectural Structure and Design
The stadium features an innovative giant lattice steel structure that integrates the facade and roof into a unified form without a clear distinction between primary and secondary elements. The design utilized approximately 110,000 tons of steel, with the main structure weighing 42,000 tons and consisting of some 13,000 nodal components, creating a visually striking yet robust and dynamic form.
Scale, Capacity, and Functional Layout
The National Stadium covers a total construction area of 258,000 square meters and stands 69.21 meters in height. The structure comprises seven above-ground floors and three underground levels.
It features a permanent seating capacity of approximately 80,000, which can be expanded with an additional 11,000 temporary seats, allowing the stadium to accommodate up to 91,000 spectators.
The building is set on a gently rising podium. The seven floors above the podium contain spectator service facilities, media zones, VIP reception areas, and commercial spaces. The three underground levels house interior passageways, parking facilities, and functional support rooms. A sunken warm-up area is located on the north side, connected directly to the main competition field, ensuring efficient and logical circulation for athletes.
Human-Centered Design
The bowl-shaped stands are divided into upper, middle, and lower tiers, with continuously rising rows ensuring an unobstructed view for every audience member. VIP boxes are integrated between the tiers, and over 200 wheelchair-accessible seats are available, reflecting thoughtful inclusivity. The electro-acoustic broadcasting system achieves a speech clarity index of 0.6, ensuring all announcements are clearly audible throughout the stadium.
Top Attractions at National Stadium
Dual Olympic Exhibition
Upon entering from the west gate, visitors can immediately see the Dual Olympic Exhibition. On display are the “Lucky Cloud” torch from 2008 and the “Flying Flame” torch from 2022, along with props such as snowflake guidance cards and dove lanterns used in the opening ceremonies. The original speech manuscript by the President of the Organising Committee is also exhibited. These items collectively illustrate China’s commitment to hosting “two exceptional Olympics.”
Auspicious Cloud Gold Hall & Flowing Silver Hall
Located on the second level, the Auspicious Cloud Gold Hall and Flowing Silver Hall serve distinct ceremonial purposes. The Gold Hall, adorned with motifs of clouds and doves, is designed to receive heads of state and distinguished guests. In contrast, the Silver Hall features a hand-painted scroll depicting ancient Chinese sports such as polo and cuju, reflecting the heritage of athletic traditions in China.
Bird’s Nest’s Steel Structure
The best photo spot of the Bird’s Nest’s steel structure is located on the fifth-floor west corridor. Here, visitors can closely observe the impressive woven architecture and take in the breathtaking design up close. The magnificent framework offers a visually striking backdrop for photographs.
Top Wonder of Bird’s Nest
The “Top of the Nest” offers one of the most spectacular experiences at the Bird’s Nest. Following a major upgrade in 2017, it became the first Olympic stadium in the world to fully open its entire roof structure to the public.
Visitors take an elevator from the north hall on the fifth floor to ascend to the roof level. From there, a walk along the expansive aerial corridor—which now spans approximately 1,000 meters after the expansion—leads across the upper string-beams to the original torch platform. This continuous north-south route allows guests to admire the intricate “steel forest” framework and the steel-membrane structure up close, overlook the central arena, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. Vistas include the Water Cube, the Dragon-Shaped Water System, the Olympic Observation Tower to the north, and the central urban axis to the south.
Experience the Night View of the Bird’s Nest
The stadium’s lights are illuminated after 8:00 PM, creating a magnificent display that highlights the intricate steel framework against the night sky. The surrounding pools and waterways reflect these dynamic light patterns, enhancing the visual harmony of the area. The warm, red-toned lighting of the Bird’s Nest complements the shifting colors of the nearby Water Cube, forming a cohesive and impressive nighttime panorama across the Olympic Park. For the best experience, it is highly recommended to visit the Beijing National Stadium in the evening. This period offers an excellent opportunity for photography and fully appreciating the architectural brilliance.
Bird’s Nest Happy Snow and Ice Season
Since 2008, the Bird’s Nest has hosted the annual “Happy Ice and Snow Season,” transforming into Beijing’s largest urban winter sports destination from December to February each year. This flagship event offers over 30 diverse activities, such as ski jumping, ice skating, snow tubing, bumper cars on ice, and biathlon, alongside indoor options for children including kayaking, fencing, and equestrian experiences. With weekday tickets priced at ¥120 and weekend/holiday tickets at ¥160, and with free admission for children under 1.2 meters, the festival provides an accessible winter sports playground that combines outdoor recreation with family-friendly entertainment.
Useful Tips for Your Visit Bird’s Nest
- The Aerial Walkway is a one-way route. Please follow the signs and use the designated elevators for entry and exit.
- If you have extra time, the nearby China Archaeology Museum is highly recommended.
- Remember sun protection in summer (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) and warm clothing in winter, as it can get windy.
- Large bags may need to be stored—some lockers require a fee—before entering the stadiums or participating in activities.
- Near the Olympic Park subway station, you’ll find the Xin’ao Shopping Center and Tianhong Department Store, which offer a wide range of dining options from fast food and full meals to coffee and desserts, all at reasonable prices.
How to get to the National Stadium
By Subway
- Take Subway Line 8 and get off at Olympic Sports Center Station. Get out from Exit B2 and walk north for about 800m.
- Take Subway Line 8 or Line 15 and get off at Olympic Park Station. Get out from Exit D or E and walk south for about 800m.
By Bus
- Take bus 82, 419, 538, or 645 and get off at “East National Stadium” Station.
- Take bus 386, 400, 407, 490, 613, 645, 658 or Express Direct Line 147 and get off at “Yayuncun” Station.
- Take bus 81, 82, 510, or 607 and get off at the “Beichen West Bridge North” Station.
National Stadium Tickets & Opening Hours
Book Now at Trip.com| Tickets Type | Price | Opening Hours |
| Admission Fee | CNY100 Free for children under 1.2m or below 6 years old | 10:00~22:00 (stop checking tickets at 21:00) |
| Admission Fee + AR Immersive Experience | CNY185 Free for children under 1.2m or below 6 years old | 10:00~22:00 (stop checking tickets at 21:00) |
| Admission Fee + “Tang Palace Night Banquet” XR Show | CNY259 | 10:00~22:00 (stop checking tickets at 21:00) |
Attractions Nearby Bird’s Nest in Beijing
- Water Cube – One of the Best Venues for the 2008 Beijing Olympics
- Forbidden City – The world’s largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palace complex
- Beijing Olympic Forest Park – A vast urban green space ideal for recreation and nature walks
- China Science and Technology Museum – An interactive museum offering engaging science exhibits for all ages
- Temple of Heaven – China’s largest ancient sacrificial temple, known for its exquisite architecture and deep cultural significance.