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. T