The Olympic Park, also known as the Olympic Green, as we all know was constructed for the Olympic Games in 2008, but since then it has come to represent a lot more than simply a venue that hosted a world-famous sporting feast, becoming one of China’s most popular tourist attractions. Furthermore, it also developed into a place where locals and tourists alike can come and relax amongst the beautiful scenery in the tranquil form of lakes, gardens and rivers. So get on board Air China and Travel to Beijing now to experience this incredible park.
The Green is home to the prestigious ‘Bird’s Nest’ Stadium (above) which seats 80,000 spectators (91,000 during the Olympics). This beautiful piece of modern architecture cost $423million to build there are plans to covert it into a shopping mall in a few years. However, for now, it costs 50RMB to enter the stadium as a visitor. I’d thoroughly recommend walking right to the top of the stadium and simply sit down and admire how stunning this is. It only takes about 5 minutes to walk to the top row. A very popular activity worth having a look at inside the stadium is the Segway PT rides (below). For those who are not familiar, the Segway is a two-wheeled self-balancing electric vehicle. These are very fun for children and adults as well. Simply pay a bargain price of 150RMB for a 20-minute ride around the track. The vehicle will not drive you as fast as Usain Bolt did back in 2008 on that track, but they’re still as enjoyable. When you enter the stadium and look at the big screen, highlights of the Games are showing all day, including the uniquely magnificent opening ceremony.
Another site in the Green, which is a must-see, is the National Aquatics Centre, also known as the ‘Water Cube.’ The building hosted the water-based events during the Games in 2008. It has a maximum capacity of 17,000. Part of the Cube has been converted into a water park, consisting of many slides, rides and a wave pool. This would be a great day out for any family. At night, the view of the Water Cube is simply spectacular (below).
Other places to visit in the Olympic Park include the National Indoor Stadium, the Olympic Green Convention Center, Olympic Green Hockey Field, Olympic Green Archery Field, the Olympic Green Tennis Center and the Ling Long Pagoda, another great piece of modern construction. The whole park houses many restaurants where you can try unique dishes such as ‘fried milk’-very tasty. Shops, basketball courts, other games can be seen around the park.
The Olympics were a proud moment for the Chinese and if your ever in China you should visit the prestigious symbol of China rising as a global economic bastion, the Olympic Green. It is located centrally and your China Hotels will be able to organize transport for you.
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