Explore Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest): A Visitor’s Guide

Hello everyone! I’m Michael Zhang, an avid traveler with extensive international travel experience. My passion lies in exploring the history, culture, and unique landmarks of destinations worldwide, and sharing these discoveries with you. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce one of Beijing’s most iconic attractions—the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply someone looking to experience the spirit of the Beijing Olympics, this landmark deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.

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Introduction to the Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest)

The Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) served as the main venue for the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies, track and field events, and the football finals. In 2022, it made history again by hosting the Winter Olympics and Paralympics’ opening and closing ceremonies, making it the only stadium in the world to host these events for both summer and winter games.

This architectural marvel, which cost 2.267 billion RMB, was designed to resemble a “nest” or cradle, symbolizing the nurturing of life and humanity’s hopes for the future.

• Address: 1 National Stadium South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing (Olympic Park)
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last entry at 9:00 PM). Hours may vary during special events like marathons or concerts.
• Night lighting: Lights are turned on around 8:00 PM and off at 10:00 PM.
• Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours
• Best seasons to visit: Suitable year-round
• Area: 204,000 square meters of land, with a construction area of 258,000 square meters.
• Seating capacity: 80,000 permanent seats and 11,000 temporary seats.

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Map of Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest)

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Why Visit the Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest)?

The Beijing National Stadium is a landmark that combines sports, culture, and history, making it a magnet for visitors and sports fans alike.

1. Iconic Architectural Design Designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the stadium’s structure mimics a bird’s nest, symbolizing life and humanity’s aspirations for the future. This innovative design showcases cutting-edge engineering and aesthetic brilliance.
2. Olympic Legacy As the centerpiece of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, the Bird’s Nest hosted the grand opening and closing ceremonies, thrilling athletic competitions, and football finals. In 2022, it solidified its legacy as the world’s first stadium to host both summer and winter Olympic ceremonies.
3. Unique Exhibits and Viewing Areas Inside the stadium, visitors can explore several key areas:
   1. The Golden Hall on the ground floor, featuring the “Double Olympics” exhibition area with artifacts such as the Olympic torch, mascots like Bing Dwen Dwen and Shuey Rhon Rhon, and other memorabilia.
   2. The second-floor VIP area and the fifth-floor observation deck offer stunning views of the stadium and its intricate design.
   3. The Skywalk Tour, located on the rooftop, provides a panoramic view of the Olympic Park, including the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) and Beijing’s iconic central axis.

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Things to Do at the Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest)

Key Attractions

1. Golden Hall

Enter through the west gate of the Bird’s Nest, and you’ll step into the Golden Hall, a space renowned for its opulence. With its golden ceilings and vivid red carpets, this hall exudes elegance and grandeur. It houses significant exhibits such as the Double Olympics Torch, snowflake guideboards, peace dove lanterns, and other iconic memorabilia. Visitors can also take photos with the beloved Olympic mascots Bing Dwen Dwen and Shuey Rhon Rhon, immersing themselves in the spirit of the Double Olympics culture.

2. The Grand Stand

The Grand Stand is where dignitaries and VIPs gather during significant events. From here, visitors can enjoy an elevated view of the entire stadium. Standing on the Grand Stand, you can feel the energy and excitement that fills the air during major sporting events and ceremonies. It offers a prime perspective of the stadium’s immense scale and architectural brilliance.

3. Xiangyun Gold Hall and Liushui Silver Hall

These two VIP reception halls are celebrated for their sophisticated and elegant designs. The Xiangyun Gold Hall features red carpets adorned with cloud motifs, symbolizing peace and hope, while the Liushui Silver Hall showcases exquisite dove-themed decorations. The hand-painted calligraphy of the poem “Ode to the Red Cliffs” adds a majestic touch. These halls often host heads of state and distinguished guests, offering a seamless blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern design.

4. Steel Forest

Beyond the Olympic Cultural Heritage Corridor, you’ll encounter the Steel Forest, a favorite photo spot for visitors. This awe-inspiring structure on the stadium’s fifth floor demonstrates the Bird’s Nest’s architectural uniqueness. The intricate steel framework, with its irregularly interwoven components, reflects a profound balance between strength and aesthetic appeal. Walking through this space, you’ll experience a sense of interconnected design, which emphasizes the concept of “returning to simplicity.”

5. Skywalk Tour

The Skywalk Tour, located on the stadium’s rooftop, is a 1,000-meter-long walking route that connects the northern and southern ends of the Bird’s Nest. It provides unparalleled views of nearby landmarks, including the Water Cube, the Olympic Center Park, and the iconic Beijing skyline. At dusk, the golden hues of the sunset illuminate the Bird’s Nest, creating a magical atmosphere. As night falls, the city lights gradually come alive, offering a stunning contrast against the stadium’s illuminated exterior. This breathtaking experience makes the Skywalk a highlight of any visit to the Bird’s Nest.

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Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) Ticket Guide

Ticket Prices

• Panoramic Ticket
  • Includes: Access to the Golden Hall, Xiangyun Gold Hall, Liushui Silver Hall, Olympic Exhibits, and the Skywalk Tour.
  • Price:
    • Adults: 100 RMB/person
    • Seniors and children: 80 RMB/person
  • Note: A regular ticket (40 RMB/person) is available for purchase at the entrance, but it does not include access to the Xiangyun Gold Hall, Liushui Silver Hall, Olympic exhibits, or the Skywalk Tour. The Panoramic Ticket is highly recommended for a complete experience.
  • Free Admission:
    • Children aged 6 and under (or under 1.2 meters tall).
    • Seniors aged 65 and above. Free admission is available at the west entrance checkpoint.
• Combination Ticket (Bird’s Nest + Water Cube)
  • Includes: Access to the Golden Hall, Xiangyun Gold Hall, Liushui Silver Hall, Olympic Exhibits, Skywalk Tour, and the Water Cube.
  • Price:
    • Adults: 138 RMB/person
    • Seniors and children: 108 RMB/person
  • Free Admission: Same as the Panoramic Ticket (children under 6 years and seniors over 65 years old). Free entry is also at the west entrance checkpoint.

On-Site Ticket Purchase

Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest). Multiple ticket booths are available; simply choose the one closest to you.

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Guided Tours at the Bird’s Nest

The Bird’s Nest does not offer official guided tours. However, the site includes detailed information panels and exhibits that allow visitors to explore independently. For a more in-depth experience, consider booking a tour through a travel agency in advance.

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Recommended Itineraries for Visiting the Bird’s Nest

The Bird’s Nest is located within Beijing’s Olympic Park, a well-known area that includes other major attractions like the Water Cube and the Olympic Tower. Below are two recommended routes to maximize your visit:

Route 1: Classic Exploration

1. Transportation: Take Subway Line 8 to Olympic Park Station and exit at B Gate.
2. Tour Sequence:
   1. Walk 5–10 minutes to the Bird’s Nest and explore key areas such as the Golden Hall and the Skywalk Tour.
   2. Afterward, walk 15 minutes or take a shuttle to the National Aquatics Center (Water Cube). Enjoy the Water Cube’s spectacular light displays or explore its exhibitions.

Route 2: Scenic Photography Tour

1. Transportation:
   1. Enter Olympic Forest Park through the south gate via Subway Line 8, exiting at C Gate.
   2. Alternatively, take Subway Line 15 to the East Gate of Olympic Park.
2. Tour Sequence:
   1. Start at the Beijing Olympic Tower, which offers panoramic views of the entire Olympic Park. It’s an ideal spot for capturing stunning sunset photos.
   2. Afterward, walk or bike to the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube.
   3. At dusk, visit the Bird’s Nest for a sunset-lit stroll along the Skywalk Tour. The glowing evening lights create a magical atmosphere.
   4. End the day at the Water Cube, enjoying its nighttime ambiance and nearby dining options.

Pro Tip: The evening light displays at the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube provide the best opportunities for photography. The combination of sunset reflections and illuminated structures makes for unforgettable memories.

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How to Get to Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) from Downtown Beijing

1. Subway

Take Subway Line 8 to Olympic Park Station, then exit through B1 Gate. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Bird’s Nest. Visitors will need to pass through a security check before entering the Olympic Park. Afterward, you can choose to walk or take a shuttle to the stadium entrance.

2. Bus

Catch bus 419 or 538, and get off at National Stadium East Station. From there, it’s a 5–10 minute walk to the Bird’s Nest entrance.

3. Taxi

• Route: A taxi ride from downtown Beijing landmarks such as Tiananmen Square or the Forbidden City to the Bird’s Nest covers approximately 12 kilometers.
• Time: The trip usually takes about 30 minutes. However, during rush hour, it might take 40–50 minutes.
• Cost:
  • Daytime fare: Around 40 RMB
  • Nighttime fare (11 PM–5 AM): Around 50 RMB

4. Rideshare

• Route: The same as for taxis. Select “Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest)” as your drop-off point.
• Time: Approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
• Cost:
  • Off-peak hours: 35–45 RMB
  • Peak hours or during surge pricing: 50 RMB or more

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How to Get to Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) from Beijing Capital International Airport

1. Subway

• Route: From the airport, take the Airport Express Line to Sanyuanqiao Station. Transfer to Subway Line 10 (inner loop) and ride to Beitucheng Station, then transfer to Subway Line 8 (Zhuxinzhuang direction) and exit at Olympic Park Station (B1 Gate). Walk 10 minutes to reach the Bird’s Nest.
• Cost:
  • Airport Express Line: 25 RMB
  • Subway Lines 10 and 8: 4–6 RMB, depending on distance
  • Total: Around 30–35 RMB
• Time: Approximately 60 minutes
• Operating Hours:
  • Airport Express Line: 6:00 AM–10:30 PM
  • Subway Lines 10 and 8: 5:30 AM–11:30 PM

2. Airport Shuttle Bus

• Route: Take the Airport Shuttle Bus Line 4 (Gongzhufen Line) to Anzhenqiao Station, then transfer to bus Te 8 or Yuntong 113 to Beichenqiao West Station. Walk 15 minutes to reach the Bird’s Nest.
• Cost:
  • Airport Shuttle Bus: 25 RMB
  • City Bus: 2 RMB
  • Total: Around 27 RMB
• Time: About 90 minutes
• Operating Hours:
  • Shuttle Bus Line 4: 7:00 AM–12:00 AM
  • City buses: Typically 5:30 AM–11:00 PM

3. Taxi

• Route: A direct taxi ride from Beijing Capital International Airport to the Bird’s Nest covers about 25 kilometers.
• Cost:
  • Daytime: 80–100 RMB
  • Nighttime (11 PM–5 AM): 100–120 RMB
• Time: Around 40 minutes
• Operating Hours: 24/7

4. Rideshare

• Route: Book a rideshare through platforms like Didi. Input “Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest)” as the destination.
• Cost:
  • Off-peak hours: 80–100 RMB
  • Peak hours or surge pricing: Higher costs may apply
• Time: Approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic
• Operating Hours: 24/7

For additional information on airport transportation, visit the Beijing Capital International Airport Guide.

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Recommended Dining Near the Bird’s Nest

Shuang Ao Food Street

Located near the Water Cube, this food street specializes in local Beijing snacks. Don’t miss their signature dishes: Old Beijing Pear Soup and Egg Puff Ice Cream.

• Address: No. 11, Tianchen East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Tianhong Jinyuan Shopping Mall

This shopping mall is connected to Olympic Park Station on Subway Line 8, making it a convenient stop if you’re not planning to visit the Olympic Tower.

• Address: No. 9-11, Lake View East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

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FAQ

Can I bring a stroller into the Bird’s Nest?

Yes, the Bird’s Nest is stroller-friendly. The stadium has spacious interiors and well-designed pathways, making it convenient for families with strollers to navigate.