
Olympic Green Beijing
A sprawling park showcasing iconic 2008 Olympic venues like the Bird's Nest & Water Cube, now a vibrant hub for recreation and culture.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Olympic Green Beijing
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling park showcasing iconic 2008 Olympic venues like the Bird's Nest & Water Cube, now a vibrant hub for recreation and culture.
"The Olympic Green is a must-visit for its stunning architecture and the enduring legacy of the 2008 Games."

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The Olympic Green is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
For venues like the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, booking ahead saves time and guarantees entry. :admission_tickets:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bird's Nest Stadium
Olympic Green
Iconic national stadium, a marvel of modern architecture, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Olympic history.

Water Cube (National Aquatics Center)
Olympic Green
A visually striking aquatic center, now a popular water park, offering fun for all ages with its unique design.

Olympic Green Central Axis
Olympic Green
The heart of the park, a grand promenade lined with sculptures and leading to the main Olympic venues.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Olympic Green
Booking & Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The Olympic Green is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
For venues like the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, booking ahead saves time and guarantees entry. :admission_tickets:
📱 Download Essential Apps
Alipay, WeChat Pay, and navigation apps like Gaode Ditu are crucial for payments and getting around. :iphone:
📸 Capture the Night Views
The Olympic stadiums are spectacular when lit up at night. Plan an evening visit for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The Olympic Green is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
For venues like the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, booking ahead saves time and guarantees entry. :admission_tickets:
📱 Download Essential Apps
Alipay, WeChat Pay, and navigation apps like Gaode Ditu are crucial for payments and getting around. :iphone:
📸 Capture the Night Views
The Olympic stadiums are spectacular when lit up at night. Plan an evening visit for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in warmer months, carry water. There are vendors, but having your own is convenient. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Olympic Green for its impressive architecture, particularly the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, and its transformation into a vibrant public space. The park offers a great opportunity to experience the legacy of the 2008 Olympics. Some find the scale overwhelming and note that certain venues require separate tickets.
"U must go and walk around it’s beautiful and if u do go after dark u will see a different side of China and the colours the atmosphere it’s so amazing , ppl dance , play games , sing and more . It was my favourite part of the city, start from the Olympic tower and just walk down to the nest , water cube . Beautiful! Must experience."
Monika Oanea
"Located in Chaoyang, China 🇨🇳.
Also known as the Olympic Green, this is where the 2008 Summer Olympic Games were held and also the 2022 Winter Olympic Games were held. Since the games, it has become a public activity centre. It’s situated 11 kilometres north of the Forbidden City, in the northern part of Beijing. The must sees of the park are the Birds Nest, the Water Cube, the Beijing National Indoor Stadium and the Olympic Forest Park. The total area covers 2,864 acres so it’s huge. The park consists of three parts. The Central area, the Olympic Forest Park in the North and the Olympic Sports Centre Stadium in the South. The Central section has the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube.
The Northern section (Forest Park) is divided into Northern and Southern areas. The Southern area is dedicated to artificial landscapes. The Northern area is closer to nature and has wilder features.
The Southern section (Olympic Sports Centre Stadium) was built in 1986 and used for the Asian Games in 1990. It has the stadium, gymnasium and training fields for hockey 🏑, football 🏉, tennis 🎾 and other sports.it wasn’t a planned trip here. I came with a tour group and was a last minute add on. I am so glad we came. It’s huge. It’s really lovely to stroll and appreciate the beautiful buildings from the Olympic Games. They are so impressive and unique. Everything was built on such a Grand Scale. I particularly liked the Bird’s Nest. Very cool. There is toilet facilities but I laughed at the machine where you have to get your photo taken to get toilet paper 🧻. You only get one or two squares. Best to remember to take your own toilet paper when you’re out and about in China. We came at the end of the day so we got to see the buildings during day time and at night when they light up. We also got to have a look inside the Birds Nest. Fabulous!! We also had a look in the Olympic Museum. Some amazing things in there. I would definitely recommend a visit. Thumbs Up!!! 😊👍😊👍"
Nerine Cummins
"Olympic park
Well recreation park for jogging, running, kids and family park.
Well running track with one rope 10Km, if plus north Olympic park will be more than 15KM. Every morning, evening will be a lot of running partner run and jog there. Will running on the natural track, will can explore the greeness of the city.
Convenience to reach the park. 2-3 MRT station in between the park and national stadium.
Many bike share also can cycle to here, but u can’t cycle inside the running track, only can explore outside the park and nearby national stadium."
H.C Chong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Olympic Green is well-served by public transport. You can take the subway to stations like Olympic Green Station (Lines 8 & 15) or Olympic Sports Center Station (Line 8). Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also readily available.
The park is quite spread out. While you can walk, consider using internal shuttles or renting bikes if available. Many visitors find it best to focus on specific venues rather than trying to see everything in one go.
Walking is feasible for adjacent venues, but for longer distances, the subway is efficient. Taxis or DiDi (China's Uber) are also good options for direct travel between venues.
Driving is possible, but parking can be challenging and expensive. Public transport is generally recommended for ease of access and avoiding traffic congestion.
Yes, Line 8 of the Beijing Subway has several stations serving the Olympic Green, including Olympic Green Station and Olympic Sports Center Station, which are close to the Bird's Nest and Water Cube.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Olympic Green itself is largely a public park and free to enter. However, individual venues like the Bird's Nest Stadium and the Water Cube (for its water park attractions) require separate tickets.
Tickets can usually be purchased on-site at the venue entrances, but booking online in advance through official websites or reputable travel platforms like Trip.com is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid queues.
Opening hours vary by venue and season. It's best to check the official websites or your booking confirmation for the most up-to-date information. Generally, venues are open from morning to early evening.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or students. Group bookings might also offer reduced rates. Check the ticketing platforms or venue websites for details.
The park grounds are generally accessible at night, and the stadiums are beautifully illuminated, offering a different kind of experience. However, access to specific indoor venues might be restricted after closing hours.
📸 📸 Photography
The Bird's Nest and Water Cube exteriors, especially at night when illuminated, are prime photo spots. The Central Axis promenade also offers great perspectives with the stadiums in the background.
Photography is generally allowed in public areas of the venues, but restrictions may apply in certain sections or during specific events. Always check signage or ask staff if unsure.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting. However, the illuminated night views of the stadiums are a major draw for photographers.
Locals often recommend capturing the scale of the venues from different angles, including from nearby elevated points if accessible, or during events for a more dynamic feel.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in and around major public attractions and stadiums in Beijing due to security regulations. It's best to avoid bringing drones.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several restaurants, cafes, and snack stalls located within the Olympic Green and in the surrounding shopping areas, offering a range of local and international options.
You'll find typical Beijing street food, fast food chains, and sit-down restaurants offering Chinese cuisine. Some venues might have their own dining facilities.
Prices can vary. Dining within the main venues might be pricier, while food courts or nearby local eateries offer more budget-friendly choices.
Bringing your own snacks and water is generally allowed in the park areas. However, for specific venues, check their policies on outside food and beverages.
While traditional Chinese cuisine can be meat-heavy, many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan dishes. It's advisable to look for restaurants that cater to diverse dietary needs or learn a few key phrases in Mandarin.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during daylight hours to fully appreciate the scale and architecture. Pack snacks and drinks, or be prepared to purchase them from vendors within the park. While the Bird's Nest is impressive, the Water Cube offers more active entertainment for younger visitors. Ensure you check the Water Cube's operating hours and ticket requirements in advance.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Instead of dining in expensive restaurants within the venues, explore local eateries or food courts in nearby shopping centers for more economical meal options. While tickets for the Bird's Nest and Water Cube are an expense, they offer significant value for the experience. Prioritize which venues you want to enter to manage costs.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles and perspectives. The Central Axis offers a grand, symmetrical view. Consider capturing the contrast between the modern Olympic structures and the surrounding city. Remember that drone photography is prohibited.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of the 2008 Olympics
Remarkably, many of these venues have found new life and purpose, defying the common fate of 'white elephants' seen in other Olympic host cities. The Bird's Nest, while not having a permanent tenant, is maintained and hosts events, while the Water Cube has been transformed into a popular public water park, demonstrating successful repurposing. The tennis center has also become a thriving hub for professional tournaments.
This area has evolved into a vibrant public space, blending its Olympic heritage with modern recreational and cultural uses. It's a place where visitors can appreciate architectural marvels while experiencing the ongoing legacy of the Games.
Exploring the Olympic Green Venues
The Water Cube, officially the National Aquatics Center, is equally impressive. While it hosted swimming events, it has since been converted into a massive indoor water park, making it a fun destination for families and those looking for a unique recreational experience. Its bubble-like exterior is a striking contrast to the Bird's Nest.
Beyond these two landmarks, the Olympic Green Central Axis provides a grand promenade connecting the main venues. It's lined with sculptures and offers ample space for leisurely strolls. Other former Olympic venues, like the Tennis Center, are still active and showcase the enduring impact of the 2008 Games on Beijing's infrastructure and sporting landscape.
Practical Tips for Visiting
For navigating the vastness, familiarize yourself with the Beijing subway system. Stations like Olympic Green (Lines 8 & 15) and Olympic Sports Center (Line 8) provide convenient access. Downloading essential Chinese apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay for transactions, and a navigation app like Gaode Ditu, will greatly enhance your experience.
While the park itself is free to enter, be prepared to purchase tickets for specific attractions like the Bird's Nest and Water Cube. Booking these in advance online can save you time and ensure entry, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit