Beijing Olympic Landmarks｜Bird’s Nest and Olympic Tower Panoramic Experience

As iconic buildings of the 2008 Olympics, the Bird’s Nest and Olympic Tower have become must-visit tourist destinations in Beijing.

🏟️ 1. Bird’s Nest (National Stadium)

The Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) is located at the northern end of Beijing’s central axis. It was the main stadium for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and has become one of Beijing’s new landmarks in recent years due to its high-end and grand appearance and the many international competitions it has hosted.

📍 Basic Information

Address: No. 1, National Stadium South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Opening Hours: Year-round 09:00-18:30 (ticket check stops at 17:00)
Lighting Time: About 19:40 (summer), 18:40 (winter)
Lights Off Time: About 22:30 (summer), 21:30 (winter)
Recommended Visit Duration: 1.5-3 hours

🎫 Ticket Information

The Bird’s Nest offers various ticket options:

General Admission 50 RMB: Internal visit to the Bird’s Nest, nearly 100,000 red spectator seats
Sky Corridor Ticket 80 RMB: Includes general admission + top sky corridor sightseeing
VIP Ticket 110 RMB: Includes sky corridor + VIP area visit
Discount Ticket 80 RMB: For students, seniors, and other specific groups

🌟 Highlights

1⃣️ Unique Architectural Design: The stadium’s exterior is woven with steel beams resembling tree branches, forming the shape of a “bird’s nest.” The undulating curved lines make it look like a rhythmic living entity, creating a strong visual impact.
2⃣️ Spectacular Interior View: The interior is densely packed with nearly 100,000 red spectator seats, which is quite impressive.
3⃣️ Sky Corridor (Top View): Take the elevator on the north side of the fifth floor to the top—where the original auspicious cloud torch tower was located. Through the steel mesh floor, you can see the crisscrossing steel structure and the interior landscape of the Bird’s Nest in full view.
4⃣️ Olympic Memories: Exhibitions related to the Bird’s Nest construction and Olympic themes are displayed here.
5⃣️ Night Lighting: At night, the Bird’s Nest lights up in red, contrasting beautifully with the blue lights of the nearby Water Cube, creating a charming night scene.

💡 Tips for Visiting

1⃣️ Best Photo Spot: The artificial river on the east side of the Bird’s Nest offers a perfect view of the lit Bird’s Nest and its reflection on the water, the “standard shot” of the Bird’s Nest.
2⃣️ Cultural Experience: You can buy Bird’s Nest-themed creative ice cream at the cultural shop on the fifth floor.
3⃣️ Convenience Services: There are many self-service water dispensers inside the Bird’s Nest; just bring a cup or an empty bottle to fill water.

🗼 2. Olympic Tower

Also known as the “Big Nail,” the Olympic Tower is the highest point on Beijing’s central axis, offering visitors a 360-degree unobstructed panoramic view of the capital.

📍 Basic Information

Address: No. 3 Kehui Road, Chaoyang District
Opening Hours: 9:00-22:00 (ticket check stops at 21:30)
Recommended Visit Duration: 1-1.5 hours

🎫 Ticket Information

Regular Ticket Price: Daytime 160 RMB/person, Nighttime 130 RMB/person (on-site purchase price)

Free Admission Policy: Children under 1.3 meters are free; active military personnel and disabled persons with valid ID can enter for free once per year.

🌟 Highlights

1⃣️ 360-Degree Panoramic View: The tower is 246.8 meters tall. From the observation deck, you can enjoy an unobstructed 360-degree view of Beijing. You can overlook nearby landmarks such as the Bird’s Nest, Water Cube, and National Speed Skating Oval, as well as distant views of the Western Hills, CCTV Tower, and CBD of Guomao.
2⃣️ Olympic Rings Symbol: The Olympic Tower is the only building in the world with a permanent Olympic rings symbol.
3⃣️ Observation Deck Design: The deck has 2-meter-high railings made of special glass, ensuring safety while allowing you to take cityscape photos without glass interference.
4⃣️ Sunset and Night Views: At sunset, the sky is covered in deep blue, and the city’s nightscape is enchanting. The Olympic Tower also features different themed light shows, such as sparkling ice and snow, Olympic rings, and the Tree of Life.
5⃣️ Directional Markers: The outer railing of the long corridor indicates which landmark is in which direction, making it easy for visitors to identify.

💡 Tips for Visiting

Best Time to Visit: Recommended to visit at dusk to enjoy both daytime views and night scenes.

Storage Requirements: Water bottles, food, lighters, selfie sticks, large backpacks, and similar items must be stored.

Safety Precautions: It can be windy at the top; dress warmly and stay safe. People with heart disease or high blood pressure are advised not to climb the tower.

Photography Tips: Bring binoculars for a clearer view of distant scenery.

🗺️ 3. Practical Information

🚇 Transportation Guide

🚇 Subway:

To Bird’s Nest/Water Cube: Take Line 8 to Olympic Sports Center Station or Olympic Park Station
To Olympic Tower: Take Line 8 to Forest Park South Gate Station, exit C Southeast, then walk 200 meters

🚌 Bus:

Near Bird’s Nest: Take bus routes 82, 419, 538, 645 and get off at National Stadium East (Bird’s Nest) Station
Near Olympic Tower: Take bus routes Yuntong 113, 386, 510, 656, etc., to Olympic Park Station

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations

Consider staying near the Olympic Sports Center, such as Jinjiang Inn (Beijing Olympic Sports Center Bird’s Nest Water Cube Branch), which has a prime location and is an ideal place to rest after sightseeing.

📅 Recommended Itinerary

One-day Tour Plan:

Morning: Visit inside the Bird’s Nest (1.5-2 hours), including the general exhibition area and sky corridor
Noon: Have lunch inside or around the Bird’s Nest (you can bring your own food)
Afternoon: Visit the Water Cube (optional water park activities)
Evening: Head to the Olympic Tower to watch the sunset and Beijing’s night view
Night: Enjoy the night lighting effects of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube

🎒 Preparation Before the Trip

Dress Code: Wear comfortable sportswear and non-slip shoes, bring sunscreen and a hat.
Essentials: Camera, binoculars, water bottle (there are water dispensers inside the Bird’s Nest).
Ticket Booking: It is recommended to book tickets in advance on the official website or third-party platforms to avoid queues.

💎 Conclusion

The Bird’s Nest and Olympic Tower are representatives of modern architecture in Beijing and eternal symbols of Olympic spirit. Whether admiring the architectural beauty by day or enjoying the dazzling lights at night, you will feel the vitality and charm of Beijing. We hope this guide helps you better plan your trip and enjoy an unforgettable Olympic journey!