Bird Nest
Bird Nest (National Stadium) is the world's largest steel structural stadium, owning the reputation of “one of the key engineering marvels in the world.” Bird Nest stands 333 meters in length from north to south with 294 meters in width from east to west. The highest point reaches to 68.5 meters.
Bird Nest is located in line with the city's north-south axis, which also includes the renowned Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square and the Temple of Heaven.
Bird Nest features stylish architectural style, the design came from the idea of a single thread wrapping a ball layer by layer. Layers of logical geometry give the appearance of randomness and an organic shape. The structure is covered with a polymer membrane, which is rain-proof but translucent, allowing the inside area getting enough sunlight through the glass.
The Bird's Nest functioned as the main venue of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. There held the grand opening ceremony, athletic events, the football final and the closing ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The stadium is now capable of housing 80,000 audiences. After the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games completed, the stadium is used for holding some sports games and events.
Water Cube
Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) is located on Olympic Green, in line with the north-south axis of Beijing. It was initially built as the main natatorium for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. American swimmer Michael Phelps got his eight medals of the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Water Cube. The Water Cube was designed by PTW Architects. The stylish design was inspired by the way that soap bubbles come together in a 12 or 14-sided cell structure.
The Water Cube is capable of housing more than 17,000 audiences. During the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, it functioned as the main venue for swimming, diving, synchronized swimming and water polo. Water Cube is now a multi-functional center for sports, recreation and fitness, as well as a water amusement park. The new water amusement park inside the Water Cube is the largest and the best of its kind in China. It is an ideal place for families with kids to escape from the summer heat and enjoy a wonderful holiday.