THE NEST IN BEIJING

Beijing National Stadium, also known as the National Stadium (国家体育场), or colloquially as the Bird's Nest (鸟巢), is a stadium in Beijing, China. 

It is our last itinerary on our second day in Beijing, China. Gracie, Lasnoches and I went to the Nest located in the Olympic Green, the stadium which costs US $423 million to build. We were so excited to have our picture taken despite the sub zero freezing night temperature.

Pleasing to the eye, the "Bird's Nest" embodies traditional Chinese elements sprinkled with modernity. With a red glow, the venue symbolizes luck and optimism, and its structure mirrors the energetic and ardent spirit innately present in athletes. The letter "N" completes the National Stadium's look, reflecting the passionate and welcoming atmosphere warranted by the Olympic Games.

The design, which originated from the study of Chinese ceramics, implemented steel beams in order to hide supports for the retractable roof, giving the stadium the appearance of a "Bird's nest".

Leading Chinese artist Ai Weiwei was the artistic consultant on the project.

The stadium officially opened in 28 June 2008. Located at the southern part of the Olympic Green in Beijing, the National Stadium is the main stadium of the 29th Olympiad in 2008. Occupying an area of 21 hectares, it has a floor space of 258,000 square meters. Its seating capacity amounts to 91,000, including 11,000 temporary seats

The Bird's Nest boasted the largest ski resort in urban Beijing. The first winter amusement activity in the Bird's Nest was the Ice and Snow Festival, which was launched on Dec.19, 2009 and lasted for two months up to Feb.20, 2010.

Address: 18 Beichen Dong Lu, Olympic Area, Chaoyang district (8437 3008; www.n-s.cn/en).

Tip: Besides Beijing National Stadium, you may visit its neighboring attractions such as the National Aquatics Center (Water Cube) and the National Indoor Stadium.

Admission Fee:

CNY50 for a visit to the National Stadium

* CNY140 for Through Tickets of Beijing Landmark Tour, including the National Stadium, the National Aquatics Center, the National Centre for Performing Arts and the CCTV Tower; the ticket is valid for one month.

Opening Hours:

9:00 to 18:00 on weekdays

9:00 to 21:30 on weekends and public holidays.

Subway:

Take Subway Line 10 to Beitucheng then switch to Subway Line 8 (Olympic Special Line): get off at Olympic Sports Center Station, get out of the station from Exit B1 (northwest exit) or Exit B2 (northeast exit), and walk north to Bird's Nest.

Bus Route:

Take bus 82, 538 or 611 and get off at Guo Jia Ti Yu Chang Dong (National Stadium East) Station.

Take bus 18, 108, 124, 207, 328, 380, 387, 409, 426, 558, 653, 694, 758, 803, 849, 985 or 特2 and get off at Ao Ti Dong Men (Olympic Sports Center East Gate) Station.

Take bus 84 or 407 and get off at Ao Ti Xi Men (Olympic Sports Center West Gate) Station.