Beijing five day tour, Day 1, Wensday, Feb. 16, 2017

Beijing Olympic Park is where the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympics took place. It occupies a total area of 4.47 square miles (11.59 square kilometers), of which 2.63 square miles (6.8 square kilometers) in the north are covered by the Forest Park, 1.22square miles (3.15 square kilometers) make up the central section, and 0.63 square miles (1.64 square kilometers) in the south are scattered with venues for the 1990 Asian Games. The park was designed to contain ten venues, the Olympic Village, and other supporting facilities. Afterward, it was transformed into a comprehensive multifunctional activity center for the public.

The Central Section
As the primary section of the park, this section has many important venues and landmark structures. In the northwestern corner, there is the Olympic Village, while in the southern part, you can see the National Stadium (Bird's Nest), Aquatics Center (Water Cube), Convention Center, Indoor Stadium, and the China Science and Technology Museum. Traveling in this section, you can still feel the spirit of competition and friendliness.

With an overall height of 433 feet (132 meters), Ling Long Tower is the highest building in this park and functioned as the International Broadcasting Corporation during the games. When night falls, it looks extremely charming with colored lights changing alternatively. To the south of Ling Long Tower lies the National Stadium where the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Games were held. As the centerpiece of this park, the Bird's Nest covers an area of 2,195,838 square feet (204,000 square meters) and can hold 91,000 people. It takes the shape of a bird's nest, which resembles a cradle for breeding lives, symbolizing mankind's hope for the future. The unique structure of Bird's Nest is of great value both in terms of art and architecture.

Not far from the Bird's Nest, there is the National Aquatics Center, also known as Water Cube. Its creative design concept is originated from the arrangement pattern of cells and natural structure of soap bubbles. The huge square box was produced by combining modern technologies with traditional Chinese culture. In the past, Chinese ancestors believed that the sky is round while the earth is square, and that is the way nature keeps harmonious. The square Water Cube together with the round Bird's Nest, embody and interpret this idea very well.

The Southern Section
As the former National Olympic Sports Center, all the venues within this section were used for the 1990 Asian Games, including the stadium, gymnasium, and Yingdong Natatorium. Besides the Sports Center, there is the China Ethnic Museum (China Ethnic Culture Park). It collects and displays cultural relics of the 56 ethnic groups of China. Visitors can learn more about ethnic culture and spend a fine day taking part in the diverse festivals. In addition to these venues and the museum, there is a parcel of land that is to be developed into cultural and business districts in the future.

With novel design concepts, magnificent landmark buildings, and splendid natural landscapes, the park successfully integrates sport with nature, providing a model for the mutual development of man and nature.