How to Visit the Chinese National Stadium Online

The Chinese National Stadium is located on the Olympic Green in Beijing. Started in 2003 and completed in March of 2008, it is known as the "bird's nest" for its twisted lattice of steel beams. The stadium will host the main track and field competitions and the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2008 Summer Olympics. After the Olympics, the stadium will host sports, cultural and entertainment events.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Read about the architects and construction facts of the Chinese National Stadium by visiting archinform.net. The Swiss architecture firm of Herzog & de Meuron and China Architecture Design Institute designed the space.

2. Explore articles on the National Stadium online at sites like Beijing Review. Look not only at current news, but also for symbolism and meaning behind the construction. For example, the interior of the stadium is a deep red referencing the walls and palaces of the Forbidden City.

3. Visit the official website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. There are pictures of the construction process, special effect photos and recent news about the Chinese National Stadium.

Tips & Warnings

• The Olympic Green is 3000 acres and includes housing for the athletes and the National Aquatic Center known as the Watercube.
• Considered the world's largest enclosed space, the stadium seats 91,000 and has a floor area of 250,000 square meters and 7 floors.
• The Chinese National Stadium has equal views for the audience and uses solar power as a complement.

Resources

• An architecture website focusing on building projects
• The official website of the 2008 Summer Olympics

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