How to Visit the Bird’s Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and the Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center) When Traveling to Beijing

The successful hosting of the 2008 Beijing Olympics left a lasting impression on the world. For many foreign tourists, visiting the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube remains a significant attraction.

（Bird’s Nest (Beijing National Stadium）

So, when is the best time to visit these two beautiful Olympic venues? What do you expect from them? Do you have any tips for visiting these Olympic sites?

Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center)

I’ve personally been to the Olympic Park several times. We’ve gathered some practical tips to help you plan your trip to these magnificent buildings in the Olympic Park.

Tip 1: Subway is Highly Recommended Both the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube are easily accessible by subway, which is both cheap and fast. Take Subway Line 10 and get off at Beitucheng Station. Then transfer to Subway Line 8 and get off at either the next station to the north—Olympic Sports Center—or the second station—Olympic Park. Once you exit the subway, you’ll be inside the Olympic Park. The park is open to the public for free.

Check out how to use the Beijing Subway for some useful information about the Beijing subway system.

If you’re familiar with Beijing’s public bus system, taking a bus is also a good option, as there are many bus routes available:

Buses 409, 426, 645, 653, 656, 658, 660, 689, 694, 740, 740, 753, 758, 803, 839, 849, 850, 858.

Taking a taxi is not recommended, mainly because it’s difficult to find parking. As a result, drivers often park in lots farther from the Olympic Park, and you’ll have to walk a long distance to reach the park.

Tip 2: Evening Visits are Better than Daytime Visits Of course, during the day you can get a close-up view of these venues, but the Bird’s Nest has too much concrete, the Water Cube looks lifeless, and there isn’t much shade, making it very hot in the summer!

If you visit in the evening, the scene is completely different! The Water Cube displays different colors and patterns every night, making it look like a magical box.

It’s said that the solar panels on the Bird’s Nest collect sunlight during the day and illuminate the stadium at night, giving you plenty to ponder!

Tip 3: Outdoor or Indoor? Many people just take photos outside; some prefer to explore inside. Which is better? It depends on your situation.

If you’re short on time or not interested in what’s inside, a quick look is fine. However, if you’re more interested in the interior structure of the buildings and have time, it’s recommended to go inside.

Visiting the Beijing National Stadium Bird’s Nest Opening Hours and Tickets: 09:00 – 18:00 RMB: ¥50 Water Cube: ¥30 Water Park: ¥200 Swimming Only: ¥50

Tip 4: Avoid Public Holidays or Weekends If you don’t enjoy crowds, avoid visiting during public holidays or weekends. During peak tourist season, tickets are hard to get, and you’ll have to stand in long lines to buy them.

Water Cube There are some convenience stores near the main entrance of the Olympic venues where you can buy water and snacks.

Tip 5: It’s More than Just Sightseeing It’s estimated that from Monday to Friday, 20,000 to 30,000 visitors come to Olympic Park each day, with as many as 5,000 people entering the Bird’s Nest or Water Cube daily!

The revenue from ticket sales and other operations just about covers the maintenance costs of the two buildings.

To make these buildings more economically viable, the local government and management companies plan to gradually transform the two stadiums into leisure centers that combine dining, entertainment, conferences, hotels, and sports events.

It’s reported that a stylish and upscale Olympic-themed restaurant has already opened inside the Bird’s Nest. In winter, the Bird’s Nest will be transformed into a ski resort for hosting winter celebrations.

The new water park has an entrance fee of ¥200 per person, while the Water Cube’s ticket price remains at ¥30.