Out of all the buildings constructed in Beijing for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympics Games which the city hosted, the Beijing National Stadium known around also as the bird’s nest has to be the best symbol of that years’ games. Located in Olympic Park which was also built for 2008 Olympics, the design was selected through a rigorous bidding process. Chinese artist Ai Wei Wei served as design consultant to the Project. The stadium hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the games as well as the athletic events and the football final. The opening and closing ceremonies of the Paralympics were also held here.
Designers ensured that all spectators are as close as possible to the action on the field and have a clear line of sight. With an original seating capacity for 91,000, including 11,000 temporary seats that were removed after the games leaving it with 80,000 seats, it remains as one of the largest stadiums in the world. The circular shape of the 254,624 square meter stadium is said to represent heaven while the square shape of the National Aquatics Centre nearby is said to represent earth. One of its special features is the complex interior design that makes it difficult to distinguish between the supporting and decorative elements of the structure.
Most visitors agree that the best time to visit the stadium is just before sunset when the building is lit up in different colours throwing into focus its architectural details which offers an explanation as to why it is considered one of the most impressive structures of its kind. The area surrounding the stadium busy with street food vendors and street musicians is a great place to hang out in the evenings. This completes the vision of its designers who wanted it to be one of the most important and inspiring public spaces in Beijing that will bring together people who will enjoy each other’s company.
With a selection of hotels fanning out across some of the most important cities of the country, the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels China is well placed to deliver comfort and convenience to business and leisure travellers. The group’s hotels in China offer a range of comfortable and well appointed modern rooms, suites and residences and other facilities and amenities that provide some of the best options for enjoyable stays throughout the country. Stay at the greater China hotels of the company to avail of great seasonal and other offers that will indeed make a stay worthwhile.
