Olympic Park
Olympic Park
4
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Olympic Park
The area
Address
How to get there
- South Gate of Forest Park • 9 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
584 within 5 kms
Attractions
262 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
1,397 reviews
Excellent
473
Very good
629
Average
243
Poor
42
Terrible
10
paul g
Brisbane, Australia808 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
This whole area is a great legacy left from the Beijing Olympics where Chinese design, ingenuity and planning are very well showcased. The grounds are spotless and garden areas are very well maintained. Large buildings, smaller structures and various statues are all very interesting to see and explore. Being there in person meant having choice of what to see and not be limited to 'televised' areas. Further, seeing icons such as the National Stadium (Birdsnest) up close really gave an appreciation of its architecture. The whole design of the area was perfect and one thing I certainly didn't know was that the waterway that's part of the Park area is actually dragon shaped, bringing the site into a focused whole. One thing to do when arriving is to get a map of the Park or a photo of the Park display. It certainly helped with getting around. There were plenty of people there including quite a few school groups but due to its size it wasnt crowded at all.
Written June 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan Maarek
Tel Aviv, Israel16,162 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
I heard once a joke where the recursive punch line was "in the US everything is big" !
Well I can say now that here in China it is not a joke but the reality.
Everything is really big, and sometimes even huge.
The Olympic park makes no exception to the rule and actually confirms it.
You walk there in these huge open spaces and can't rely understand how they disposed of a fully populated area, emptied it and build instead in just a few years such a phenomenal site.
Well actually you can imagine how, but let's be positive, shouldn't we ?
I hope the pictures I have attached will succeed in giving you the feeling of the dimensions place.
The place is worth your time and shows an other side of the historical and traditional Beijing, like the forbidden city or the summer palace, and therefore is, I believe, worth your time ...
But my recommendation is to visit there only after the more famous and historical sites which I personally prefer a lot more...
Well I can say now that here in China it is not a joke but the reality.
Everything is really big, and sometimes even huge.
The Olympic park makes no exception to the rule and actually confirms it.
You walk there in these huge open spaces and can't rely understand how they disposed of a fully populated area, emptied it and build instead in just a few years such a phenomenal site.
Well actually you can imagine how, but let's be positive, shouldn't we ?
I hope the pictures I have attached will succeed in giving you the feeling of the dimensions place.
The place is worth your time and shows an other side of the historical and traditional Beijing, like the forbidden city or the summer palace, and therefore is, I believe, worth your time ...
But my recommendation is to visit there only after the more famous and historical sites which I personally prefer a lot more...
Written October 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr Stephen
Ashbourne, UK2,870 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
1. If you are in Beijing, DEFINITELY go to the Olympic Park. It is Excellent++.
2. For the easiest journey, take the Beijing Metro. Get off at “Olympic Green” which is on lines 8 and 15. The cost is very cheap: probably less than 50p (UK), 1 Euro (EU), 1 US Dollar for a single ticket depending on where you start.
3. When you leave the Metro station, head for the stadium. It is large and close. You cannot miss it.
4. At the stadium, buy a “Normal” ticket, price 40 Yuan (20 Yuan for concessions).
5. The entrance is near aisle 101 on the ground/first floor.
6. There is a lift/elevator to all floors. Go to the fifth floor to see exhibits from the 2008 Opening and Closing ceremonies.
7. There is access to the stands. The views are amazing. For example, you can get right to the side of the start and finish lines where Usain Bolt won the 100 metres Gold Medal.
8. There are some great souvenir stands. I recommend the encapsulated section of 2008 grass/soil, price 150 Yuan. There are also some nice Gold and Silver medals for 30 and 20 Yuan respectively.
9. Look out for the large Olympic Torch, the nearby “Cube” (Olympic Aquatic Centre), and the wall listing all of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic medal winners.
10. Allow at least an hour for your visit. You may need more when it is busy. There is a McDonald’s restaurant on site (on the ground/first floor).
Thank you for reading my Bird’s Nest visitor guide. If I helped you, please give me a “Helpful” vote.
2. For the easiest journey, take the Beijing Metro. Get off at “Olympic Green” which is on lines 8 and 15. The cost is very cheap: probably less than 50p (UK), 1 Euro (EU), 1 US Dollar for a single ticket depending on where you start.
3. When you leave the Metro station, head for the stadium. It is large and close. You cannot miss it.
4. At the stadium, buy a “Normal” ticket, price 40 Yuan (20 Yuan for concessions).
5. The entrance is near aisle 101 on the ground/first floor.
6. There is a lift/elevator to all floors. Go to the fifth floor to see exhibits from the 2008 Opening and Closing ceremonies.
7. There is access to the stands. The views are amazing. For example, you can get right to the side of the start and finish lines where Usain Bolt won the 100 metres Gold Medal.
8. There are some great souvenir stands. I recommend the encapsulated section of 2008 grass/soil, price 150 Yuan. There are also some nice Gold and Silver medals for 30 and 20 Yuan respectively.
9. Look out for the large Olympic Torch, the nearby “Cube” (Olympic Aquatic Centre), and the wall listing all of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic medal winners.
10. Allow at least an hour for your visit. You may need more when it is busy. There is a McDonald’s restaurant on site (on the ground/first floor).
Thank you for reading my Bird’s Nest visitor guide. If I helped you, please give me a “Helpful” vote.
Written November 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pauli C
Seattle, WA277 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
A couple of quick things to give you perspective. 1. We are a family of 4 Americans who currently have a view of the Bird's Nest (aka National Stadium). 2. Our daughters are 13 and 15. 3. We have visited the park many, many times and just this week found our favorite spot.
First, plan for a lot of walking and to arrive avout 1.5 to 3 hours before dark. My suggestion is to take the subway, line 8, exit at South Gate Forest Park (the furthest end of the Olympic Park area)... when you exit head North towards the lake...it is beautiful, if you turn towards the right and go past the little carnival rides.. near the duck boat rentals.. there are 100s of Koi. You will see many Chinese taking photos and the woods and lake are stunning. The locals also often bring bread to feed the fish.
After enjoying some quiet time head back up past the subway station. There is a lot to see, including the large towers up close and personal.. they are pretty awe inspiring during the day and night.
Along the path, near the towers there is a place (on the left) that you can purchase 2022 Official Olympic Merchandise.
Along the path in the evening and late afternoons, especially in the summet, you may find locals dancing here, as well.
It. Might surprise you a bit but the Olympic Green station is under the main path, as is a mall with great food and shopping... you will see stairs going down. If you are hungry or desire to shop there is a lot of food options here and a good selection of stores to get you in trouble.
Eventually, you will come to the secure part of the park. Security is not overly tight, but if you have a bag you will need to put it on a belt. I have never entered on this side, so I sm not 100% certain how to direct you.
However, once inside keep walking. There is a huge tower on you right counting down the start of the 2022 games and it looks cool at night. The Water Cube will be on the right and the Birds nest on the left.
Enjoy taking photos. Our family had fun crawling in the Olympic rings on the north side in the Nest.
After you are exhausted and have enjoyed your day keep walking past all the buildings, on to what feels like a bridge, past some venders selling snacks and stuff. Exit the park.. on your right side will be done stairs down to the subway. Olympic Sports Center.. line 8.
First, plan for a lot of walking and to arrive avout 1.5 to 3 hours before dark. My suggestion is to take the subway, line 8, exit at South Gate Forest Park (the furthest end of the Olympic Park area)... when you exit head North towards the lake...it is beautiful, if you turn towards the right and go past the little carnival rides.. near the duck boat rentals.. there are 100s of Koi. You will see many Chinese taking photos and the woods and lake are stunning. The locals also often bring bread to feed the fish.
After enjoying some quiet time head back up past the subway station. There is a lot to see, including the large towers up close and personal.. they are pretty awe inspiring during the day and night.
Along the path, near the towers there is a place (on the left) that you can purchase 2022 Official Olympic Merchandise.
Along the path in the evening and late afternoons, especially in the summet, you may find locals dancing here, as well.
It. Might surprise you a bit but the Olympic Green station is under the main path, as is a mall with great food and shopping... you will see stairs going down. If you are hungry or desire to shop there is a lot of food options here and a good selection of stores to get you in trouble.
Eventually, you will come to the secure part of the park. Security is not overly tight, but if you have a bag you will need to put it on a belt. I have never entered on this side, so I sm not 100% certain how to direct you.
However, once inside keep walking. There is a huge tower on you right counting down the start of the 2022 games and it looks cool at night. The Water Cube will be on the right and the Birds nest on the left.
Enjoy taking photos. Our family had fun crawling in the Olympic rings on the north side in the Nest.
After you are exhausted and have enjoyed your day keep walking past all the buildings, on to what feels like a bridge, past some venders selling snacks and stuff. Exit the park.. on your right side will be done stairs down to the subway. Olympic Sports Center.. line 8.
Written August 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chammp
Modbury, UK1,331 contributions
Dec 2010
On a fine summer's night I am sure this is a lovely place to stroll around; even during an icy December evening it was still good to see. The Water Cube and Olympic Stadium are well lit and quite spectacular, and there is also a sort of tower structure that is lit up. It was good to see and quite spectacular. The only issue was that there was only one entrance to the metro station open when we were heading back, and that wasn't particularly well sign-posted, so make sure you remember where you came from upon exiting the metro.
Written February 5, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kurt O
Guadalajara, Mexico80 contributions
Dec 2018 • Friends
Avoid at all cost to take the VIP night tour, it's expensive and does not worth it. If you Visit the stadium at night you'll see a booth right outside of the entrance selling tickets for the VIP night tour. They only take you to two rooms with fancy furniture and only one section inside the stadium and that's it.
If you're interested in a tour inside the stadium, visit it in the morning. Regular ticket is supposed to include much more stuff and the morning VIP even more, but the night one is a scam.
If you're interested in a tour inside the stadium, visit it in the morning. Regular ticket is supposed to include much more stuff and the morning VIP even more, but the night one is a scam.
Written December 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric C
Hong Kong, China31 contributions
Oct 2018 • Family
I echo what a lot of other people have said about this park. It's huge and interesting; however, I do have to point out one thing that I think gets missed a lot, which is the Ice Cube building at night. The entire outside of the building lights up in a solid color that slowly morphs into another color, and then another. Because of the bubble style architecture of the wall it feels very fluid and watery, and the fact that it's just a massive cube gets lost in the color flows. It's mesmerizing and a uniquely nature-inspired thing to see in a huge city full of typical buildings and the usual drab.
Written November 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ron B
Miami, FL378 contributions
Nov 2017 • Friends
The Olympic Park in Beijing is an outstanding example of modern architecture, which is beautifully lit at night. The large main avenue of the Olympic Park extends between two subway stations - Olympic Sports Center on line 8 in the south and Olympic Green (served by both line 8 and line 15) in the north. The Water Cube and the stadium are close to the Olympic Sports Center in the southern part of the avenue, which is controlled on both ends by a security check point. The northern part of the avenue has free access, and is filled at night with groups of people having fun - practicing for a parade, dancing, singing, strolling. At the northern end of the avenue, near the Olympic Green metro station there is a large underground mall, and a view of the unusual and attractive Olympic Observation Tower, which, like a giant bunch of flowers, consists of five giant cement stems topped with circles which represent the five Olympic rings. Like the Olympic Bell Tower, the Water Cube and the Stadium, the Observation Tower is also beautifully illuminated at night.
For those who get excited by the amazing beauty of the modern architecture in the Olympic Park there is an easy and remarkable add on - Wangjing SOHO. In a city filled with gems of modern architecture Wangjing SOHO stands out as an amazing commercial and residential development. Built like three mountain ridges side by side, the complex extends over an entire city block and is not only visually stunning, but also an example of the use of green technologies. There is a visitor center which we did not see (it was too late), but strolling around the place is an outstanding experience. Access by subway is easy - take subway line 15 from the Olympic Green station for 5 stops and get off at Wangjing station. Take exit D to the south, and walk along Wangjing street for about 15 minutes until you reach the complex. It might be even better to get to Wangjing SOHO first, tour the visitor center, have a look at the place during daylight, then wait to see it illuminated after dark, before going on to the Olympic Park. Either way, it is well worth the effort.
For those who get excited by the amazing beauty of the modern architecture in the Olympic Park there is an easy and remarkable add on - Wangjing SOHO. In a city filled with gems of modern architecture Wangjing SOHO stands out as an amazing commercial and residential development. Built like three mountain ridges side by side, the complex extends over an entire city block and is not only visually stunning, but also an example of the use of green technologies. There is a visitor center which we did not see (it was too late), but strolling around the place is an outstanding experience. Access by subway is easy - take subway line 15 from the Olympic Green station for 5 stops and get off at Wangjing station. Take exit D to the south, and walk along Wangjing street for about 15 minutes until you reach the complex. It might be even better to get to Wangjing SOHO first, tour the visitor center, have a look at the place during daylight, then wait to see it illuminated after dark, before going on to the Olympic Park. Either way, it is well worth the effort.
Written November 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
einnahs
19 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
If you are taking the subway, get off at the Olympic Park station, NOT the Olympic Sports Centre! Else you'll be in for a long walk (alternatively few automatic "trishaws" will be waiting to ferry you for fee).
Did not venture into the the stadium or aquatic centre, the exteriors are good enough for photo taking. Consider going near sunset, so you'll get both the daylight and night views.
Did not venture into the the stadium or aquatic centre, the exteriors are good enough for photo taking. Consider going near sunset, so you'll get both the daylight and night views.
Written December 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kreton
Beijing, China30 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
When I got to the Olympic Park, I thought that it looked abandoned. I saw the Beijing Olympics in 2008, and I thought that it was spectacular. Now that I’ve seen it without all the paparazzi and confetti and music, it looks like a shell, a shadow of its former self. It was like a model without makeup. It could be so much more, but the government allowed it to fall into disrepair. Of course, it was beautiful and majestic, but it is what I expected, and I will not mention how it is so beautiful because I expected it to be that way. When I got closer to the Nest, I saw that many people were sitting next to the colossal steel ‘twigs’ that made up the Bird’s nest. They set up little blankets and sat on them, trying to get a glimpse of the sun despite the heavy pollution. On tripadvisor.com, one person said that it could me so much better, but the Nestle Stadium next door to it was a lot better than the National Stadium. Some said that it was being wasted, and that parades and parties should be carried out in there sometimes. I agree with both statements, and that the government should take better care of such a building. This is a grand tourist attraction, but there are so many beggars and stores without licenses that it has become a near disgrace to the name, “national”. I think that when something is given the title “national”, the entire nation should go out of their way to make it the best their nation has seen. For example, the Bird’s Nest is a representation of China, just like the Great Wall. But local peoples have no respect for such foundations. On the Great Wall, Chinese visitors carve their name into the stone. I have only seen Chinese names and that tells me that the Chinese do not care about the Wall, they only care to prove that they have come here. So what? Nobody cares! The Chinese are destroying their most famous tourist attraction. When I see the Bird’s Nest, it strikes me as so feeble and that it could be so much better, but nobody wants to do the dirty work. (written by Jonathan's student, Ricky.)
Written September 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How far is it from the Olympic Park subway station to the National Aquatic Center/Water Cube? How many minutes would it take to walk there?
Written June 14, 2023
Is the stadium open tomorrow 5th Feb 2019 with it being Chinese New Year?
Written February 4, 2019
You would be best checking with Stadium direct or with the concierge in your hotel as the will have the latest information, hope this helps
Written February 4, 2019
Does anyone know the difference between the tour that is named "Top US tour and water cube" and "Nest panoramic tour + water cube". We would like to go to the top of the Nest to look at the panorama view but cant work out from the Chinese site how the 2 tours differ?
We are going in April so will the air be clean enough for good views?
Thanks!
Written February 28, 2017
The air quality should be ok.
I wouldn't bother with the tour. Just pay at the entrance and you can make your own way up to the roof. There might not be a lot to see though.
Written March 1, 2017
Are you able to buy any 2008 Olympics merchandise at the Olympic park anywhere? I'm mainly looking for t-shirts, key chains etc.
Written December 2, 2015
There are some great Olympic Games souvenirs inside the stadium. A “Normal” entrance ticket is 40 Yuan (20 Yuan for concessions). I recommend the encapsulated section of 2008 Games grass/soil, price 150 Yuan.
Written November 4, 2018
Green Line subway (#8) is best, getting off at "Olympic Sports Ctr". Green line intersects directly with Purple Line (#5), Light Blue Line (#10), Dark Blue Line (#2), Yellow Line (#13) and Changping (light lilac line but no # yet). All other subway lines require 2 transfers. So where you board depends on where you are starting from, but you want to end up on the Green Line (#8). There are color coded route maps in all stations and also most subway cars. Also each subway car has an electronic sign that notes all stops on its route, and highlights the current one. Signs are in both Chinese and English, as are oral announcements. You can find a great subway system map by googling "Beijing Subway System", but I can't reproduce the link here.
Have fun!
Written November 6, 2015
We have visited Beijing before and passed the Bird's Nest and Watercube but did not have time to go inside. Do you have to book and roughly how much was it to venture into both attractions? We are visiting again March 2016.
Written October 9, 2015
As mentioned by others their is no reservation needed. Just pay entrance fees at the Birds Nest. About $5 - $8 USD for Cube and Birds Nest respectively. Worth the visit. Beer Garden was opened near the Cube back in summer months so might be in March. Enjoy.
Written October 9, 2015
Is 7.00 pm on a weekday a good visiting time? I have no plans to go inside the stadium. More interested in getting some good pictures.
thx
Written June 17, 2015
I was there in May and weekdays are best for sure. It does get busy lunchtime onwards I would say.
Mornings definitely better for pics although I got some good shots at night, there's lots going on.
Enjoy
Written October 10, 2015
Showing results 1-7 of 7
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing