Top 10 modern architecture marvels in Beijing (3)

NO.8 National Indoor Stadium

As a neighbor of the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube, the National Indoor Stadium is also a part of the Olympic Park. It is nicknamed the Fan, (Chinese: "shanzi"), due to its design resembling a traditional Chinese folding fan. The steel roof of the National Indoor Stadium is 144 meters long from north to south and 114 meters wide from east to west, consisting of 2,800 tons of steel. After two and a half years of construction, the indoor stadium opened on November 26, 2007. In the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the stadium hosted the gymnastics, trampoline, handball, and volleyball competitions. Now, it is used for sports competitions, cultural and entertainment events, and as a multifunctional exercise center for local residents.

Travel tips:

Open Hours: only for events.

Getting there: Subway Line 8 to Olympic Park or Olympic Sports Center.