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The Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube
28 Jan2009
When I saw the Opening Ceremony back in August where it was just a few months away till our trip, I was wondering, if we ever do make it to Beijing, then I wanna see the Bird’s Nest first hand. Surprisingly, that came true when it was noted on our tour package. ^_^
Known as the Beijing National Stadium aka Bird’s Nest, this stadium was the icon of the Beijing Olympic Games. What makes it unique is the design and the way it was constructed. Now with the Olympics over, they are planning to build a shopping mall and a hotel to make use of this great stadium. Besides, it will be a waste to just let it rot and at the moment, it’s making a great tourist attraction. ^^
Guards on duty. A unique icon still worth looking after.
Check out the detail. Impressive. ^^
The light changes from time to time. ^^
Beijing National Aquatics Center aka Water Cube was not too far away. This was where all the swimming competitions took place if you didn’t know.
Seeing it first hand looks more spectacular than what I saw on TV. It looked bigger than I expected and the light effects from the wall rocks. ^^
Love the light effects. ^^
Just needed a fun way to kill time. xD
A few people in our group helped us take our pictures and we returned the favor.
Big TV's FTW!
It was quiet in the area as it was getting late.
As both sites are out of bounds now, this was as close as we could get to it. I really wanted to see the inside of the stadium but maybe someday if I ever get another chance to come again.
Overall, it was a lovely place to visit to end the night. If you ever get a chance to go, be sure to go at night because during the day, you won’t see the night life beauty of these 2 magnificent icons. ^^
- In: All| Trips/Adventures
10 Responses to The Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube
M12
January 29th, 2009 at 6:20 am
Bird’s Nest’s structure looks impressive. All the flashy lights are really cool, also. I’d love to see this in person, too! The Water Cube also kicks ass. It’s excellent how they all have a theme going on behind them.
M12’s last blog post..An apple a day keeps the doctor away
meronpan
Twitter: nomihoudai
January 29th, 2009 at 9:08 am
the water cube really looks spectacular… can hardly imagine what it was like in person.
if i ever make it to china i gotta stop by…
meronpan’s last blog post..Dark Elf -Lineage II-
Persocom
January 29th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Aquatics center looks awesome, and I like the design of that building with the big tv on it
Persocom’s last blog post..Yuki Nagato - My First Figma
Otaku Dan
January 29th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
The aquatic center looks nice at night
Otaku Dan’s last blog post..Hobby Search Figure Bargain Bin
Reijin
January 29th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
They’d look fantastic at night. Real masterpieces of architecture though - I might just plan a trip myself. (I blame you) :P
Birds nest is an amazing building though.
Reijin’s last blog post..The wishlist
phossil
Twitter: phossil
January 30th, 2009 at 12:46 am
wow, being close to the bird’s nest makes you realize how big is…
phossil’s last blog post..The day after the TOEFL
Q
January 31st, 2009 at 8:34 am
Very interesting pics of the Bird’s Best and the Water Cube, as I haven’t seen much photos of them at night (especially for the latter).
On the other hand I was told there’s a rumour that it’s the Water Cube that’s facing a possible demolition rather than the Nest itself for a new mall. Well people (especially in mainland China) tend to seek money a little too much, and abandoned too much things around them. I hope this is not the case for these architecheral works.
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Optic
Twitter: mroptic
February 1st, 2009 at 10:27 am
@Reijin
I’m just trying to be nice. ^^
@Q
I’m sure this not the case as the Water Cube is such a magnificent icon for the Beijing games. In addition, other swimming events can be held there for other comp.
Terri Meyer Boake
October 29th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Hi
I was just in Beijing this week and as of Oct 15 the Watercube is “closed” for some “renovation”. As my Chinese is non existent, I have no idea what the sign said that they were doing to the Watercube, although my Chinese companion said that the security guards inferred that it would reopen in 2010. As others have also inferred that the Watercube was “always” slated for demolition, I am curious to know. Seems such a waste, and so soon after the event. They are charging to tour the Bird’s Nest and taking in receipts from close to 30.000 per day I am told.
would love to know if anyone has any real information.
thanks
Optic
Twitter: mroptic
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:00 am
@Terri Meyer Boake
This is new news to me and I’m not sure what’s happening and why.
My best advice is to check with the local tour guides as they have an idea in what’s happening since they don’t organise ‘to go’ places when it’s closed.
Hope it helps.