Beijing Modern Attractions: Olympic Park, CCTV Tower and More

Beijing Modern Attractions - The New Face of an Ancient City

While Beijing is rightly celebrated for its ancient imperial heritage, the city has undergone one of the most dramatic urban transformations in human history over the past two decades. The 2008 Olympic Games served as a catalyst for an extraordinary building boom that produced some of the most ambitious and innovative architecture in the world. Today, Beijing skyline features a stunning collection of modern landmarks that stand alongside the ancient temples and palaces, creating a city where past and future coexist in dynamic tension. From the iconic Bird Nest stadium to the gravity-defying CCTV Headquarters, from the ethereal National Grand Theatre to the creative energy of the 798 Art District, Beijing modern attractions reveal a city confidently embracing the 21st century while maintaining its deep cultural roots. This guide covers the best modern attractions in Beijing with practical visiting information, architectural context, and tips for experiencing each site at its best.

Olympic Park and Legacy Venues

The Bird Nest (National Stadium)

The National Stadium, universally known as the Bird Nest for its distinctive interlocking steel lattice exterior, was the centerpiece of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and remains one of the most recognizable modern buildings in the world. Designed by Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron in collaboration with Chinese architect Li Xinggang, the stadium seats 80,000 spectators and cost approximately 4.2 billion CNY to build. The exterior structure, composed of 42,000 tons of steel in a seemingly random pattern that actually follows precise structural engineering principles, creates a dramatic visual effect that changes with the light and viewing angle. At night, the lattice is illuminated in various colors, creating a spectacular glowing landmark visible from across the city.

Visitors can tour the stadium interior, including the athlete tunnel, the VIP areas, and the Olympic torch display. The tour provides fascinating insights into the engineering challenges of building such an ambitious structure and the legacy of the 2008 Games. The stadium continues to host major sporting events, concerts, and cultural performances. Entry ticket for the tour is 50 CNY. The stadium is particularly impressive at night when the exterior lighting creates dramatic patterns through the steel lattice. Take subway Line 8 to Olympic Sports Center Station or Line 15 to Olympic Park Station. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for the tour.

The Water Cube (National Aquatics Center)

The Water Cube, officially the National Aquatics Center, was designed by Australian firm PTW Architects and is one of the most innovative buildings of the 21st century. The exterior is composed of over 3,000 ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) bubbles in a pattern based on the Weaire-Phelan geometry, a mathematical model of the most efficient way to divide space into equal volumes. The translucent bubbles allow natural light to illuminate the interior while creating a shimmering, otherworldly appearance. At night, the bubbles are illuminated by over 500,000 LED lights that can display any color or pattern, making the building one of the most spectacular nighttime landmarks in Beijing.

After the Olympics, the Water Cube was partially converted into a water park featuring wave pools, water slides, a lazy river, and a spa area. The water park is open year-round and is a popular family destination. The original competition pool area is also open for viewing and occasionally hosts swimming events. Entry to the water park is 200 to 260 CNY depending on the season, while the sightseeing tour costs 30 CNY. Take subway Line 8 to Olympic Sports Center Station. Allow 2 to 3 hours for the water park or 1 hour for the sightseeing tour.

Olympic Park and Olympic Forest

The Olympic Park itself, stretching north from the Bird Nest and Water Cube, is a vast landscaped area featuring the Linglong Tower (a multi-purpose observation tower), the National Indoor Stadium, the National Convention Center, and extensive green spaces. The park is particularly beautiful in the evening when all the Olympic venues are illuminated, creating a spectacular light show across the entire area. The Olympic Forest Park, at the northern end of the Olympic Green, is the largest urban park in Beijing and provides a green backdrop to the modern architecture. The park is free to enter and is open 24 hours. Walking through the Olympic Park at night, with the Bird Nest glowing red and the Water Cube shimmering blue, is one of the most memorable modern experiences in Beijing.

Contemporary Architectural Landmarks

CCTV Headquarters - The Big Pants

The CCTV Headquarters, designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and German architect Ole Scheeren, is one of the most audacious and controversial buildings of the 21st century. Nicknamed the Big Pants (da kucha) by Beijing residents for its unusual loop shape, the building consists of two leaning towers connected at the top and bottom by L-shaped cantilevers, creating a continuous loop of office space. The building challenges conventional skyscraper design by rejecting the traditional tower form in favor of a three-dimensional loop that creates a public plaza beneath the cantilevered section.

The structural engineering required to realize this design was extraordinary: the building uses a diagonal grid of steel braces on the exterior that carries the entire load, eliminating the need for internal columns. The building won the Best Tall Building award from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat in 2013. While the interior is not open to the public, the exterior is one of the most photographed modern buildings in Beijing and is particularly dramatic at night when the interior lights illuminate the glass facade. The best viewing angle is from the intersection of East Third Ring Road and Chaoyang Road, or from the rooftop terrace of the nearby China World Hotel. Take subway Line 10 to Jintaixizhao Station or Line 1 to Guomao Station.

National Grand Theatre - The Giant Egg

The National Grand Theatre, designed by French architect Paul Andreu, is a massive titanium and glass dome surrounded by an artificial lake, creating the appearance of a giant egg floating on water. The building, completed in 2007, houses three performance halls: an opera hall with 2,416 seats, a music hall with 2,017 seats, and a theater hall with 1,040 seats. The exterior dome is 46 meters high and 212 meters wide, making it one of the largest domed structures in the world. The building is most spectacular at dusk when the interior lights illuminate the structure from within and the lake creates a perfect reflection, making the dome appear to float in space.

Visitors can tour the building interior, which features a stunning underground entrance corridor that passes beneath the lake, creating the sensation of walking through water. The interior spaces are equally impressive, with undulating wooden ceilings, dramatic lighting, and world-class acoustics. The theatre hosts regular performances of opera, ballet, symphony concerts, and traditional Chinese music. Tour tickets cost 30 CNY, while performance tickets range from 80 to 1,500 CNY depending on the event and seating. Take subway Line 1 to Tiananmen West Station. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for the tour.

Galaxy SOHO and Wangjing SOHO

Designed by the late Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, Galaxy SOHO and Wangjing SOHO are two of the most striking commercial buildings in Beijing. Galaxy SOHO, located near Chaoyangmen, features four continuous domed structures connected by bridges and courtyards, creating a fluid, organic form that seems to flow like liquid. The building houses offices, shops, and restaurants and is particularly photogenic at night when the curved facades are illuminated. Wangjing SOHO, in the Wangjing tech district, consists of three asymmetrical tower blocks with flowing, fish-like forms that represent a new direction in commercial architecture. Both buildings are free to visit externally and are best photographed at dusk or night. Take subway Line 2 to Chaoyangmen Station for Galaxy SOHO or Line 14 to Wangjing Station for Wangjing SOHO.

China Zun (CITIC Tower)

China Zun, officially the CITIC Tower, is the tallest building in Beijing at 528 meters and 109 floors. Completed in 2018, the tower design is inspired by the zun, an ancient Chinese bronze wine vessel, with a curved profile that narrows at the middle and widens at the top and bottom. The building houses offices, luxury apartments, and a rooftop observation deck. The tower represents the latest generation of supertall skyscrapers and features advanced sustainable design including a double-skin facade, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient mechanical systems. The observation deck offers panoramic views of the entire city on clear days. Take subway Line 10 or Line 14 to Jintaixizhao Station.

Cultural and Creative Districts

798 Art District

The 798 Art District, housed in a decommissioned military factory complex in northeast Beijing, is the center of China contemporary art scene and one of the most vibrant creative districts in Asia. The district takes its name from Factory 798, the largest of the original factories, which was built in the 1950s with East German architectural assistance. The Bauhaus-influenced industrial architecture, with its soaring sawtooth roofs, vast open spaces, and raw concrete walls, provides an ideal setting for contemporary art galleries, design studios, creative agencies, cafes, and restaurants.

The district houses over 400 art-related organizations, including major galleries like the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA), Pace Gallery, Long March Space, and Beijing Tokyo Art Projects. The galleries showcase cutting-edge Chinese and international contemporary art, from painting and sculpture to video installations and performance art. Beyond the galleries, the district features striking street art, sculptural installations, design shops, bookstores, and a thriving cafe culture. The district hosts regular art festivals, gallery openings, and cultural events throughout the year. Most galleries are free to enter and are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Take subway Line 14 to Jiangtai Station or bus 401/405 to the Dashanzi stop. Allow 2 to 4 hours for a thorough exploration.

Sanlitun and Taikoo Li

Sanlitun, located in the embassy district of eastern Beijing, is the city most cosmopolitan neighborhood, featuring international restaurants, designer boutiques, art galleries, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The Taikoo Li shopping complex, designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, features an innovative open-air layout with interconnecting courtyards, bridges, and terraces that blend modern retail design with traditional Chinese spatial concepts. The area is home to flagship stores of major international brands, as well as independent Chinese designers and concept stores. Sanlitun is also the center of Beijing nightlife, with dozens of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Take subway Line 10 to Tuanjiehu Station. The area is best experienced in the evening when the restaurants and bars are at their liveliest.

Wangfujing and Qianmen Pedestrian Streets

Wangfujing, Beijing most famous shopping street, has been transformed into a modern pedestrian boulevard featuring department stores, international brand shops, bookstores, and the famous Wangfujing Snack Street. The street stretches 1.8 kilometers from Chang'an Avenue to the north and is lined with modern glass-and-steel buildings alongside historic shops like the Beijing Department Store and the Xinhua Bookstore. Qianmen Street, south of Tiananmen Square, has been restored as a pedestrian street featuring traditional Beijing brands (laozihao) in reconstructed early-20th-century buildings. The street features a vintage tramway, traditional craft shops, tea houses, and restaurants serving classic Beijing cuisine. Both streets are free to explore and offer a fascinating glimpse into modern Chinese consumer culture. Take subway Line 1 to Wangfujing Station or Line 2 to Qianmen Station.

Modern Entertainment and Leisure

Universal Studios Beijing

Universal Studios Beijing, opened in 2021, is the fifth Universal Studios theme park in the world and the largest in terms of area, covering 4 square kilometers. The park features seven themed lands including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers Metrobase, Minion Land, Jurassic World Isla Nublar, Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness, Hollywood, and WaterWorld. The park combines Universal signature attractions with elements specifically designed for the Chinese market, including the world first Kung Fu Panda themed land. Ticket prices range from 418 CNY on regular days to 748 CNY on peak days. The park is located in Tongzhou District, about 30 kilometers from central Beijing, and is accessible by subway Line 1 (Batong Line) to Universal Resort Station. Allow a full day for the visit.

Beijing Happy Valley

Beijing Happy Valley is a large theme park featuring roller coasters, water rides, and entertainment shows organized into six themed areas. The park Crystal Wing roller coaster is one of the most thrilling rides in Asia, and the park also features a water park section open during summer. Ticket prices are 230 CNY for adults and 115 CNY for children. Take subway Line 7 to Happy Valley Station. Allow a full day for the visit.

Nighttime Modern Attractions

Beijing modern attractions are particularly impressive at night when architectural lighting transforms the skyline into a spectacular display of color and light. The best nighttime viewing locations include:

1. Olympic Park: The Bird Nest and Water Cube are illuminated in spectacular colors every evening from dusk until 10:00 PM. The reflection of the lit structures in the surrounding water features creates stunning photographic opportunities.


2. CBD Skyline from Jianguomenwai: The Central Business District skyline, including the CCTV Headquarters, China Zun, and China World Trade Center towers, creates a dramatic urban panorama at night. The Jianguomenwai overpass provides an excellent viewing platform.


3. National Grand Theatre at Dusk: The Giant Egg is most beautiful during the 30 minutes before and after sunset when the interior lights create a warm glow reflected in the surrounding lake.


4. Qianmen Street at Night: The restored pedestrian street is beautifully illuminated at night, with traditional architecture lit by warm lanterns and modern shop windows creating a vibrant atmosphere.


5. Sanlitun Bar Street: The nightlife district comes alive after dark with neon signs, outdoor seating, and a cosmopolitan energy that represents the modern face of Beijing.

Practical Tips for Modern Attractions

1. Visit at the right time: Modern architecture is often most photogenic at dusk (the blue hour) when the sky provides a deep blue backdrop for illuminated buildings. Plan your visits to coincide with sunset.


2. Combine nearby attractions: The Olympic Park venues can be visited together in a single afternoon and evening. The CBD landmarks are best viewed from a single vantage point. The 798 Art District requires a dedicated half-day.


3. Check event schedules: Venues like the Bird Nest, Water Cube, and National Grand Theatre host regular events that may affect visiting hours. Check schedules before planning your visit.


4. Use public transportation: Most modern attractions are well-connected by subway. Avoid driving in the CBD area where traffic congestion and parking are major challenges.


5. Photography tips: For architectural photography, use a wide-angle lens for exteriors and a tripod for night shots (where permitted). The blue hour (20 to 30 minutes after sunset) provides the best conditions for night architecture photography.

Modern Attractions Quick Reference

Beijing modern attractions reveal a city that is confidently shaping the future while honoring its past. The juxtaposition of ancient temples and cutting-edge skyscrapers, of imperial gardens and contemporary art districts, creates an urban experience that is unique in the world. Whether you are marveling at the engineering audacity of the Bird Nest, losing yourself in the galleries of the 798 Art District, or watching the National Grand Theatre glow like a jewel at dusk, you are witnessing a city in the midst of one of the most remarkable transformations in urban history. These modern attractions complement the ancient wonders perfectly, providing a complete picture of Beijing as a city that spans millennia and embraces the full spectrum of human creativity and ambition.