Top 10 modern architecture marvels (9)

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National Stadium (Bird's Nest) (xinhuanet.com)

National Stadium (Bird's Nest)

The National Stadium, as the main track and field stadium for the 2008 Olympics Games, is dubbed the "bird's nest" because of its innovative grid formation.

The National Stadium, as the main track and field stadium for the 2008 Olympics Games, is dubbed the "bird's nest" because of its innovative grid formation. The twig-like structural elements and the bowl-shaped roof are the masterpiece of the project, yet they posed great challenges for technicians and workers during construction. The stadium was begun in March 2004 and finished in March 2008. It was built with 36 kilometers of unwrapped steel, with a combined weight of 45,000 tonnes. Covering over 258,000 square meters, the stadium has at least 100,000 seats.

Travel tips:

Open Hours: 9:00 to 18:00

Admission: 50 yuan; 25 yuan for students

Getting there: Bus 386, 656, 660, 689, 696, 740, 753, 939, 944 or 983 to Yayuncun Stop; or take subway Line 8 to Olympic Sports Center Station, Exit B2.

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