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Beijing
Beijing, China’s political and cultural capital, is, of course, the site of most events for the Games. Everything but equestrian competitions, sailing, and some soccer matches will take place in the city or its immediate vicinity. Events will be scattered among 31 venues, 12 of which were constructed for the Games. The most memorable and eye-catching new structures are the innovative 91,000-capacity Beijing National Stadium, nicknamed the “Bird’s Nest” because of its skeletal, woven design, and the 17,000-capacity Beijing National Aquatics Center, known as the “Water Cube.” Together, the two venues have become icons of the Beijing Games. China’s second-largest city, with a population of 13.8 million people, Beijing was seat of power for the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. It also houses the world’s largest palace, the Forbidden City. The Great Wall is just 47 miles northwest of the city center.
