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Tourism GuideA field guide to China

Beijing · Attraction

Olympic Forest Park

A magnificent green legacy from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, this sprawling urban park combines Olympic heritage with natural beauty

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Olympic Forest Park
Beijing, ChinaField notes · Attraction
BeijingOlympic HeritageUrban ParkNature

Why go

About Olympic Forest Park

Olympic Forest Park is the largest urban green space in Beijing, covering 680 hectares in the northern part of the city. Built as the green lung for the 2008 Summer Olympics, this park represents Chinas commitment to environmental sustainability and urban planning excellence. The park seamlessly integrates the iconic Olympic venues like the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube with lush forests, serene lakes, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

It serves as both a recreational haven for Beijing residents and a living testament to the Olympic spirit of harmony between humanity and nature. The parks design incorporates traditional Chinese garden aesthetics with modern ecological principles, creating a perfect balance between natural preservation and urban functionality.

Make time for

Practical ideas, not a checklist

  1. 01Walk along the Olympic Axis to see the Birds Nest and Water Cube
  2. 02Rent a bicycle to explore the extensive network of cycling paths
  3. 03Take a boat ride on the scenic Olympic Lake
  4. 04Visit the Olympic Forest Park Observation Tower for panoramic views
  5. 05Explore the diverse plant collections in the botanical garden sections
  6. 06Enjoy seasonal flower displays especially cherry blossoms in spring
  7. 07Have a picnic in the designated green spaces
  8. 08Visit the Olympic Heritage Exhibition Center
  9. 09Practice tai chi or other exercises in the morning
  10. 10Photograph the stunning sunset over the Olympic venues

Good to know

Area
680 hectares
Year Built
2008
Main Features
Olympic Axis, Forest Areas, Lakes, Observation Tower
Best Time to Visit
Spring and Autumn
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible paths throughout
Transportation
Subway Line 8 Olympic Forest Park Station
Annual Visitors
Over 10 million
Ecological Zones
5 distinct ecological areas
Water Features
3 main lakes covering 67 hectares
Plant Species
Over 100,000 trees of 280 species

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