Photo taken on January 18 shows the "Bird's Nest" glistening under a coat of powdery snow.
(BEIJING, Feb. 27) -- The venues created for the Olympic Games are, without a doubt, spectacular. The "Bird's Nest," "Water Cube," Olympic Village, and Olympic Water Park, as well as the many other especially constructed or renovated facilities, have been praised worldwide for their use of innovative technology and unique design, according to Xinhua sources.
In order to prepare for the Olympics, Beijing has created 31 sites, 12 of which are completely new, 11 renovated from existing structures, and 8 temporary venues. Although some efforts came from sources outside China, these were limited to the preliminary stages of development. From design to construction to decoration, Chinese workers poured their spirits into the creation of these venues, creating unique sites that portray Chinese ideals.
Photo taken on January 2 shows worker examining the outer environment of the "Water Cube."
Another exciting landmark dotting the capital city is the "Water Cube." This new, highly complex construction earned its nickname because of its unique design of water molecules within a square shape. The "Water Cube" is the only building in China, as well as the largest structure in the world, using ETFE, a highly advanced plastic known for its durability.
National Indoor Stadium officially opens on November 28, 2007.
The National Indoor Stadium is another of the newly constructed venues created to welcome the Olympics. The elegant fan shaped roof, in addition to the dynamic glass curtain walls, gives visitors the impression of an open fan, another undertone of Chinese culture.
Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium
The Beijing Olympic Basketball Stadium is a new site on the city's landscape. This high-tech building not only employs the world's most advanced LED display system, it's also surrounded by state-of-the-art glass and utilizes rainwater collection systems in its advanced design.
