Games venues

NATIONAL STADIUM

The main venue, with an area of 258,000 sq m, can accommodate over 90,000 spectators. Athletics and football will be held here. But the major attraction will be the opening and closing ceremonies. Built by Swiss firm Herzog & DeMeuron and China Architecture Design Institute, the venue is popularly known as the `Bird's Nest' for its unique architecture.

NATIONAL AQUATICS CENTRE

Built bang opposite the main stadium, the NAC will be the venue for swimming, diving and synchronised swimming. Built in an area of 79,532 sq m, it can accommodate 18,000 spectators. It is widely known as the `Water Cube.'

NATIONAL INDOOR STADIUM

One of the best sports facilities in Beijing for various competitions as well as cultural and entertainment activities. Artistic gymnastics, trampoline and handball will be held here. The total area of the stadium is 80,900 sq m.

SHOOTING RANGE HALL

Located in Shijingshan District, the venue will host qualifications and finals of 10m, 25m and 50m range shooting events. The total area is 45,645 sq m.

OLYMPIC BASKETBALL GYMNASIUM

Situated at the Wukesong Culture and Sports Centre, the stadium will host basketball competitions. The total area is 63,000 sq m.

LAOSHAN VELODROME

The venue for cycling (track) events, this facility in Shijingshan District can accommodate 6,000 spectators. Its total area is 32,920 sq m.

OTHER VENUES

Shunyi Olympic Rowing & Canoeing Park (rowing, canoeing/ kayaking and long distance swimming); China Agricultural University Gymnasium (wrestling); Peking University Gymnasium (table tennis); Beijing Science & Technology University Gymnasium (judo & taekwondo); Beijing University of Technology Gymnasium (badminton & rhythmic gymnastics); Beijing Olympic Green Tennis Court (tennis); Olympic Sports Centre Stadium (modern pentathlon, cross country, equestrian); Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium (handball); Beijing Workers' Stadium (football); Beijing Workers' Gymnasium (boxing); Capital Indoor Stadium (volleyball); Yingdong Natatorium of National Olympic Sports Centre (water polo and modern pentathlon - swimming); Laoshan

Mountain Bike Course (cycling - mountain biking); Beijing Shooting Range Clay Target Field (Shotgun shooting); Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics Gymnasium (weightlifting); Fencing Hall of National Convention Centre (Fencing, modern pentathlon - fencing and shooting); Beijing Olympics Green Hockey Stadium (hockey); Beijing Olympic Green Archery Field (archery); Beijing Wukesong Sports Centre (baseball).

Compiled by Y. B. Sarangi