Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
into the small hole in the top. The method of its construction and the history of Chinese bell-
making are explained by displays, with English captions, in side halls. The shape of Chinese
bells dampens vibrations, so they only sound for a short time and can be effectively used as
instruments: you can buy CDs of the bells in action.
Olympic Green
奥林匹克公园
, àolínpǐkè gōngyuán • Olympic Sports Center or Olympic Green subway (both line 8)
China used the 2008 Olympics to make an impact on the world stage, and facilities built
for the occasion were accordingly lavish. The
Olympic Green
was placed on the city's
north-south axis, laid down during the Yuan dynasty - so it's bang in line with the Forbidden
City. In addition, subway line 8, a highly auspicious number in Chinese, was built for the
occasion. Several of the venues used for the Games are still standing, but most come here to
bear witness to two masterpieces of modern architecture, the astonishing
National Stadium
and the
National Aquatics Center
.
