Beijing | Olympic Venue.

To attend the Olympics, or at least visit a venue, has always been a dream of mine. So imagine how thrilled I was to visit Beijing's Olympic venue.

China integrated "green" concepts into the structures of the olympic venue and olympic park. They pursued energy and water-saving initiatives, and installed solar panels and rain harvesting technologies. The Bird's Nest is said to be the most environmentally-friendly sporting arena.

I was in awe and while staring at the Bird's Nest, I wished I was there during the 2008 Olympics. But it didn't matter anymore. I was there, standing where thousands of athletes once stood.


And it certainly is a huge complex. We got there at noon.
Imagine the heat we had to endure. But it was all worth it.


The LingLong Tower. It served as the telecast tower during the Olympics.


Big signage. You won't get lost.


This is the National Convention Center,
located just across the Bird's Nest and beside the Water Cube.
It served as the main press center and the international broadcasting location.


The Bird's Nest or the National Stadium.
It has a seating capacity of 80,000 (fixed seats) and 11,000 (temporary seats).
It is now a tourist destination and has become the center for domestic
and international sports competition.

During winter, the Bird's Nest becomes a ski resort.
They've constructed a 100-meter long ski slope.
It is said that this winter wonderland is the biggest ski resort in urban Beijing.


The Water Cube.
It has a seating capacity of 17,000 and hosted the swimming, diving, synchronized swimming,
& water polo events. It is said to be made of translucent plastic ETFE to allow more solar heat
that helps cut energy costs up to 30% as the swimming pool requires heating.


Consistent on being green, the olympic venue is surrounded by solar panels.


Both tourists and locals visit the Olympic venue.


Taken across the street. Beijing's streets were lined with flowers when we visited.

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Opening Hours:
9:00am - 6:00pm on weekdays
9:00am - 9:00pm on weekends and public holidays

Admission Fees:
50 RMB | National Stadium (Bird's Nest)
80 RMB | Skiing on weekdays
140 RMB | Skiing on weekends and holidays
140 RMB | Visits to the National Stadium, The Water Cube, National Center for Performing Arts, CCTV Tower

. . . . .

BUDGET  (six days in Beijing):
Hotel: Days Inn Tiananmen Square with breakfast
Tour Guide + Transpo + Lunch
Airfare: Cebu Pacific
Pocket Money

more or less $1,200/person

. . . . .

Our guide Jamie Wang speaks english
and is knowledgeable about China's history and tourist spots.
He was very helpful and nice and honest.
If you plan to visit Beijing and would need a guide,
email him at jamiewglory@hotmail.com

. . . . .

Chinese Visa Application
Tourist/Family Visit Visa Requirements:

• Valid passport.
• Completed Application Form.
• One (1) passport or 2x2 photo glued on the application form. (Do not staple. Stapled photos will not be accepted). Photo must be colored, white background, front view, no hat.
• U.S. Passport-holders must submit two (2) duly-accomplished application forms & two (2) photos
• Invitation letter with your host's valid Chinese residence visa and passport information page or Chinese national identity card.

Additional requirements for first time visa applicants
(Philippine residents, 18 years old and above):

1. Original NBI Clearance valid for travel abroad.
2. Original Bank Certificate with receipt or updated passbook.
3. If a company is sponsoring your trip, provide the company's Bank Certificate, letter of sponsorship,and the company's business registration.
4. If an individual is sponsoring your trip, provide that person's Bank Certificate, letter of sponsorship & invitation, copy of that person's valid residence visa, passport information page or Chinese national identity card.
5. For employed persons, submit Employment Certificate, company ID, SSS ID and contributions, TIN ID, and latest ITR.
6. For students, provide school ID.
7. For business owners, provide business registration of company, TIN ID and latest ITR.
8. Personal appearance is required for those who are 16-21 years old.
9. Emergency contact information at the back of your passport must be filled out and photocopied.
10. Other documents required by visa officers if necessary.

For second-time visa applicants:

Submit filled out application form with 2x2 photo and a valid passport.

Visa Fees:

Philippine Passport
Single Entry: Php1400 | Double Entry: Php2100 | Multiple Entry (6 months): Php2800 |
Multiple Entry (12 months): Php4200

US Passport
Single Entry or Multiple Entry: Php6500

All other foreign passports
Single Entry: Php1700 | Double Entry: Php2550 | Multiple Entry (6 months): Php3400 |
Multiple Entry (12 months): Php5100

Processing Time:

• Four working days.
• You can request a one day processing for an additional Php1700 fee.
• Or a three-day processing for an additional Php1100 fee.

How to Apply:

Bring complete requirements to the Consular Office or you can send a travel agent to act on your behalf.
Your representative must bring an authorization letter and a valid ID.

2nd & 3rd Floor,
The World Center
330 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue,
Makati City

Visa Section:
Fax: 632 8482386
Inquiry: 632 8482395 (Weekdays 08:30-10:30 | 14:00-16:00)
Email: chinavisamanila@yahoo.com

Visa Exemptions:

• Holders of Diplomatic or Government/Official passports entering/exiting for a period not exceeding 30 days.
• Passport holders from Singapore, Brunei, and Japan visiting China (sightseeing, business, transit) for up to 15 days.
• Anyone holding a booked seat at an international airline flying directly to China, transiting less than 24 hours without leaving the airport.
• Passport holders from the following countries -- transiting through Pudong Airport or Hongqaio airport provided they have booked seats, confirmed flights to their final destination, valid visas to other countries they are visiting, and only stay in Shanghai for 48 hours -- Republic of Korea, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Austria, Greece.
• Passport holders of the following countries joining a tour group to Hainan Province (staying not more than 15 days): Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Germany, Great Britain, France, Austria, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Netherlands, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

All information were grabbed from the Chinese Embassy's official WEBSITE. Go visit!

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