The project was designed by Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, and construction started in December 2003. Composed of steel structures, it looks like a bird's nest.
The stadium's models of different sizes, which are sold as souvenirs, were made of the steel that was left after the Bird's Nest's construction.
The Time magazine has included this arena in its list of the Ten Best Architectural Marvels of 2007.
The opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics, as well as the track and field competitions and football matches, will take place on the stadium's arena.
The Alley of Glory, where all champions of the 2008 Olympics will put their handprints, will be constructed near the stadium. In the future outstanding Chinese coaches and sportsmen who have made a special contribution to sports, as well as prominent artists, will be represented at the Alley.
After the reconstruction of the Bird's Nest, which will take place after the Olympics, the premises will be used for commercial purposes. Hotels, offices and restaurants will occupy 35% of the stadium's overall area.