Beijing's Olympic Green, with its chic "Bird's Nest" and "Water Cube" at its core drew huge crowds during the National Day holiday. Numbers of visitors surpassed those at the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace.
For those in Beijing who haven't found the time to visit Beijing's newest landmarks, Olympic Green will remain open to the public. There's no admission fee and no need to apply for tickets.
Olympic Green will be opened free of charge for visits beginning next week.
Staff is removing many of the facilities set up for the Olympics. Those include security sheds, drink vending booths and the thirty-plus "lucky cloud" houses, where the cultural heritage of different provinces was displayed. The park will have no lot for private cars. Visitors are advised to take the subway or bus.
Tickets are necessary to visit the "Bird's Nest" and "Water Cube." Ticket prices for the two landmarks are still under consideration. Olympic Forest Park, at the north end of Olympic Green will remain closed until next May.
(CCTV October 13, 2008)