One tourist said "The sand feels wonderful. I feel like I am in Hawaii."

But he's right here in Beijing, lying on the sand, while enjoying a good read. While for others, it reminds them of home.

One tourist said "My hometown is Qingdao where there are beaches. Coming here is just like going home."

For the younger folk, there's no better time and place to work off some energy. And on this fine, sandy patch, you can play football or volleyball without worrying about taking a tumble. This young lady worked as a beach volleyball cheer leader at last year's Olympics.

Beach Volleyball cheerleader said "I spent 2 years here, since the start of the Good Luck Beijing Games. I love this place so much I even took some sand back with me because I never thought I'd return. So I am thrilled that the site is now open to the public. I came on the very first day."

This is the third Olympic venue to be put to commercial use. The first two, the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube, are now used for performances. Water Cube also opens part of its swimming pool to anyone who wants to take a dip. And they've certainly proved their worth even after the Games between them, the two stadiums have earned over 360 million yuan since last October.