Right before us soars the Beijing Olympic Tower. Have you ever wondered about the story behind this iconic structure? It wasn’t always called the Beijing Olympic Tower. Initially, it was known as the Olympic Park Observation Tower. Some also called it the Beijing Olympic Tower. This observation tower stands proudly in the northern part of the Olympic Green in Chaoyang District.
Its location marks the northern end of Beijing’s central axis. To the north, it borders the Olympic Forest Park. To the west, it’s close to Beijing’s city central axis. The Beijing Olympic Tower’s story began long before its completion. The idea for this observation tower was conceived during preparations for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
However, construction was delayed. Experts worried that it couldn’t be finished in time for the Games. A temporary broadcasting tower was built instead north of the National Stadium. After the Olympics, the project was revived. Construction started in 2011. The structure was topped off in July 2012. It finally opened to the public on August 8, 2015. In January 2016, the International Olympic Committee officially named it the Beijing Olympic Tower.
The Beijing Olympic Tower reaches a height of 264.8 meters. The highest point of the Olympic rings sits at this height. The main structure stands 246.8 meters tall. The tower’s design comes from the China Architecture Design and Research Group. Kang Kai from Cui Kai’s studio led the design team. Their concept was the “Tree of Life”. It features five independent towers. Each tower expands into a circular platform at the top. These platforms symbolize the Olympic rings.
However, some people saw something different during construction. They thought it resembled five giant nails. Thus, it gained the nickname “Nail Tower”. The design also faced accusations of plagiarism. The Beijing Olympic Tower has become a landmark.
In August 2015, the Palace Museum opened a gallery inside. The gallery showcased exquisite cultural relics. The first exhibition was themed “Golden Brilliance”. It featured over 200 Qing Dynasty royal gold and silverware pieces. The Palace Museum also collaborated to create a digital cinema. It showed films about the Forbidden City. A cultural product sales area was also opened.
The Beijing Olympic Tower offers stunning views. From the top, you can see the entire Olympic Green. On a clear day, you might even spot the Forbidden City. Two elevators carry visitors to the top of the central tower. The surrounding area includes landscaped gardens.
The Beijing Olympic Tower is more than just a structure. It represents Beijing’s Olympic legacy. It embodies the spirit of innovation. Whether you see a “Tree of Life” or “giant nails”, it is a unique part of Beijing’s skyline.