The National Stadium, or Bird’s Nest as it is commonly known, has been home to a dazzling variety of spectacles since its retirement from Olympic life in 2008 and playing host to the likes of NBA basketball teams, international friendlies, concerts, circuses and performances of every kind.

Photo: Marc Dalmulder

The stadium itself is also truly impressive and a sight to see in its own right; however, if you really want to experience the splendor of the stadium, why not attend one of the many winter events being held there this year, in the most spectacular of settings.

1) Air & Style Beijing: ‘World Snowboard Challenge’

The 4th annual Air & Style snowboard challenge is coming to Beijing on December 6. This is your chance to see the world’s top snowboarders all in one place as they compete for a huge cash prize, with a 10,000 USD bonus for athletes who break any current world record.

The competition was first started in 1994 in Austria by two friends and rapidly became one of the biggest competitions in the world attracting the greatest snowboarding talent from across the globe.

Extreme sports fans can marvel at the dare-devilry, whilst the rest of you can enjoy the amazing entertainment provided by the likes of British songstress Kate Nash, as well as Rustic and local band, Poshangcun.

When: December 6, 16:00
How much: 80, 180, 280, 380 RMB
Tickets: http://en.damai.cn/event/tickets_74247/

2)  2014 FIS Freestyle Aerial World Cup Ski Championships

The Freestyle Aerial World Cup Ski Championships are another top class winter sports event that will draw the best and brightest of the aerial skiing world to compete December 20-21. Expect exciting performances from the likes of Katrin Mueller, Alex Fiver and Jean Frederic Chapuis as they fly through the air, perform death-defying feats and battle it out to be crowned champion.

Last year’s event was the first time that the competition had taken place in an inner city setting and involved recreating the Alpine competition run in the Bird’s Nest which is no mean feat. The event was a success however, and promises to be even bigger, and better this time round.

When: December 20-21
How Much: TBA
Tickets: At the door

3)  The Sixth Bird’s Nest Ice and Snow FestivalView In Map

Last, but not least, is the Sixth Bird’s Nest Ice and Snow Festival, or ‘Happy Snow Season’, which lasts from December until February, so there’s plenty of time to get down there and get your fix of winter magic.

This year, the festival will have a traditional feel as the organisers recreate wintry scenes from the Han and Tang Dynasties. Visitors can stroll through ancient pavilions and snowy garden scenes and experience shows of traditional dress as well as partake in traditional games and activities such as archery and Chuiwan, a game played by ladies in the imperial courts, which is best described as a mixture between golf and croquet.

When: December 25 2014- February 20 2015
How much: Free for Children under 1.2 meters; 120 RMB (Adult, Mon-Fri); 160 RMB (Adult, Weekends & Holidays); 60 RMB (Students & Disabled, Mon-Fri); 80 RMB (Students & Disabled, Weekends & Holidays).

The Olympic Park also boasts a 1,500 meter long dining court with snacks, street food, and the obligatory Starbucks and Subway and is close to the absolutely beautiful Olympic Forest Park.

So, whether it’s extreme sports, or winter wonderlands, the Olympic stadium will have something to cater to everyone’s tastes, be it adrenaline junkies, or kids, big or small, making it, surprisingly, one of the hottest places to be this winter.

How to get to the Bird’s Nest (Beijing National Stadium) View In Map
Add: Guojiatiyuchang Bei Lu 1, Chaoyang District, Beijing
地址：北京市朝阳区国家体育场南路1号
Tel: 010 8437 3008
Opening hours: Daily, 09:00 - 17:30
Website: http://www.n-s.cn/
Getting there: Take metro line 8 to Olympic Sports Centre

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Keywords: Winter activities Beijing Bird’s Nest Beijing activities