Beijing 2008 (XXIX Olympiad) promises China’s three-part Olympic theme - each is environmentally green, high-tech and welcoming to people. Just to provide those who are not going to Beijing 2008 some dazzling pictures of the stunning display of architectural haute couture in Beijing.

National Centre for the Performing Arts 国家大剧院

Nickname: The Egg
Designed by: Paul Andreu Architect
What’s inside?: An opera house that holds 2079, a concert hall seating 1859, and a theatre for 957 more.

Beijing National Stadium 北京国家体育场

Nickname: The Bird’s Nest
Designed by: Herzog & de Meuron, Ai WeiWei
Structure: ArupSport and China Architecture Design & Research Group
What’s inside?: A seven tiers of seating holding 91,000 fans for the Game’s opening and closing ceremonies, and the major track and field events.
Cost: 3.9 billion yuan

Beijing National Aquatics Center 北京国家游泳中心

Nickname: The Water Cube
Designed by: PTW Architects, CSCEC International Design and Arup
Structure : Engineers Arup
What’s inside?: Nautical arena for swimming, diving and synchronized swimming competition.
Cost: 1 billion yuan

CCTV Headquarters

Nickname: The Twisted Doughnut
Designed by: Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren of OMA
Structure: Arup
What’s inside?: Offices, broadcasting studios and programme production facilities.

That’s all for today. Information compiled from Wikipedia and Reader’s Digest July 2008 ed.