Beijing to update Olympic Center, focuses on urban renewal, tech

Beijing recently announced plans to modernize its Olympic Center to update its legacy as a city that has hosted the Olympics twice and create a dynamic global destination.

At a news conference on Friday, Yang Hongfu, deputy head of Beijing's Chaoyang district, said the plan focuses on substantial urban renewal. Key projects include modernizing infrastructure within the Beijing Olympic Forest Park and the Beijing Olympic Tower, alongside renovations to the National Aquatics Center, also called the Water Cube, and the National Tennis Center.

"A centerpiece is the comprehensive revitalization of the water system, designed to better connect waterways, architecture, and green spaces for an improved public experience," Yang added.

This revival also plans to employ cutting-edge tech and premier events to help the area remain a lively and energetic focal point in the capital. It will add a national humanoid robot training and competition base and apply AI to its urban management.

The area's calendar will be packed with entertainment and sports, including over 60 concerts at the National Stadium, the Bird's Nest, in 2026, an increase of 10 percent year-on-year.

Apart from established events like the China Open and the Beijing Marathon, it will hold events for emerging sports, such as e-sports and pickleball. Seasonal cultural festivals, winter sports activities, and commercial offerings will complement these events.

"By seamlessly integrating sports, culture, advanced technology, and commerce, Beijing is reshaping its Olympic Center into a sustainable, forward-looking model for urban development and international engagement," Yang said.