Beijing unveils plan to upgrade Olympic center area

Beijing has released an action plan to accelerate the high-quality development of the Beijing Olympic Center Area, aiming to turn the zone into a major public hub for sports, culture, tourism, and international exchange.

Officials announced at a press briefing on Thursday that the area will host at least one major sports activity each week, one internationally influential sports event each month, and more than 100 large-scale events every year. Visitor numbers are expected to surpass 5 million annually. 

As the world's only zone to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics, Beijing Olympic Center Area is home to seven national-level venues and already stages nearly 100 high-level domestic and international competitions, about 200 public sports events, and about 100 concerts each year.

Commercial activity is also accelerating. The business district centered on the Asian Games Village recorded 80.72 million yuan ($11.41 million) in revenue during the National Day holiday, up 16.6% year on year. The two phases of the China National Convention Center have held more than 500 conferences and exhibitions since 2021.

A series of signature events such as the Forest Park Music Weekends will continue, integrating interactive robotics, nighttime light shows, and additional ice-and-snow offerings.

The area's position as a top-tier competition hub will grow in the coming years. From 2025 to 2027, the Olympic Center Area will host a packed lineup of international competitions, including the Beijing Marathon, China Open, World Humanoid Robot Games, the 2026 World Short Course Swimming Championships, and the 2027 World Athletics Championships, which is returning to Beijing after 12 years.

Infrastructure upgrades will accompany the event expansion. The city will upgrade commercial facilities, expand parking, and enhance cultural and landscape features. Renovation projects include upgrades to the Olympic Forest Park, a major overhaul of the water system of a dragon-shaped river, and a transformation of the Beijing Olympic Tower, which will feature an observation deck at 246.8 meters and an elevated garden dining area.