Designed by award-winning Swiss company Herzog & de Meuron, the awe-inspiring National Stadium is the centrepiece of Beijing's 31 venues.
The unique structure has been dubbed the 'Bird's Nest', thanks to the 42,000 tonnes of interlocking steel set at irregular angles around the stadium.
The arena will accommodate 91,000 seated spectators and will host the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the athletics and football events.
The stadium - due for completion in late March - will be flanked by a moat in the shape of a dragon, a sign for prosperity in China.
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