One of the biggest challenges facing Beijing after it hosted the 2008 Olympics was making good future use of the sporting venues. Since October 2008, the Bird's Nest has been open to the public and attracted more than 14 million visitors.

Tourism accounts for almost 80 percent of the stadium's annual income. Other methods of generating income have been to host big sporting events and concerts.

Xiang Jun, assistant General manager of Beijing National Stadium, said, "During winter, almost all big stadiums are out of work. Last year, we found that hosting the Ice and Snow Festival was a popular way to utilize the stadium throughout winter."

Along with hosting sports and entertainment events, the Bird's Nest offers food and beverage services for visitors. The stadium has allocated more than 70,000 square meters for commercial use, with the rent of these areas also generating income.

Along with the Bird's Nest, the National Aquatics Center, better known as the Water Cube, has also been used for public recreation. Stadiums built for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing's universities are now not only for commercial use, but also for the needs of universities' daily use.