The Beijing Olympic Village, the No. 1 village in the world

International Zone overview

In the Olympic Village, several temporary constructions have been designed in the traditional Chinese housing style. The "siheyuan," which literally means a courtyard surrounded by four buildings in a box shape, are an avenue through which athletes and other representatives will be able to understand Beijing.

The Olympic Village is divided into a northern business district (with restaurants, shops, and entertainment facilities) and a southern section that mostly accommodates the housing needs of athletes and other representatives.

To visit the Siheyuan, one must enter the Olympic Village through the west gate, where the 205 flags of representative countries and regions wave in the sky to welcome visitors. On the northern side of this plaza are the siheyuan, marking the Olympic Village's comprehensive business service district.

Areas have been sectioned off for athletes' entertainment and training, including rooms with musical instruments, pool tables, large screen TVs, treadmills, etc.

Commercial Street

A stroll on this business-oriented avenue yields barrier-free shops that cater to every need. A stocked supermarket is available to Villagers with daily supplies, official Olympic products are sold at friendly kiosks, and for those that want a souvenir characteristic of Chinese culture, high-quality items are always within reach. Best of all, prices are the same in the Village as they are outside, so shoppers don't have to be worried about exorbitant or unfair prices.

Also lining the street are businesses concerned with communication and money, including China Mobile, UPS, and Bank of China. In addition, dry cleaners, florists, photo developers, travel agents, etc. may all be found on Commercial Street.

Real siheyuan

Near the temporary siheyuan built for the Olympic Village sits a real siheyuan, whose inhabitant is the mayor of the Olympic Village, Chen Zhili, who also holds the role of BOCOG vice-president. Guards stand vigilant over the front and rear entrances of the siheyuan, adding a measure of security to the area. During the Games, expect a flurry of activity here as delegations around the world are welcomed to the Olympic Village.