New life for Olympic venues

Two years after the excitement of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the spectacular venues that wowed the world have found new purpose and will cater to different audiences.

Chaoyang Park underwent a metamorphosis during the Beijing Olympics. Organizers brought tons of pristine white sand from Hainan for the popular beach volleyball matches which attracted a surprisingly large audience.

Now, once again, the park has been transformed into a beach wonderland for the summer.

Chaoyang Park is hosting its second Ocean Beach Fiesta until the end of August. Two large swimming pools right next to one of the lakes are set against lush gardens. There is an area where beach umbrellas dot the landscape and visitors can find entertainment at the several beach volleyball courts, the pitch for beach soccer and the food and beverage outlets.

A big stage for performances and huge LCD screens capture the attention of happy visitors, who may themselves be caught on air on live-streamed reality television.

The Water Cube is also enjoying the benefits of the current hot spell. Its world-class pools are open from 10 am to 9:30 pm daily while the younger visitors can frolic in the children's play pool. A water theme park is also set to open at the Water Cube with a variety of slides, wave pools and other features to attract those who want more excitement in the water.

For those who prefer green more than blue, a tranquil summer may mean a visit to the Olympic Forest Park. To the north of the park, the reed-lined Qingyang river quietly flows. Visitors can row along the river and bird-watch.

Wild ducks, terns and night herons are just some of the wildlife you can see at the park.

The Olympic Forest Park has few visitors and shorter queues. Photographers can make full use of the unobstructed views.