Peking University Gymnasium

Peking University Gymnasium

Highlights

The gymnasium is located in the southeast area of Peking University campus and served as the dedicated venue for table tennis competitions during the 2008 Olympic Games. The facility covers a construction area of approximately 26,000 square meters, featuring 6,000 permanent seats and 2,000 temporary seats. After the Olympics, the venue was transformed into a comprehensive sports facility for Peking University. Introduction

It may not be as grand as the "Bird’s Nest" nor as elegant as the "Water Cube," but the 2008 Olympic table tennis venue nestled within Peking University carries an added touch of traditional Chinese architectural charm. With its ingenious steel roof truss structure forming a sweeping "Chinese Spine" that evokes classical Chinese design, the modern building embodies traditional Chinese architectural elements—perfectly complementing the century-old university. Viewed from ground level, the gymnasium’s iconic "Chinese Spine" stretches out like wings, echoing the architectural lineage of the Yan Garden. From above, however, the roof reveals another surprise: two spiraling ridges converge at a central transparent sphere, resembling a dynamic table tennis ball ready to bounce off the court. Bordered by Zhongguancun North Street to the east, Zhibeizi Garden to the west, and Pacific Electronic Building Phase II to the south, the Peking University Gymnasium sits on some of the city’s most prime real estate. Yet, during construction, the massive venue underwent several reconfigurations to protect nearby historic structures and ancient trees. Its northwest corner sits adjacent to the protected Zhibeizi Garden and six ancient trees. To safeguard the garden, the main stadium’s western swimming hall was shifted 6 meters eastward with millimeter precision. Later, to ensure better growth conditions for the ancient trees, the swimming hall was moved again—this time 3 meters south. All pre-laid underground pipelines had to curve twice to accommodate the venue’s two relocations.

Haidian District, Beijing