Beijing Workers' Gymnasium

Beijing Workers' Gymnasium

In Beijing, the name Workers' Gymnasium is known to all. As one of the “Ten Great Buildings” of the 1950s, the Workers' Gymnasium has left many wonderful memories and glorious honors for the people of Beijing. Now, having passed its half-century mark, the grand old venue has started to show signs of aging. To prepare for the boxing competitions at the 2008 Olympics, this once world-famous structure is undergoing renovation and expansion. Before long, it will reappear before the public with a look that is both familiar and new.

The construction of the Workers' Gymnasium was completed in 1961. Since then, it has been an important venue for large-scale events in the Beijing area. With a total floor area of approximately 40,000 square meters, it consists of one basement level and four above-ground floors. Its overall form is circular, featuring a radial cable suspension roof structure with a span of 94 meters, making it a classic example of such architecture. Despite its age, many of its design concepts and structural elements remain iconic. Therefore, the renovation has preserved the original exterior and structure as much as possible, only giving them a thorough cleaning and fresh coat of paint. Even the intricate openwork decorations on the doors have been retained. Even those long familiar with the Workers' Gymnasium will find it looks just the same.

The most noticeable change in the gymnasium’s appearance during this renovation is the replacement of the windows. The original windows no longer met modern energy-saving and environmental standards, so they have all been replaced with eco-friendly aluminum alloy double-glazed windows. This small change gives the Workers' Gymnasium a slightly more modern and unfamiliar feel.

According to the person in charge of the renovation project at the Beijing Urban Construction Group, the renovated Workers' Gymnasium will serve as the venue for boxing competitions during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and judo events for the Paralympics. It will have a total of 12,000 permanent seats and 1,000 temporary seats. Currently, structural reinforcement and functional upgrades are underway, including increasing the diameter of column sections by 10 centimeters, significantly boosting the load-bearing capacity of beams and slabs, fully meeting the needs of sports events.

In addition, the Workers' Gymnasium will also gain new functionalities. In addition to a full upgrade of ventilation, lighting, mechanical and electrical systems, it will also include 240 additional press seats, over 30 VIP seats, and a 40-square-meter VIP lounge. These improvements make the gymnasium more user-friendly, safer, and more comfortable.

Moreover, based on evacuation needs and crowd flow management, the Workers' Gymnasium, which originally had only a north gate, east gate, and a small south gate, has added a west gate. During the Olympics, athletes and staff will enter through the west gate, media and VIPs through the small south gate, and spectators through the north and east gates. Additionally, after the demolition of the urban village on the west side of the venue, a parking lot capable of accommodating 400 cars will be built.

From a distance, the Workers' Gymnasium is tightly wrapped in green fabric. It is expected to meet acceptance criteria by the end of July this year, be completed in August, and welcome the “Good Luck Beijing” International Boxing Invitational Tournament in November. By then, a Workers' Gymnasium that feels both familiar and new will be unveiled to the world.

Transportation

1. Bus

Workers' Gymnasium Station — Bus routes 3, 113, 115, 118, 431, Night 3, Night 34, and Special 16;

Workers' Stadium West Gate Station — Bus route 515.

2. Metro

Exit at Dongsi Shitiao Station on Line 2 of the Beijing Metro and walk east for 700 meters.

Tickets

Ticket prices vary depending on the specific performance or event

Opening Hours

Hours vary depending on the specific performance or event

Location

Gongren Tiyuchang Xilu, Chaoyang District, Beijing