The Beijing's National Indoor Stadium (NIS),
the venue where some of the most popular spectator sports of the summer Olympic Games will take place in 2008, is nearing completion.
Located in the Olympic Green, the NIS will host the artistic gymnastics, trampoline and handball competitions.
Its construction was started in May 2005....
The flanges supporting the east and west facades, the main structure, the stand plates and the glide of the steel roof trusses have all been completed. Workers are now installing the glass curtain wall facades and fitting up the interior.
The stadium, which has a land surface of 80,900 square metres and can be used for various kinds of sport competitions and cultural activities, will serve as a multi-functional sporting centre after the Olympic Games.