China's first hosting of the Olympic Games drew 10,942 athletes from 204 nations and was watched by 3.5 billion people worldwide.
Key Facts
- Athletes competed
- 10,942
- Nations represented
- 204 National Olympic Committees
- Sports / Events
- 28 sports, 302 events
- China gold medals
- 48 (most of any nation)
- Countries winning medals
- 87
- Global TV audience
- 3.5 billion
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Beijing was awarded the 2008 Summer Olympics on 13 July 2001 after winning an IOC vote over four rival cities. The Chinese government subsequently invested heavily in sports venues, transportation infrastructure, and promotional efforts, constructing twelve new facilities among the 37 venues ultimately used.
The Games of the XXIX Olympiad were held in Beijing from 8 to 24 August 2008, marking China's first time hosting the Olympics. Competitions spanned 28 sports and 302 events, with equestrian events in Hong Kong and sailing in Qingdao. The opening ceremony was widely acclaimed, and host nation China led all countries with 48 gold medals.
China's dominant gold medal haul made it the seventh nation to top the Summer Olympics medal standings, raising its international profile. Eighty-seven countries won at least one medal, a record at the time. Beijing later hosted the 2022 Winter Olympics, becoming the first city to host both Summer and Winter Games, though those were held without spectators.
Result
at Beijing National Stadium and 37 venues across Beijing, Hong Kong, Qingdao, and other cities