These are the spectacular arenas that will host thousands of spectators and athletes in the Beijing Olympics next month.It is clear that the Chinese organisers have spared no expense - and hired some of the world's leading architects - to ensure their venues are of the highest standard.

A total of 10,500 athletes and seven million spectators are expected to arrive in the city when the Games begin on August 8. The arenas - which for two weeks will be the focus of worldwide attention - have set a stunning precedent for the organisers of London's 2012 Olympics.

Much emphasis has been placed on the venues being ecofriendly. Many of the buildings use recycled rainwater in their air-conditioning systems or have specially insulated walls to ensure they stay cool in the sun.

CHAOYANG PARK BEACH VOLLEYBALL GROUND: The pitch, which will host the beach volleyball competition, consists of 17,000 tons of sand imported from the island of Hainan, south of China. While the site was being built, construction workers came across a dilapidated temple, which, after careful excavation, was found to be ruins from the Ming Dynasty

LAOSHAN VELODROME: Occupying an area of almost 33,000 sq m, this building's roof is shaped like a bicycle wheel. Up to 9,000 spectators will be able to watch the cycling events in the stadium, which stands 33m tall

BASKETBALL GYMNASIUM: Incredibly, this gymnasium has three floors underground in addition to its four floors on the surface. The outside is made from alloy panels which are able to reflect the sun's heat to keep the spectators inside cool

GREEN ARCHERY FIELD: This stadium will be dismantled when the Games finish at the end of August. There is a seating capacity of 5,300 and the grass is kept green by recycled water fed from two reservoirs nearby

THE CHINA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY GYMNASIUM: Up to 8,200 spectators will be seated in this venue, which will host the wrestling events. The panels of glass in the ceiling can be specially adjusted to allow extra ventilation and natural lighting inside

THE GREEN TENNIS COURT: The stadium has been designed in the shape of a lotus flower to ensure maximum ventilation for the athletes and spectators. The three main courts are dodecagonal - they have 12 sides - and there are stands at each edge. Up to 17,400 people can be seated in the venue, which covers an area of almost 42 acres. There are ten courts in total - three main and seven 'preliminary competition' courts

BEIJING UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY GYMNASIUM: This arena - which covers 22,000 sq m - will host badminton and rhythmic gymnastics. The eco-friendly stadium uses recycled rainwater to cool the air in summer and heat from the ground to keep spectators warm in winter

NATIONAL AQUATICS CENTRE: Each giant panel in the walls and ceiling is filled with water which is continually pumped through the structure. Up to 8,500 spectators will watch the swimming and diving events

SPORTS CENTRE GYMNASIUM: This bizarre structure will seat 6,300 spectators for the handball competition. All windows and doors have been thermally insulated, with an extra concrete and aluminium wall added to the exterior to ensure it stays cool

CHINA'S NATIONAL STADIUM: The 91,000-seater flagship venue will host the opening and closing ceremonies and the athletics events. Known as the Bird's Nest for its lattice of interwoven steel, the structure is even to be found on the country's banknotes