TENN360 | THE FAN'S GUIDE TO THE TOUR
tennis is more than the score.
BEIJING OPEN
Tour
ATP/WTA
Date of event
29 Sept-10 Oct 2027
Location
Beijing
Surface
Hard outdoor
Singles Title
N Djokovic/Q Zheng
Doubles Title
J Cash L Glasspool/G Dabrowski L Stefani
Level
500/1000
TENN360 INSIGHT:
There is something rather striking about a tournament that sits at the crossroads of East and West tennis, in a city that feels both ancient and ultra-modern at the same time.
The China Open is one of the most important combined events in Asia, bringing together ATP and WTA action at the National Tennis Center in Beijing, originally built for the 2008 Olympics.
Its centrepiece, the Diamond Court, is one of the most impressive stadiums on the tour, complete with a retractable roof and a design that feels purpose-built for big occasions.
But what really makes it stand out is the scale.
This is not just a tennis tournament — it’s a full-blown tennis festival, with multiple show courts, packed outer courts, and a city that treats sport on this level with real seriousness.
And then there’s Beijing itself.
One moment you’re watching a top-10 clash, the next you’re stepping out into a city of imperial palaces, wide boulevards and neon-lit evenings.
A tournament with elite tennis, Olympic legacy, and one of the world’s great capitals on the doorstep?
Yes, absolutely.
For the Diamond Court, I’d aim for a side-on seat in the lower or mid tiers.
The official seating layout separates baseline and sideline views, and while baseline seats can feel dramatic, side-on positions give you the best sense of the rally patterns, spacing, and sheer speed of the game.
You see everything develop.
One thing to note: depending on the section, some upper-tier seats can feel quite distant, so I’d prioritise height and angle over simply being “central”.
And don’t ignore the outer courts.
If you value closeness over prestige, a smaller court can deliver a far more immersive experience than a high seat in the main stadium.
Sometimes the best tennis in Beijing isn’t on the biggest stage.
Very good.
The National Tennis Center layout allows for multiple practice courts, and players are often visible training away from the main stadiums.
With a bit of planning, you can get surprisingly close.
The outer courts are your best opportunity for informal viewing — especially during early rounds when schedules are more flexible.
If you want to maximise your chances, arrive early and check practice schedules rather than heading straight to the main court.
There are also hospitality and fan experiences that can include closer access, depending on your ticket type.
So yes — it’s worth bringing the autograph pen.
I’d go if you want elite tennis combined with a major global city break that feels slightly off the usual European circuit.
The China Open works especially well if you like variety — ATP and WTA action in the same venue, often on the same day, with a constant flow of top-tier matches.
I’d also go if you enjoy modern sporting architecture and Olympic legacy venues.
The National Tennis Center still carries that 2008 energy, and it shows in the scale and organisation of the site.
And if you’re a fan of Chinese tennis, this is a particularly meaningful stop.
There’s a real sense of pride when home players step onto court in Beijing.
I’d take full advantage of the fact that your ticket is only the beginning of the experience.
If you’re on the main show courts, you can usually access surrounding courts and practice areas, subject to capacity and scheduling.
So don’t just plant yourself in your seat for the entire day.
Explore.
The outer courts at the National Tennis Center are where you often get the closest, most intimate views of players warming up or grinding through early-round matches. Then you can drift back to the Diamond Court when the big names appear.
I’d also strongly consider night sessions.
There’s something uniquely Beijing about world-class tennis under the lights, with a crowd that builds energy as the evening deepens.
And plan your arrival carefully.
Beijing is vast, and while transport is efficient, distances can be deceptive. A hotel that looks “nearby” on a map may still involve a proper journey across the city.
Beijing in late September and early October is usually one of the nicest times of year to visit — but don’t be fooled into thinking the sun is weak.
Daytime sessions can still be bright and warm, especially on the outer courts where shade is limited.
The good news is that the Diamond Court’s retractable roof makes the main stadium very comfortable when conditions shift, whether it’s heat, glare, or the occasional rain shower.
Out on the smaller courts, though, you’re fully exposed.
So bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen if you’re planning a full day of tennis.
And if you can choose, I’d lean towards evening sessions anyway.
The tennis is high quality.
The Beijing night atmosphere is something else entirely.
This is Beijing, so public transport is the smartest option.
The National Tennis Center is located in the Olympic Green area and is well connected via the city’s extensive subway system and road network.
The tournament provides clear guidance on metro access, and it’s generally the most efficient way to arrive and leave.
I wouldn’t recommend driving unless absolutely necessary.
Traffic in Beijing can be heavy, especially around major event times, and parking is not designed for casual spectators.
The good news is that once you’re inside the complex, everything is clearly laid out and easy to navigate.
And after the tennis?
Beijing is right there waiting — from street food to palaces to late-night city lights.
I’d skip it if you prefer small, compact tournaments where everything is within a few steps and you can casually drift between courts without much walking.
The China Open is a large, spread-out complex.
That’s great if you like exploring — less ideal if you want everything tightly contained.
I’d also think twice if you’re travelling purely for one specific player, especially given how packed the calendar can be and how often schedules change.
And if you’re looking for traditional, historic tennis charm, this isn’t that.
Beijing is modern, bold, and built for scale.
Power in Numbers
32/96
Single Draws
15,000
Centre court seat
11
Courts