An examination is made of tourism at Olympic sites by reflective analyses of experiences gained at the Beijing Olympic Green. An account of experiences at the site, accompanied by photographs, was analysed through different cultural lenses to reveal distinctive characteristics of the setting and divergent interpretations of tourist behaviour. The findings enhance understanding of the role of Olympic sites as tourist attractions and the importance of photography as part of the tourist experience and as a research tool. The study demonstrates the utility of post‐experience interpretations when informed by relevant theoretical frameworks. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.