The Beijing National Aquatics Center (国家游泳中心), also known as the “Water Cube (水立方),” is an iconic architectural masterpiece located in the Olympic Green in Beijing, China. The center was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and has since become a popular tourist destination in the city.
The Water Cube’s unique design is inspired by the structure of soap bubbles and features a distinctive blue-toned exterior. The center spans over 79,000 square meters and includes a competition pool, a warm-up pool, and a diving pool. The pools can hold up to 17,000 spectators, and the facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a sophisticated air-conditioning system and advanced water treatment facilities.
Today, the Water Cube is a popular venue for major aquatic events, such as swimming, diving, and water polo competitions. Visitors can also enjoy recreational swimming and diving activities in the center’s pools. The Water Cube is a must-visit destination for architecture and sports enthusiasts alike, and its striking design and cutting-edge facilities make it a landmark attraction in Beijing.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- HIghlights of Beijing National Aquatics Center
- Vlog about Water Cube
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Basic Information
| Website | http://www.water-cube.com/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | About 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | 30 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 22.00; Last admission: 21.00 (1st July – 31st October) 9.00 – 19.00; Last admission: 18.00 (1st November – 30th June the next year) |
Location and Transportation
The Beijing National Aquatics Center is located in the Olympic Green in the Chaoyang District of Beijing, China, near the Olympic Observation Tower and the Beijing National Stadium. The complex is easily accessible by public transportation, including the Beijing subway system and buses, making it a convenient location for visitors to the city.
Bus: Take bus 81, 82, 510, or 607, get off at Beichen Xiqiaobei (北辰西桥北), and the National Aquatics Center will be to your east.
Subway: Take Subway line 8, get off at Olympic Center, and walk about 800 meters to the north to reach the Water Cube.
HIghlights of Beijing National Aquatics Center
Unique Architecture
The unique architecture of the Water Cube in Beijing is inspired by the structure of soap bubbles. Its exterior is made of a lightweight plastic material that gives it a distinctive and eye-catching appearance. The blue-toned exterior panels are arranged in a complex pattern, resembling the cellular structure of soap bubbles. The panels also feature advanced lighting technology that allows them to change color and create stunning visual effects at night. The Water Cube’s innovative design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, as it maximizes the use of natural light and reduces energy consumption. This makes it a prime example of sustainable architecture and a cultural landmark of modern China.
World-Class Facilities
The National Aquatics Center in Beijing is a world-class facility that offers top-notch amenities for aquatic sports and activities. The center boasts a competition pool, a warm-up pool, and a diving pool, all equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure optimal conditions for athletes. The facility also features advanced air-conditioning and water treatment systems to ensure maximum comfort and safety. Visitors can enjoy recreational swimming and diving activities in the pools, making it a fun destination for families and individuals looking for a unique experience.
Cultural Significance
The National Aquatics Center has significant cultural significance as a symbol of China’s innovation and development. It played a key role in the 2008 Summer Olympics, where it hosted aquatic events and showcased China’s achievements on a global stage. The center’s unique architecture has become an iconic landmark of modern China. Its innovative and sustainable design also reflects the country’s commitment to environmentalism and technological progress.
Vlog about Water Cube
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Limited Access: Visitors are restricted to exploring only the first floor of the National Aquatics Center. The exhibition mainly consists of some technological displays related to the Water Cube, with only one competition venue accessible.
Ticket Consideration: If your visit is primarily for leisure and you’re content with just observing from the outside and taking photos, you could opt not to buy a ticket.
Dining Options: For dining options, you can choose to eat at the Shuang’ao Food Street near the entrance of the Water Cube. If you prefer indoor dining, head to the New Olympic Shopping Center near the Linglong Tower, where the basement level is dedicated to various dining establishments.
Itinerary Planning:
If you have other attractions on your travel itinerary, such as the Badaling Great Wall or the China Science and Technology Museum, you can plan to visit them all in one day. Start your day with a visit to the Badaling Great Wall in the morning. After returning from the Great Wall to Qinghe Station, take the subway to Olympic Park Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the China Science and Technology Museum. In the evening, you can enjoy the night views of the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube.