Water Cube
Facts of the Water Cube in Beijing
Beijing Water Cube Architecture
Beijing Water Cube Construction Details
The construction of the Beijing National Aquatics Center (Water Cube) began on December 24, 2003, and was completed on January 1, 2008. Covering a land area of 6.3 hectares and a building area of 7.95 hectares, it measures 177 meters in length, 177 meters in width, and stands 30 meters tall.
This venue has a total of four floors, with three floors above ground and one floor underground. The underground section served as the service area during the Olympics. The first floor houses the warm-up pool, the second floor features the auditorium with 6,000 fixed seats (2,000 of which are removable) and 11,000 temporary seats, and the third floor is designated for commercial use.
Design Inspiration
The Water Cube in Beijing was jointly designed by the CSCEC Design Consortium, the Australian PTW Architects, and ARUP Engineering Consultants. The design concept of "round heaven and square earth" originated from traditional Chinese culture and inspired the creation of the Water Cube. This complements the circular Bird's Nest (National Stadium), enhancing each other's beauty. The square shape is the most basic form of ancient Chinese urban architecture, representing the social and ethical norms of Chinese culture.Highly-sustainable Facade
The National Aquatics Center boasts a highly sustainable building wrapped in a translucent ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) outer membrane. This material of Beijing Water Cube, weighing just one percent of the same-sized glass, functions like an insulated greenhouse. These translucent, recyclable membranes allow the Water Cube to be well-lit during the day, combined with appropriate artificial lighting inside, providing a visual delight.Energy-saving Design
Many energy recycling systems have been incorporated into the design of Beijing Water Cube to reduce energy consumption, such as heat recovery from warm exhaust air for warming up the cold outside air (fresh air supply). Its 30,000 square meter rooftop collects all rainwater, equivalent to the annual use of 100 households, and 80% of wastewater is recycled. This reduces the pressure on urban water supply systems.In terms of light utilization, due to the adoption of special membrane materials and corresponding technologies in the Water Cube, the venue can utilize natural light for up to 9.9 hours each day. Over the course of a year, it will save up to 55% of lighting energy consumption as a result.Venues in the Beijing Water Cube
Olympic Competition Venue
The Olympic Competition Venue is the core area of the Water Cube. The entire hall is 116 meters long, 70 meters wide, and 30 meters high, and covers an area of 8,120 square meters. It contains a swimming pool that is 25 meters by 50 meters with a depth of 3 meters, and a diving pool that is 25 meters by 30 meters with a depth ranging from 4.5 to 5.5 meters. Besides, the seating area offers more than 5,000 blue color seats, resembling layers of splashing waves from a pool of blue water.Warm-up Pool
The Warm-up Pool is located on the west side of the Beijing National Aquatics Center (Water Cube). It is a 50-meter standard swimming pool built entirely in accordance with international competition standards. It adopts a full-air system, maintaining the poolside temperature ranging from 22 and 26 degrees Celsius throughout the year.Multifunctional Hall
The Multifunctional Hall in Beijing Water Cube is located in the comprehensive functional area. The entire hall is 60 meters long, 40 meters wide, and 17 meters high, covering an area of 2,400 square meters and accommodating approximately 1,000 people. Equipped with three standard indoor tennis courts, the venue boasts a spacious area for diverse exhibition designs, providing a platform for domestic and international cultural and artistic exchanges and exhibitions.
Water Park
Occupying an area of approximately 20,000 square meters, the Water Park in Beijing Water Cube is one of the largest and most sophisticated indoor water parks in China and worldwide. It boasts several aquatic attractions that have debuted globally for the first time and is hailed as a model for the post-Olympic operation of venues.Exhibition Halls
Exhibition and commemoration halls there have witnessed the history of the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Besides, the Water Cube Secret Exploration Hall is also a significant part of Beijing Water Cube as it reflects the philosophies of "Ecology, Science and Technology, and Humanism.Water Droplet Theater
The Water Droplet Theatre covers an area of approximately 200 square meters and has 150 seats. It is used to play 3D films, laser high-definition films, etc. Additionally, commercial and cultural activities such as press conferences are also held there.Things to Do in Beijing Water Cube
Enjoy Yourself in the Water Cube Water Park
The Beijing Water Cube Water Park features a total of ten aquatic amusement projects, with more than 20 various slides for visitors to experience the excitement and joy of water entertainment. Among them, the Deep Sea Tornado, Ocean Roller Coaster, Speedy Undercurrent, and Seabed Shuttle will bring visitors an exhilarating aquatic adventure. The dynamic stage, accompanied by dazzling lighting and passionately trending music, makes water play extremely fun.By the way, the Beijing Water Cube Water Park is suitable for kids. If you prefer a more exhilarating adventure on the water, you may turn to the Happy Magic Water Cube in Beijing, which offers more programs for you to venture into.
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Embark on an Exploration of Olympic Relics
Being one of the most dramatic and exciting sports venues built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Water Cube has witnessed many thrilling moments. Upon arriving on the first floor, you’ll see the Winter Olympic torch, tickets from two Olympic Games, and postcard messages from athletes around the world. Moreover, you can also purchase Olympic souvenirs or collect Olympic-related stamps.Swim in the Olympic Warm-Up Pool
The Warm-up Pool in the Beijing Water Cube is open for swimming throughout the year. It offers not only standard swimming lanes but also Olympic-level facilities, making you feel as if you are in an Olympic venue. Disinfected with ozone, this pool ensures a high water quality. By the way, this pool features both a deep water zone and a shallow water zone, each with 5 lanes. The deep water zone is 2 meters deep, and a deep water certificate is required to swim there.
Immerse in the Breathtaking Night View
The night scenery of the Water Cube in Beijing is a must-see during your Beijing city tour. As night falls and the lights are on, the blue lights make it a shimmering blue ocean on a dark night, creating a dazzling scene that is perfect for photographing. More amazingly, the red glow of the Bird's Nest and the blue light of the Water Cube complement each other, forming a vibrant and colorful picture.
Experience Ice Sports at Ice Cube
The Ice Cube is located 11 meters underground at the South Square of the Beijing Water Cube. It features a 1,830-square-meter standard ice rink and a curling arena with four standard curling lanes measuring 45 meters by 5 meters. You can experience Winter Olympic-level curling lanes there. Additionally, the Ice Cube offers skating programs suitable for visitors of different levels, from beginners to professional enthusiasts.
Explore Exhibitions and Cultural Activities
The Water Cube houses various exhibitions and cultural activities, such as art exhibitions, fashion shows, concerts, and more, through which you'll experience the vibrant culture of this city. Besides, this center also features a small museum that introduces the history and development of the National Aquatics Center, which should not be missed.How to Get to the Beijing Water Cube
The Water Cube in Beijing is located in the Olympic Park, and it’s easy to reach. Below are feasible ways for you to get there.By Subway
Beijing has an advanced subway transportation system. To get to the Water Cube in Beijing, subway Line 8 should be the first option. No matter if you are at Nanluoguxiang, Beihai Park, Forbidden City, or the Temple of Heaven, you can take Subway Line 8, get off at Olympic Sports Center Station, and get out from Exit B1. Alternatively, you can also get off at Olympic Park Station and exit from Exit D. Then, walk for about 10 minutes and you’ll arrive at the Water Cube.
By the way, if there is no station for you to take Subway Line 8 directly, you can take Subway Line 2, 5, or 13 and switch to Subway Line 8.
By Bus
You can also take a bus to the Beijing Water Cube and enjoy the scenery along the way. Get on buses No 81, 82, 510, 607, or Sightseeing Bus No 3 and get off at Beichen Xiqiao North Station, then you’ll be there. Just note that one or two transfers may be required if there is no direct bus.By Taxi
It is a good way to get to the Water Cube in Beijing by taxi to avoid crowds. In Beijing, the initial taxi fare is 13 yuan for journeys up to 3 kilometers, with an additional charge of 2.3 yuan per kilometer for distances beyond that. Besides, you can turn to ride-hailing services, which are more economical.Explore the Beijing Water Cube with Easy Tour China
If you find it hard to make a hassle-free plan or want to visit more places of interest together with the Water Cube in Beijing, don’t hesitate to contact us. We specialize in personalized and customized Beijing tour packages and will arrange the trip for you according to your preferences and requirements.
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