Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) | Beijing

Information

Landmark: Water Cube (National Aquatics Center)
City: Beijing
Country: China
Continent: Asia

Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), Beijing, China, Asia

The Water Cube, officially known as the National Aquatics Center, is a public aquatics facility located in the Olympic Green, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.

It is a building characterized by its exterior cladding of ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) cushions, which create a translucent, bubble-like appearance. The structure is a rectangular prism with dimensions of 177 meters (581 ft) by 177 meters (581 ft) and a height of 31 meters (102 ft). Its architectural style is contemporary, with a focus on biomimicry, resembling a water droplet or soap bubbles.

Location & Access Logistics

The Water Cube is situated approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) north of Beijing's city center. Access is primarily via public transport. The nearest subway station is Olympic Green Station on Line 8, which is a 5-minute walk from the facility. Several bus lines also serve the area, including routes 82, 113, 409, and 607, with stops at the Olympic Green South Gate. Limited paid parking is available on-site for private vehicles.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Water Cube was constructed as a venue for the swimming, diving, and synchronized swimming events at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. It was designed by a joint venture of Australian firm PTW Architects, Chinese architectural firm CSCEC, and British engineering firm Arup. Construction began in 2003 and was completed in 2008. Following the Olympics, it was reconfigured into a public water park and sports complex.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include swimming in the Olympic-sized competition pool, using the water park attractions such as slides and wave pools, and participating in various aquatic fitness classes. The facility also offers diving platforms and synchronized swimming areas. Guided tours of the Olympic legacy areas are available.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available throughout the facility. Shaded areas are provided within the water park sections. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally good within the main building. Food vendors and a cafeteria are located on-site, offering a range of dining options.

Best Time to Visit

For photography of the exterior, late afternoon light provides optimal illumination of the ETFE cushions. The facility is open year-round. For swimming and water park activities, weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. The water temperature in the pools is maintained at a consistent level.

Facts & Legends

The ETFE material used for the exterior is self-cleaning and has excellent insulation properties, contributing to energy efficiency. A unique aspect of its design is the use of recycled water for its pools, reducing consumption.