Water Cube (National Aquatics Center)

Overview

The National Aquatics Center, known as the Water Cube, is a shimmering cube of translucent blue bubbles that hosted swimming events at the 2008 Olympics. Part of the building has been converted into a vibrant indoor water park.

Highlights

• Bubble Architecture: The exterior of 4,000 ETFE bubble cushions creates a constantly shifting blue glow, inspired by the molecular structure of water.
• Water Park: The Happy Magic Water Cube water park features slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers — a popular family destination.
• Ice Cube: For the 2022 Winter Olympics, the pool was fitted with a removable ice surface for curling, earning it the nickname 'Ice Cube.'

History

Designed by PTW Architects and Arup, it was completed in 2008. The cost was partly funded by donations from Chinese communities worldwide. Its ETFE cushion exterior was a world-first engineering achievement.

Visitor Tips

• Best at Night: The building's blue glow is most spectacular after dark, when the bubble-surface illumination creates an ethereal effect.
• Swimsuits: Bring swimwear if you plan to use the water park. Facilities are well-equipped.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes (exterior) or 2–3 hours (water park).