National Aquatics Center - Water Cube, Beijing Attraction

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National Aquatics Center - Water Cube

Water Cube

The National Aquatics Center, better known as “Water Cube”, is one of the best venues of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, built with donations from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan compatriot and overseas Chinese. It has four floors: one at street level, two above, and one below. Its floor space reaches 79,532 sq meters, while the below street level area is no less than 15,000 sq meters. The one below served as the service area during the Olympics. The first floor is for tourists. The auditorium is on the second floor with 6,000 fixed seats (2,000 of which are movable), and 11,000 temporary seats. The third floor is strictly for business.

The notion of the structural design originates from the natural formation of soap bubbles which give a random and organic appearance. To achieve this, research was undertaken by Weaire and Phelan (professors of physics) into how soap bubbles might be arranged into an infinite array. Comprising a steel space frame, it is the largest ETFE clad structure in the world with over 100,000 square meters (24.7 acres) of ETFE pillows that are only 0.2 mm (1/125 of an inch) in total thickness. The ETFE cladding allows more light and heat penetration than traditional glass, resulting in a 30% decrease in energy costs. The seemingly simple cube is the mingled product of Chinese tradition and modern technology. As far as Chinese are concerned, nothing can be accomplished without norms or standards. The holistic harmony and unity can be achieved as long as things are done in the good order. Influenced by the traditional idea that the earth is square and the heaven is round, the idea of making it cuboid is conceived. The Water Cube and the Bird's Nest reinforce each other in historic and cultural features of the city of Beijing. Such a cube best embodies the multi functions of the National Aquatics Center.

The venue hosted the swimming, diving and synchronized swimming events during the Olympics. After the Games, it turns into the international advanced center of swimming, sports, health-building services, and leisure activities. In 2022, it will be the venue of curling competitions during the Winter Olympic Games. Many people believe the Water Cube to house the fastest Olympic pool in the world. It is 1 meter (3.28 ft.) deeper than most Olympic pools. Up to a certain limit, beyond which swimmers will lose their sense of vision, deeper pools allow the waves to dissipate down to the bottom, leading to less water disturbance that will slow the swimmers. The pool also has perforated gutters on both sides to absorb the waves. Swimmers at the Water Cube broke 25 world records during the 2008 Olympics. For this, it has been reputed as a “magic water cube” and an “Aquatic Hall of Fame”. The Water Cube was a splendid architectural achievement and has become both a national pride and international sporting event landmark and venue.

The Watercube Waterpark

Open on August 8, 2010, this themed indoor waterpark is open after ten month's renovation. It is in the south part of the aquatics center. The new water amusement park inside the Water Cube is the largest and the best of its kind in China, allowing a functional capacity of 6,000 people. It is an ideal place for families with kids to escape the summer heat and have fun. The water temperature is said to be controlled at 23°C(73°F) in summer and 30°C(86°F) in winter. Coffee shops, leisure centers and VIP boxes are also available inside the water park. There are various of places inside the park to have fun: Tornado Rides, Bulletbowl, AquaLoop, Speedslide, Kid's Pool, Ride House, Pipeline, Wave Pool, Spa Pool, Lazy River and Passion for Stage.

National Aquatics Center

Travel Tip:

How to Get to Water Cube
Chinese name: 水立方 (shui li fang)
Tel: 86-10-84370112/84370116
Add: 11 TianChen East Rd., Chaoyang District, Beijing, China)
Admission Fee: CNY 30 (adult); CNY 15 (kids under 1.2 m)
Ticket for Swimming: CNY 50 per person
Through Ticket for the Water World and Water Cube Visiting:
CNY 200 (adults); CNY 160 (kids under 1.2 m)
Opening time: May to October: 9:00-20:00;
November to next April: 9:00-18:00

Water World Opening hours :10:00-22:00
By subway: Line 8 and get off at Olympic Green Station from Exit B and walk north..
By bus:
No. 386, 407, 611, 656, 660, 689, 740, 753 or Yuntong 113 and get off at Beichenqiao West (Bei Chen Qiao Xi) or the Asian Games Village (Ya Yun Cun).
No. 81, 82, 510 or 839 and get off at Beichenqiao North (Bei Chen Qiao Bei).

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