TIMELINE
The National Aquatics Center (aka the Water Cube/Ice Cube) is an iconic venue first built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and later revamped for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
It is the only Olympic facility funded by compatriots from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macao Special Administrative Region, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese.
Hailed as one of the "New Architectural Wonders of China," it is one of Beijing's new representative structures.
Established in August 2007, Beijing National Aquatics Center Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Beijing State-Owned Assets Management Co., Ltd., is responsible for the operation and management of the National Aquatics Center.
Following the guiding principle of "maintaining the operation of the Olympic venues well after the games" issued by the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China and the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, the Beijing National Aquatics Center Co., Ltd. aims to become "a world-class venue operation service provider." The team continuously explore how to make full use of the Olympic venue in a comprehensive, recycled, and sustainable manner to provide a Chinese solution for the reuse of the Olympic venues. In 2019, the company was awarded the annual "Sport and Sustainable Architecture" by the International Olympic Committee.
Since the opening of the National Aquatics Center after the games, it has continued to expand its business scope. It has since been converted to hold various sports events, tours, large-scale activities, market development projects, franchise events, a water park, and an ice rink. As of the end of 2024, the center had received 31 million tourists, hosted more than 3,000 events, provided swimming services to about 3 million people, and hosted 19 international sports competitions.
Following the venue retrofit for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the National Aquatics Center has achieved a comprehensive upgrade of its operational capabilities based on the "water-to-ice conversion" project, and successfully held curling competitions in 2019 and 2021. The center, as a a venue of both 2008 and 2022 Olympic Games, will continue to serve as a model for reusing Olympic venues after the games and innovate and develop the Chinese solution for the provision of services for water and ice events.
The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games' icon venue-Water Cube, has transformed into "Ice Cube", which is the world's first Winter Olympic Stadium to create curling ice in a swimming pool.
In the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, "Water Cube" is set to serve as the curling venue.
The construction of the convertible structure of the Water Cube was completed on Aug. 1.
Following on from the completion of the major construction, the Water Cube will now finish the renovation of sports lighting, ice-making, and air-conditioning systems in the curling competition venues in October, and will hold the China Youth Curling Championship in December to debut.
With the convertible structure of the ice rink and the removable ice-making system, the venue in the future will have both water and ice functions.
After the ice-making equipment and ice layer are removed, the ice rink can be reduced to a swimming pool.
According to the plan, water sports will take place in spring, summer, and autumn, and ice sports will happen during winter.
After the renovation, the venue will receive an intelligent system upgrade as well. The new intelligence system will effectively monitor the changes in the thermal, humid and lighting environment in the competition hall.
It will ensure that under any heat load conditions, the arena can react to changes and provide dynamic heating throughout the indoor environment. For example, when the ice surface temperature of curling track reaches minus 8.5 C, the temperature above 1.5 m of ice surface remains at 10 C, the relative humidity does not exceed 30%, and the temperature in the stands is 16 C to 18 C.
The Water Cube has also carried out a research project on architectural acoustics of the curling hall, in which the most advanced building sound-absorbing materials will be used. Athletes who are more than 40 meters apart at both ends of the track can communicate clearly through shouting.
Underground in the South Square of the Water Cube, the Ice Cube ice sports center is under construction at the same time and is estimated to begin trial operation next May.
The Ice Cube ice sports center will not only provide a competition guarantee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games but also is expected to be used by 100,000 ice sports enthusiasts after the Games.
Children and their families play sports at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing, April 2, 2023.
Trophy for Sport and Sustainable Architecture presented to the National Aquatics Center in 2019 by the International Olympic Committee
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Outstanding Contribution to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics Award presented to the National Aquatics Center in April 2022 by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Outstanding Contribution to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics Award presented to the National Aquatics Center in April 2022 by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
A trophy awarded to the National Aquatics Center by China Daily for its charitable support in 2012
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Certificate of Honor, awarded to the National Aquatics Center on November 22, 2012, by the China Environmental Protection Foundation (CEPF) for its active participation in the "Golden Sun New Energy Charity Project"
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
2012 Honor, awarded to the National Aquatics Center for its support for the Indigo Project
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
2012 Excellent Organization Award of the 3rd Beijing Olympic City Sports and Culture Festival
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
2010 - 2012 Advanced Primary-Level Party Organization in "Striving for Excellence" activity
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Certificate of Donation issued to the National Aquatics Center on May 14, 2012, by the China Charities Aid Foundation for Children (CCAFC) for its provision of the venue for the children's charity
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Enterprise Volunteer award for the public welfare project "Let the Children Smile" offered to the National Aquatics Center in May, 2012
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Certificate of Honor, awarded to the National Aquatics Center on April 15, 2012, for its kindness and support for the Fifth World Autism Day event
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Certificate of Honor, awarded to the National Aquatics Center on April 2, 2012, for its kindness and support for the Fifth World Autism Day event
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
2011 Capital Role Model in Ethical and Cultural Progress
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
2011 "Top Ten Innovative Achievements" Award for publicity, by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of People's Government of Beijing Municipality
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Outstanding Contribution Award of the year (2011) for Chaoyang District, awarded to the National Aquatics Center for its support of migrant workers' children
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
First Prize of the National Scientific and Technological Progress Award in 2011
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
A letter of thanks from the FINA president in 2011 for the National Aquatics Center's contribution to the development of the sport and excellent organization of the 6th FINA Synchronised Swimming World Trophy
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Certificate of Donation issued to the National Aquatics Center on October 24, 2011, by the Chinese Red Cross Foundation for its support of rural teachers
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Architectural Award: 2011 Classic Design Award for Beijing International Design Week
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
The First Prize of the 26th Beijing Enterprise Innovation Achievements of Modern Management offered to the National Aquatics Center in September, 2011
Best Venue for Public Services to the People offered to the National Aquatics Center in August, 2011
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
2011 Outstanding Contribution Award of the Second Beijing Olympic City Sports and Culture Festival
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Certificate of Donation issued to the National Aquatics Center on July 17, 2011, by the Beijing Charity Association (BCA) for its support of the charity
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
The China Great Home Action's "Caring and Co-construction Unit" award to the National Aquatics Center in July, 2011
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Advanced Primary-Level Party Organization award offered to the National Aquatics Center in June, 2011, by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of People's Government of Beijing Municipality
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Classic Design Award offered to the National Aquatics Center at 2011 Beijing International Design Week
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Architectural Award: Outstanding Structure Award offered to the National Aquatics Center in 2010 by the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE)
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
The National Aquatics Center is granted the title "The Blessing Land for Olympic Champions and the Cradle of Reserved Talents" in December, 2010
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
The National Aquatics Center is granted the title "Home with Love" in August, 2010
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
2010 Excellent Organization Award of the First Beijing Olympic City Sports and Culture Festival
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
The First "Top Ten New Tourist Brand Names of Beijing" Award offered to the National Aquatics Center in June, 2010
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Outstanding Organization Award offered to the National Aquatics Center in April, 2010 for the "Warm Yushu: Beijing Workers in Action" donation event
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
2009 Capital Role Model in Ethical and Cultural Progress
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Architectural Award: Top Ten Contemporary Buildings in Beijing, 2009
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
2009 Exemplary Organization of Capital's National Security Work
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Certificate of Honor issued to the National Aquatics Center on June 22, 2009, by the China National Culture Foundation for its kindness and support for China's public welfare undertakings
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Architectural Award: The Second Prize of Beijing Olympic Project "Green Shade Award" awarded to the National Aquatics Center in March, 2009
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Architectural Award: The Special Award for Scientific and Technological Innovation of Beijing Olympic Project awarded to the National Aquatics Center in March, 2009
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Architectural Award: Outstanding Contribution Award for the implementation of "Green Olympics, Sci-Tech Olympics, and Humanistic Olympics" concept of Beijing Olympic projects awarded to the National Aquatics Center in March, 2009
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Architectural Award: The Technological Progress Award for Environmental Protection of Beijing Olympic Project awarded to the National Aquatics Center in March, 2009
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Most Popular Venue of the Spring Festival Golden Week in Beijing offered to the National Aquatics Center in February, 2009
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
China Construction Engineering Luban Prize in 2008
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Exemplary Organization of Olympic Project Construction awarded to the National Aquatics Center in April, 2008
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Exemplary Organization of Sci-Tech Olympics awarded to the National Aquatics Center in October, 2008
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Advanced Primary-Level Party Organization award offered to the National Aquatics Center in September, 2008
_ueditor_page_break_tag_
Excellent Organization Award in Crucial Work offered to the National Aquatics Center by the Beijing Olympic Venue Co-construction Committee of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Compatriots and overseas Chinese
Service Hotlines: 400 620 2022
Fax: 010 - 84370025
Address: Olympic Park, 11 East Tianchen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Competition Hall
The Olympic Competition Hall encompasses the Water Cube's core area. The hall is 116 meters long, 70 meters wide, and 30 meters high, covering 8,120 square meters in total. It has a swimming pool measuring 25 x 50 meters, with a depth of 3 meters, and a diving pool measuring 25 x 30 meters, with a depth of 4.5-5.5 meters.
The stands feature more than 5,000 blue color seats, making them look like droplets of water from the pools below. The hall is well ventilated and combines natural light with a pleasing sound design for a pleasant, comfortable, and exciting experience.
Warm-up Pool
The warm-up pool is built in full compliance with international competition standards and features both a deep area and a shallow area. The water is ozone-sterilized and supplemented by chlorine preparations to ensure optimal water quality. The ventilation system maintains a pool-side temperature of 22-26 degrees Celsius at all times.
Multifunctional Hall
The Multifunctional Hall is situated at the comprehensive functional zone in the western flank of the Water Cube. The hall is 60 meters long, 40 meters wide, and 17 meters high, covering an area of 2,400 square meters and has three standard-sized indoor tennis courts. It has a seating capacity of approximately 1,000 as well as adequate space for exhibitions, providing a top-notch venue to host domestic and international culture and arts events.
Water Park
As one of the largest Water Park in China and one of the world's most sophisticated indoor water parks, this venue features numerous recreational facilities and crystal-like water. Its location within the Water Cube also allows visitors to take in the charm of this massive and magical structure.
Exhibition in Commemoration of the Support to the 2008 Beijing Olympics from compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, overseas Chinese, and foreign nationals of Chinese origin
This exhibition shows how the Water Cube was the only Olympic venue to be built using donations from compatriots fromHong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese. The exhibition's photography captures how the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation generously donated their money to the Beijing Olympics and for the construction of the Olympic venue. The pictures rekindled feelings of the kith and kin between the Chinese people.
Exhibition in Commemoration of the Construction of the Water Cube, the Swimming Event Venue of the Beijing Olympics
This exhibition is situated on the fourth floor of the eastern side of the Water Cube's South Building. Covering nearly 300 square meters, the exhibition area boasts top-rate facilities and specialized and systemized services run by a professional operating team.
The exhibits closely relate to swimming and display their functions for humanistic and artistic exchange. The area is also home to commercial operations that span teaching, recreation, and communication activities.
Water Cube Secret Exploration Hall
This hall reviews how the magic structure of the Water Cube was built. The rich array of objects and high-tech demonstrations help visitors discover the building's three main philosophies of "Ecology, Science and Technology, and Humanism" that the structure reflects and enables.
Water Droplet Theater
Spanning about 200 square meters, the Water Droplet Theater has 147 seats and can display 3D and HD laser films using advanced digital laser projection equipment. It can also be used as a conference room and a site for commercial promotions and other commercial and cultural activities.
Side Buildings
TheWater Cube features two smaller buildings: a four-floor building on the southern side and a three-floor building on the north. They are replete with retail shops, coffee houses, a POP bar, a performance and film hall, rehearsal rooms, and small multi-functional halls.
They serve as sites for selling sportswear and gear, fashionable goods, and souvenirs, as well as sites for catering, coffee, tea, and other services for business talks and pleasure. They also offer a space for exhibitions, product promotion, conferences, parties, sports events, recreational activities, and high-end business talks.
South Square
The South Square is an outdoor activity area on the southern flank of the Water Cube. Covering 10,000 square meters, it accepts bookings for large-scale public relations activities, the performing arts, and exhibitions.
Opening hours*
Open: 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Ticket sales: 10:30 a.m. - 9:50 p.m.
Last entry: 10 p.m.
Venue cleared: 10:30 p.m.
*Hours listed are current as of August 2024 and may vary based on daily schedules.
Contact information
Service Hotlines: 400 620 2022
Fax: 010 - 84370025
You can scan the following QR code to purchase tickets:
Ticket information:
Ticket discount policy:
Free entry:
(1). Water Cube donors (with valid documents)
(2). Individuals aged 65 and older (with valid ID)
(3). People with disabilities (with valid documents)
(4). Children 6 and under or below 1.2 meters (must be accompanied by an adult)
Discounted price:
(1). Individuals aged 60-64 (with valid ID)
(2). Students (with valid student ID)
(3). Youth aged 7-18 (with valid ID)
(4). Active police, military, firefighters and rescue workers (with valid ID)
Note:
(1). Individuals eligible for the above discount policies must present appropriate documents, including those issued by relevant authorities of the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan), foreign student IDs, or valid foreign passports.
(2). Individuals who qualify for discounted tickets must present the necessary original documents at ticket purchase and entry. Copies are not accepted.
(3). Beijing National Aquatics Center Co. Ltd. reserves final interpretation rights for these policies.
Group ticketing and entry:
Group tickets with the "Honor the Water" light show cost 37 yuan per adult and 31 yuan for discounted entry.
If the light show is canceled, regular admission costs 21 yuan for adults and 15 yuan for discounted tickets. Check on-site notices for final pricing.
Notice for group ticket purchase and entry:
Tour group leaders or agency guides must buy tickets at the group ticket office. Bring a valid tour guide ID and a planned itinerary— one group ticket per tour group. To qualify for discounted tickets, follow policy guidelines and show the required documents.
Groups enter through Gates 6 and 7. Present group ticket, itinerary, and discount documents for verification. Tour guides enter for free with a valid ID.
Note: Operating hours, ticket prices, and open areas may vary. Check on-site notices daily.
Parkling lot service hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Parking Fee: RMB 5 yuan per hour
Capacity: 200 vehicles (fewer than 200 during hours for large-scale events)
Note: The parking lot is only open to small vehicles (≤7 seats)
Our Wechat
Mini Program
