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11 Tianchen E. Rd., Chaoyang, Beijing, China (inside Olympic park)
Landmark building for 2008 Beijing Olympic Games; famed for shooting night view
National Aquatics Centre, also known as 'The Water Cube', is one of the most dramatic and exciting venues to host sporting events for the Beijing Olympics in 2008. The external appearance was inspired by the natural formation of soap bubbles! It utilized state-of-the-art technology and materials to achieve the visually exciting structure, but it's more than just a pretty place.
The innovative design concept successfully addressed four key concerns for the Beijing games; namely economic, social, environmental and natural resources issues. Central to the design philosophy is the core objective of water conservation. Water in Northern China is a valuable commodity, and the outer membrane has self-cleaning and water collection properties. The roof facade can "collect" 10,000 tons of rain water, 70,000 tons of clean water and 60,000 tons of swimming pool water annually. The building uses solar energy to heat the pools and the interior area, and all backwash water is filtered and returned to the swimming pools, saving another 140,000 tons in recycled water a year. The light-weight cladding allowed for a lighter internal structure, using far less steel than a conventional, glass-clad structure, a significant saving. Ground was broken on December 24, 2003, and the Center was completed and handed over for use on January 28, 2008.
The Water Cube at night
The structure had a capacity of 17,000 during the games; reduced to 6,000 for post-Olympics use. Taking up a total land surface of 65,000 square meters, it covers a total of 32,000 square meters (7.9 acres). Although called the Water Cube, the aquatic center is really a cuboid - 178 meters (584 feet) square and 31 meters (102 feet) high, a big box of beautiful bubbles.
Swimmers at the Water Cube broke 25 world records during the 2008 Summer Olympics; perhaps the refreshing environment inspires more than just visual appreciation.
From afar, the Water Cube resembles shimmering clusters of blue water molecules floating in the air. This is thanks to over 3,000 irregularly shaped air cushions that make up its exterior. These "bubbles" are made of a special plastic membrane and create a dazzling, oceanic appearance—especially when illuminated at night. The colorful LED lights that glow after sunset make this spot a top pick for night photography lovers.
Once inside, natural light filters through the layered bubbles, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere—as if you’ve stepped into a fairytale bubble kingdom under the sea. Many visitors feel the irresistible urge to poke the “bubbles” and wonder whether they are hard or soft. While most parts of the structure are off-limits to touch, there's a special area called the “Bubble Bar”, located on the second floor southeast corner, where you can gently tap and feel a sample of the material. This 170-square-meter interactive zone satisfies your curiosity—but remember, be gentle and show some love to the Water Cube!
Dream of swimming where Olympic champions once raced? You can! The main swimming pool is open to the public, offering a one-of-a-kind experience. However, the deep-water area is restricted to qualified swimmers. To access it, you’ll need a deep-water swimming certificate. Don’t have one? No worries—you can apply on-site by completing a test (swim 200 meters and tread water for 30 seconds), provide a 1-inch photo, and pay a ¥20 fee. Locker use in the swimming area is free of charge.
Each swim session lasts 2 hours, including time to shower and change. If you exceed the time limit, you’ll be charged extra: ¥20 for up to 30 minutes, ¥30 for 30–60 minutes, and ¥40 if you overstay by more than an hour.
If you’re in the mood for thrills and splashes, the Water Cube Water Park on the ground floor is the place to be. This indoor water amusement park offers attractions for both kids and adrenaline junkies alike:
It’s the perfect all-weather destination—fully air-conditioned and temperature-controlled all year round, so even in the cold Beijing winter, you can still enjoy a tropical water adventure.
To use the lockers in the Water Park, there’s a ¥30 rental fee plus a ¥100 refundable deposit for the wristband key. You can also load money onto the wristband to make purchases inside the park, with refunds handled at the end when you return it.
❗ Tip: The Water Park and the main pool are in different areas. Entry to one does not include access to the other.
There’s no time limit for general sightseeing or visiting the Water Park. However, swimming sessions are limited to 2 hours, and the deep-water test time is an additional 30 minutes.
When evening falls, the Water Cube transforms into a glowing blue jewel. Its LEDs shift through various colors, contrasting beautifully with the red glow of the Bird’s Nest next door—creating a stunning "fire and ice" visual experience. The lights usually stay on until around 9:30–10:00 PM, so if you’re planning to photograph the exterior only, make sure to arrive early enough before the lights go out.
Inside the Water Cube, you’ll find official Olympic and Water Cube-themed souvenirs. Between the Water Cube and the Bird’s Nest lies a spacious plaza where locals often fly long-chain kites—a charming sight to behold, and a unique souvenir if you're lucky enough to find one for sale. However, be aware that food and drinks inside the attraction are more expensive than average.
By Subway:
🚇 Line 8 — get off at Olympic Sports Center Station or Olympic Park Station, exit B2.
By Bus:
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Route 82 / 419 / 538 / 645 – Get off at National Stadium East (Bird’s Nest)
Route 386 / 407 / 645 – Get off at Asian Games Village
Route 81 / 82 / 510 / 607 – Get off at Beichen West Bridge North
From on request
From $ 277
From on request
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