Published : 2025-01-28
On January 28, 2008, the National Aquatics Centre, also known as the "Water Cube," was officially completed.
The Water Cube is located in Beijing Olympic Park and serves as the main swimming venue constructed for the Beijing Olympics. It is also one of the iconic buildings of the Beijing Olympics.
The design of the Water Cube was the result of a global design competition. Construction began on December 24, 2003. Along with the "Bird's Nest" (National Stadium), it lies on either side of the northern end of Beijing's central axis, together forming a relatively complete image of Beijing as a historic and cultural city.
One of the major features of the Water Cube is that it is China's first venue to use an ETFE cushion structure. It is also the world's largest membrane structure building in terms of architectural area with the most complex functional requirements.
Additionally, the Water Cube is the only Beijing Olympic competition venue funded by overseas Chinese from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, such as the father-son duo Cheng Yu-Tung(鄭裕彤) and Cheng Kar-Shun(鄭家純) along with their affiliated enterprises, who donated 50 million RMB.
The Water Cube has a total of 17,000 seats and hosted events such as swimming, diving, and synchronized swimming during the Beijing Olympics. Afterward, it will be transformed into an international, fashionable centre focused on water features, integrating sports training, cultural entertainment, fitness, and leisure.
