The Water Cube, also known as the National Aquatics Center, is located on the northern side of Beijing’s urban area. Its architecture is quite distinctive, with an exterior wall composed of over 3000 irregular air-filled pillows resembling bubbles, which from a distance look like water molecules in a blue ocean. At night, the colorful lights make it an excellent spot for night photography.
Upon entering the Water Cube, sunlight filters through, revealing that the bubbles constituting the exterior wall are layered, creating a sensation as if one has entered a world of stacked bubbles, akin to a mermaid princess’s fairy tale. Many people are tempted to touch the bubbles, and the Water Cube satisfies this curiosity in one place only—the 170 square meter ‘Bubble Bar’ located at the southeast corner of the second floor. Elsewhere, visitors are not allowed to touch the special membrane structure that forms the bubbles. Please handle the bubbles gently at the ‘Bubble Bar’ to show care for the Water Cube. If you wish to have an intimate encounter with cool water, both the swimming pool on the first floor and the Water Cube Water Park can fulfill your desire. Swimming in the pool used by Olympic athletes allows you to experience the feeling of being a sports star. The deep water area of the pool is strictly monitored by staff, and entry is only permitted with a deep water certificate. When entering the Water Cube, you can request to obtain a deep water certificate on the spot. After passing a 200-meter swim and a 30-second treading water test, and paying a 20 yuan fee, you can enter. Remember to bring a 1-inch photo. Lockers in the swimming pool are free of charge. The Water Cube Water Park features thrilling indoor water amusements such as the Deep Sea Tornado (a large funnel), Rolling Rivers (tubular high-speed slides), and Crazy Tsunami (artificial waves). Lockers in the Water Park require an additional rental fee and a key deposit. Consumption within the park is charged to the key card, eliminating the need for cash. If necessary, you can pre-charge the key card at the service desk, and the remaining balance will be refunded when you return the key card upon departure. Both the swimming pool and the Water Cube Water Park are air-conditioned, maintaining a constant temperature all year round, making them enjoyable even in winter. It is important to note that there is no time limit for visiting the Water Cube and the Water Cube Water Park. However, swimming sessions are limited to 2 hours, including showering and changing (with an additional 30 minutes for obtaining a deep water certificate). Overtime charges apply: 20 yuan for up to 30 minutes, 30 yuan for 30 to 60 minutes, and 40 yuan for over 60 minutes. In the evening, the Water Cube illuminates with blue lights as its main color, occasionally changing hues, complementing the red lights of the adjacent Bird’s Nest (National Stadium), creating a ‘fire and ice’ effect. It is recommended not to visit too late, as the lights are turned off around 21:30-22:00. If you only wish to view the night scenery and not enter the interior, do not arrive too late.In addition to hosting aquatic events and being open for tourists to visit and swim, there are also variety shows filmed at the Water Cube. For example, ‘Stars Diving Cube’ which was extremely popular on TV in 2013. The Water Cube sells souvenirs related to the Olympics and the Water Cube itself. In the open area between the Water Cube and the Bird’s Nest, there are long strings of kites (many small kites connected in a series) for sale. They are very unique and you can fly kites here. The water and food inside the scenic area are relatively expensive.
Opening hours: From July 18 to October 7, it is open from 10:30 to 22:30; from October 8 to March 31, it is open from 10:30 to 20:30. Preferential policies: Children: Children under 6 years old or with a height of 1.2 meters (inclusive) or less are free of charge for the main entrance ticket. They need to be accompanied by an adult with a ticket to enter for free. Elderly: Elderly people aged 65 years old (inclusive) or above can enter for free with their valid certificates. Elderly people aged 60 to 64 years old can enter with their valid identity documents or senior citizen cards at half price. Disabled people: Free of charge with their valid disability certificates. Retired cadres: Free of charge with their valid certificates. Military personnel: Active-duty Chinese military personnel (including armed police) can enter at half price with their ‘Police Officer Certificate’, ‘Military Officer Certificate’, ‘Civilian Cadre Certificate’, and ‘Soldier Certificate’. Students: Primary and secondary school students and college students can enter at half price with their student ID cards. Fire and rescue personnel: Enter at half price with their ‘Firefighter Certificate’ and ‘Fire Cadre Certificate’. Supplementary note: For tourists enjoying half-price preferential policies, please show the original relevant certificates for enjoying preferential policies when purchasing tickets and entering. For tourists enjoying free admission policies, please show the original relevant certificates for enjoying free admission policies when entering. Photocopies are invalid.
