Water Cube

The Beijing National Aquatics Center, known as the Water Cube, is an aquatics center that was built alongside the Beijing National Stadium for the 2008 Summer Olympics. It may be known as the cube, but the building is shaped like a rectangle. During the 2008 Olympics, a staggering and impressive 25 world records were set in the complex. The park has gone through quite a few changes to attract visitors to the Olympic site and make it the attraction that it is today. In August 2010, the 20,000 sq ft Water Cube reopened as an exciting destination for those who love water. It is thought to be Asia's largest water park and features a wave pool, lazy river, spa, water slides, and various rides. Quick Fact on Water Cube Location : No.11, Tianchen East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing Opening Hours : 9:00-18:00 Ticket Price : CNY30 How to Get : Take the Subway Line 8 and get off at the Olympic Sports Center Station. Exit at the B1 North Exit. Take Bus 386, 407, 490, 613, 645, or 658 and get off at the Beichen Bridge West Station. Or take Bus 81, 82, 510, or 607 and get off at the Beichen West Bridge North Station. Design of the Water Cube The design of the Water Cube was chosen by the Chinese people and really is an inspiring and unique creation, a mixture of the super modern and traditional design. The square shape is a reflection of the Chinese symbol for Earth , and the circular shape of the National Stadium is meant to represent Heaven. The Aquatics Center looks like it is covered in thousands of soap bubbles, which give a 21st-century feel to the building. The structure is clad with a tough recyclable material that weighs much less than a piece of glass of equal size, and the bubble cladding cleans itself in the rain, so no need for window cleaners ; the rain does the job for them. The Water Cube comes with a greenhouse-type effect, allowing high levels of daylight into the building, to assist with heating the swimming pools and building, thereby reducing energy consumption by a commendable 30 percent . So not only does the building look impressive, but it was designed with the environment in mind, a definite all-around winner. Happy Magic in Water Cube The Water Cube was not designed to permanently host swimming competitions. From conception, its real intended purpose was to be a water park. With the opening of the Happy Magic Watercube, the Water Cube is now recognized as th