The Beijing National Swimming Centre, nicknamed the Water Cube (Shuǐ Lì Fāng), is one of the most recognizable structures from the 2008 Olympic Games. Built opposite the National Stadium (the "Bird's Nest"), its translucent facade owes its distinctive character to ETFE cushions that mimic soap bubbles. A venue for swimming competitions in 2008, it hosted curling during the 2022 Winter Games, becoming the first Olympic site to serve two such different disciplines.

Quick Facts

• Access: Metro Line 8, Olympic Green station; walking distance from Olympic Park.
• Recommended duration: 1 to 2 hours for the exterior and park; longer if visiting inside or the water park.
• Entrance: The exterior and Olympic Park are freely accessible; the interior (Water Cube water park) requires a ticket.
• Dress code: Swimwear required for the indoor water park.

What to See

The facade comprises 3,065 ETFE cushions (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene), a lightweight polymer that filters natural light and shifts in color throughout the day. At night, the building illuminates in electric blue, creating a striking contrast with the neighboring Bird's Nest. Inside, the 50-meter Olympic pool sits alongside water slides and aquatic attractions open to the public.

History and Context

Designed by Australian firm PTW Architects in collaboration with ARUP and CSCEC, the building was completed in 2007. Its structure draws inspiration from the natural geometry of bubbles—the cushion arrangement follows Weaire-Phelan theory, a mathematical solution for filling space with identical cells. During the 2008 Olympics, Michael Phelps won eight gold medals here. In 2022, the pool was temporarily converted into a curling rink for the Winter Games.

Highlights of Your Visit

The ETFE Facade at Night

The Water Cube's nocturnal blue illumination ranks among the most striking visual spectacles of Olympic Park. Plan to visit after sunset to witness the building in its full luminous glory.

The Indoor Water Park

Repurposed as a family attraction, the interior features water slides, a wave pool and the Olympic basin. It's a rare experience: swimming in an authentic Olympic venue.

The View from Olympic Park

The central axis of Olympic Park aligns the Water Cube, the Bird's Nest and the Olympic Tower. This perspective offers a complete overview of the 2008 Olympic urban planning, designed as an extension of Beijing's historic north-south axis.

Photography Tips

• Best time: Sunset then dusk, when the blue illumination contrasts with the orange sky.
• Recommended angle: From the central plaza of Olympic Park, to frame the Water Cube and Bird's Nest together.
• Daylight: On cloudy days, the translucent facade diffuses soft, even light, ideal for capturing details of the bubble structure.
• Restrictions: Photography is generally permitted outdoors; check rules inside with staff.

Location and Access

The Water Cube is located in Beijing Olympic Park, Chaoyang District, in the northern part of the city. It is accessible by Metro Line 8 (Olympic Green station) or Line 15 (Olympic Green station). The site is approximately 10 km from the historic center (Tian'anmen Square). Accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility is ensured on the exterior plaza; inquire about the interior.

Immediately nearby: the National Stadium (Bird's Nest) and the Beijing Olympic Tower.

In the Surrounding Area

• National Stadium (Bird's Nest) — Just steps away, the other icon of the 2008 Olympics, whose interlaced steel structure is equally photographed.
• Summer Palace — West of Olympic Park, this UNESCO-listed imperial complex blends gardens, lake and pavilions from the Qing dynasty.
• Forbidden City — The historic heart of Beijing, accessible by metro from Olympic Park.
• Temple of Heaven — In the south of the city, one of the best-preserved ritual complexes of Ming architecture.