Beijing National Stadium & the Bird's Nest

Beijing National Aquatics Center (also known as the Water Cube) was not only the swimming competition venue in the 2008 Olympic Games but is also one of the landmarks of Beijing. Located on both sides of Beijing’s central axis, the Water Cube and the Bird's Nest created a beautiful scene for the ‘humanistic Olympics’.

Facts

  • Area: 62,950 square meters
  • Cost: about 1 billion yuan
  • Floors: 4 levels
  • Dimensions: 177 m × 177 m × 30 m
  • Capacity: 17,000 seats

The Use of Beijing National Aquatics Center

Beijing National Aquatics Center was built for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, although since then it has become a comprehensive activities, sports, and entertainment center.

During the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

Beijing National Aquatics Center was one of the main sites during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. As well as swimming competitions, other sports events were held there, such as the Paralympic Games, the FINA Swimming World Cup, and the FINA Diving World Series.

After the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

After the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing National Aquatics Center has kept pace with the times, becoming a center for swimming, sport, fitness, and entertainment.

  • Water Park

Having close contact with water is a must-do activity in the Water Cube. If you don't like swimming, the Water Park may be a good entertainment choice. It is one of the largest and most advanced water parks in China. Having fun with water and admiring the wonderful design is a popular way to enjoy the Water Cube.

  • Water Drop Theater

The Water Drop Theater covers 200 square meters and contains 150 seats. It is a comprehensive theater in Beijing. Many conferences and other business activities are often held there.

Fantastic Night Scenery

The most beautiful time to see the Water Cube is at night. When night falls, the "water molecules" light up in blue. From the outside, it looks as though the sparkling sea is in front of you. If you haven't seen the Water Cube at night, it’s a shame as you are missing the most wonderful side of it.

Travel Tips

Location: 11 Tianchen East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing Visiting duration: about 1 hour

Opening hours:

Peak season: May to October, 9am to 8pm Off-season: November to April, 9am to 6pm Admission price: 30 yuan for a sightseeing ticket 50 yuan for a swimming ticket 200 yuan for a ticket to the Water Park

How to Get There?

By Bus Take bus 81, 82, 510, or 607, and get off at Beichenxi Bridge North Station. Take bus 86 and get off at Anxiang North Road East Portal Station. By Subway Take subway line 8 and get off at Olympic Park Station.

Related Attractions

  • Beijing National Stadium, 500 meters
  • The China Ethnic Museum, 900 meters

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