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The National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube, is an iconic building in Beijing and a must-see for architecture and sports enthusiasts. You can enjoy swimming in the famous aquatic center, explore the Water Cube park, or experience various water sports and attractions like the Water Park, where visitors can enjoy water slides, wave pools, and interactive water features.
The Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), located north of Beijing's urban area, hosted the swimming, diving, and other aquatic events at the 2008 Olympic Games. Its unique architecture features an exterior composed of over 3,000 irregularly shaped air bubbles, resembling water molecules in a blue ocean from a distance. At night, the water cube is illuminated with vibrant lights, making it a perfect spot for night photography.
When we visited the Water Cube and let the sunlight in, we discovered that the bubbles that made up the outer wall were not just one layer, but several layers. It was as if we had entered the fairy tale world of the mermaid princess inside the stacked bubbles.
Citizens can also use the swimming pool inside, and the lockers are free. There is also a water park with a constant temperature all year round. There are many amusement facilities inside, which is very exciting.
The temperate monsoon climate makes travel suitable all year round.
2-3 hours
Visit + swimming: 60 yuan/person
Peak season (July 1st - October 31st): 9:00-21:00; low season (November 1st - June 30th of the following year): 9:00-18:00;
Swimming: Monday to Friday 12:30-21:30; Saturday and Sunday 9:00-21:30;
For detailed opening hours of each scenic spot in the scenic area, please refer to the on-site announcement of the scenic area.
Built for the 2008 Summer Olympics, the National Aquatics Center hosted swimming and water polo events. Its innovative design, featuring a bubble-like appearance, has made it an architectural landmark in Beijing. The center has since been repurposed as a public facility, offering recreational swimming and water-related activities.
The National Aquatics Center is located in the Olympic Green area in Beijing, near the Bird’s Nest Stadium. It’s accessible by Line 8 of the Beijing Subway, with the nearest station being National Olympic Sports Center Station. You can also take a taxi or walk from the nearby Olympic Park.
The National Aquatics Center typically operates from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings or weekdays to avoid large crowds, especially if you plan on swimming or enjoying the Water Park.
The entrance fee to the Water Park is generally around RMB 100-200, depending on the season and specific activities. Tickets can be purchased online through official websites or on-site at the ticket counter.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or public holidays. It’s best to book at least a few days in advance to secure your spot and avoid long lines.
A visit to the National Aquatics Center can take about 1-2 hours if you are just exploring the facilities. If you plan to swim or enjoy the Water Park, you may want to set aside 3-4 hours for a more relaxed experience.
The main highlight is the Water Cube, with its striking architectural design. Don’t miss the Water Park, featuring water slides and wave pools. You can also visit the Olympic swimming pool, which is open to the public for recreational swimming.
Guided tours may be available upon request, and audio guides in English and Chinese are typically offered for visitors interested in learning about the history and design of the National Aquatics Center.
Best photography spots include the exterior of the Water Cube with its bubble-like structure. Inside, you can capture the swimming pool area and various architectural elements of the building. The Bird’s Nest Stadium is also nearby and can be photographed in combination with the Water Cube.
Start by exploring the Water Cube exterior and then head inside to check out the swimming pool and other facilities. If you're visiting the Water Park, spend time enjoying the slides and wave pools. Afterward, visit the nearby Bird’s Nest Stadium if you have time for more sightseeing.
While the National Aquatics Center does not offer a light show, the building is beautifully illuminated at night, making it an excellent photo opportunity. There are no special night tours, but the area around the Water Cube is enjoyable for an evening stroll.
The National Aquatics Center can get crowded on weekends and holidays, especially during the summer. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or on weekdays. Avoid visiting during Chinese public holidays or weekends if you prefer a quieter experience.
The National Aquatics Center has clean toilets, water fountains, rest areas, and snack bars. There are also shops selling souvenirs and swimming-related items. Some restaurants and cafés are available nearby in the Olympic Park area.
Yes, the National Aquatics Center is accessible to elderly, children, and disabled visitors. The venue is equipped with ramps and elevators for easy access to all areas.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are widely accepted at the National Aquatics Center, though it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases or street vendors around the area.
Inside the National Aquatics Center, there are snack bars and cafes for quick bites. Nearby, you can find a variety of restaurants in the Olympic Green area, including Chinese, international, and fast food options.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at the nearby restaurants. Some restaurants also cater to halal diets, especially in the surrounding Olympic Green area.
Nearby hotels include Pangu 7 Star Hotel, Beijing Olympic Park Hotel, and The Westin Beijing Chaoyang, which offer convenient access to the National Aquatics Center and other nearby attractions.
Nearby attractions include the Bird’s Nest Stadium, Olympic Park, and China National Convention Center. You can also visit Beijing Zoo and Tiananmen Square for a more extensive day trip.
There are souvenir shops inside the National Aquatics Center selling swimming-related items, branded merchandise, and memorabilia from the 2008 Olympics. You can also find typical Chinese souvenirs like tea sets and small trinkets.
After visiting the National Aquatics Center, you can take the subway from National Olympic Sports Center Station (Line 8) to other major attractions. Alternatively, taxis or buses are also available for onward travel.
