The National Swimming Center (guó jiā yóu yǒng zhōng xīn 国家游泳中心), one of the three landmark buildings for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, is located inside the Beijing Olympic Park (Guójiā ào lín pǐkè gōng yuán 国家奥林匹克公园). A semi-transparent "cube", with "bubbles" spread out all over its surface, is a shape very similar to the structure of "H2O", the outlook for the National Swimming Center at the 2008 Olympic Games. In Chinese culture, water is an important natural element. It creates a calming atmosphere and inspires happiness. Taking full consideration of the functions of water in recreation and bodybuilding, designers have explored many ways for people of different age groups to appreciate its function. The design is called "Water Cube".

Many creative designs have been employed in the creation of the swimming pools at the swimming center. Other high-tech facilities including optical devices used to define positions of athletes, and multiple-angle, three-dimensional screening systems are provided to help spectators enjoy competitions.

Covering a total floor space of 50,000 square meters, it has 17,000 seats. The project costs about US$100 million. The center is a venue for swimming, diving, synchronized swimming and water-polo games during the period of the Olympic Games. The design blends aesthetic sensibilities with environmental practicality. In addition to saving energy through virtue of its decreased requirement for light and heat. Dust and dirt does not cling to the substance, and is said to wash away with rain. The outer surface and roof facade can collect 10,000 tons of rain water, 70,000 tons of clean water and 60,000 tons of swimming pool water annually. The National Swimming Center is a landmark Olympic venue that is constructed by donations from compatriots from Overseas.

The Water Cube was completed in autumn 2007. Both the concrete and the steel structure were completed first and then 500 m² of prototype cladding was installed in April, 2006. The next phase saw the installation of all the cladding followed by de-propping the internal structure and then the completion of the interior.
The Water Cube © Arup/CSCEC/PTW
The building's structural design is based on the natural formation of soap bubbles

The structural design is based on the natural formation of soap bubbles which give a random, organic appearance. To achieve this, research was undertaken by Weaire and Phelan (professors of physics) into how soap bubbles might be arranged into an infinite array.

To bring the design to life, the individual bubbles were incorporated into a plastic film and tailored like a sewing pattern. An entire section was pieced together and then put into place within the structure. There are interior and exterior films. The plastic film was then inflated and continously pumped.

The actual pumping has been sub-contracted, and the operator will be responsible for both the operation and maintenance of the façade for ten years. This was a key component of the contractor's brief.Address: Northeast of Beichen (běichén 北辰) Bridge, Chaoyang (Cháoyáng 朝阳) District, Beijing

Traffic
Bus 345、55、315、344、344、727、845、919、804, 618 to Qijiahuozi (qí jiā huò zǐ 祁家豁子) station. Bus 407、819，to Beichen (běichén 北辰) road. Bus 21、380、409、702、734、849, 941 to Xiongmao huandao (xióng māo huán dǎo 熊猫环岛) station.

National Aquatics Centre fee：30RMB

Opening hours 9:00-17:30

Tips
1.Please protect facilities in the resort and keep the environment and do not leave rubbish.
2.You had better ware sports shoes, it is more comfortable.
3.Please comply with the local rule of law.

场馆名称：国家游泳中心

地点：奥林匹克公园

场地类型：新建比赛场馆

奥运会期间的用途：游泳、跳水、花样游泳

残奥会期间的用途：游泳、跳水、花样游泳

建筑面积（㎡）：79532

固定座位数：4000个（永久）、2000个（可拆除）

临时座位数：11000个

建设开工时间：2003年12月24日