#Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
Swimming Pools
Modern Architecture
Night Attractions
Address:
No. 11 Tianchen East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Opening times:
Opens at 10:30-22:30(Admission ends at 22:00)Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-2 hour
Phone:
010-84370112,010-84370116
The perfect fusion of water park, gymnastics competition, and intangible cultural heritage art
During the May Day holiday, I went to the National Aquatics Center (Water Cube), where there is not only a refreshing water park but also an exciting youth gymnastics competition and a unique intangible cultural heritage exhibition that was an eye-opener.
As soon as I entered the water park, it felt like being in a cool water world. Splashes everywhere, everyone frolicking in the water, enjoying the leisure of the holiday. Every half an hour, there would be a water disco, where everyone could enjoy the joy of dancing on the water.
There was a youth gymnastics competition during the May Day holiday. The young athletes were spirited, their movements smooth and powerful, showcasing the charm of gymnastics. The audience erupted in applause, cheering on these young athletes.
On the other side, an intangible cultural heritage exhibition was in full swing. A dazzling array of traditional handicrafts and folk art pieces were on display, overwhelming the senses. Here, you could get up close and feel the profoundness of Chinese culture.
The most surprising thing was the porcelain painting works laid on the floor of the National Aquatics Center. These works are brightly colored and varied in patterns, all hand-painted by art enthusiasts and young people. With their imagination and creativity, they turned ordinary tiles into works of art. Walking on them felt like being in a colorful palace of art. I heard that these porcelain paintings could even be submitted for consideration!
I rarely came here before, but after coming during the May Day holiday, it felt really lively. This place is not only a great spot for leisure and entertainment but also an excellent place to experience art and culture. Here, you can enjoy the coolness of the water park, appreciate the passion of youth gymnastics, savor the charm of intangible cultural heritage, and even participate in the creation of porcelain paintings.
The Epicurean Safari
At the start of the Year of the Dragon, the colorful Water Cube tells the story of the dragon
The Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) is a hot topic among the citizens and visitors of Beijing during the Lunar New Year of the Dragon. The temple fair at Longtan Lake and the dragon lanterns at Shichahai attract crowds of visitors. However, the place that truly captivates visitors and keeps them coming back for more is the competition hall of the National Aquatics Center at the Water Cube. The 'Dragon Shines at the Water Cube, Joyfully Celebrating the Year of the Dragon' event comprehensively presents the auspicious, majestic, and lucky special significance of the dragon in Chinese culture, as well as its important role inseparable from the history of Chinese civilization.
Upon entering the Water Cube, bright red lanterns lead us into the 'Dragon Shines at the Water Cube' venue, where a variety of forms and sections tell the same theme: the story of the dragon.
The dragon is a mysterious symbol of faith in the history of Chinese civilization, permeating our history, literature, art, and daily life, especially prominent in festivals such as the Spring Festival, the Dragon Raises Its Head in February, and the Dragon Boat Festival during the Duanwu Festival. Among the activities held at the Water Cube, the most dazzling is the 'Auspicious Dragon' flying performance.
A 30-meter-long giant dragon rises into the air with music, sometimes rushing to the ceiling, sometimes circling above people's heads. High-tech means allow people to witness the spectacular sight of the dragon's flight, and to see the true face of this majestic and awe-inspiring dragon soaring in the air, making people feel the beautiful wishes of great luck in the Year of the Dragon. There are six performances a day in the Water Cube venue, at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 18:30, and 19:40, each lasting about 10 minutes.
The venue has a 3,500 square meter exhibition hall that tells the story of the dragon from different perspectives. From a high vantage point overlooking the exhibition hall, one can appreciate the complex traditional Chinese character for 'dragon'. Here, the main attractions and activities are threefold: First, the Joyful Museum tells you the origin of the dragon: in this small museum, how did the Chinese dragon come about? What does it look like? Why is it related to water? What is its connection to astronomy? What are the folk customs of the dragon, etc., are all explained. If you want to learn more about the past and present of the dragon, you can rent an automatic guide at the entrance of the exhibition hall, and listen as you go.
Second, the exhibition room displays more than 200 pieces of dragon-themed Chinese embroidery, wood carving, shadow puppetry, and New Year paintings in different materials. Among them, the dragon bed and the divine carriage are two treasures that are highlights of the exhibition area.
Third, in the exhibition area, there are also activities that are very popular with children: the wood carving dragon area's rubbing technology practice; ring toss, hoop throwing parent-child projects, and the Joyful Maze themed around the dragon are all places where children can play happily and enjoy themselves.
At the dragon head in the center of the Joyful Maze, a blessing wall has become a place for visitors to express their good wishes. At the beginning of the Year of the Dragon, the Water Cube's dragon-themed series of activities brought a strong festive atmosphere to the citizens of Beijing and tourists from other places.
NOELLE CURRY
Beijing New Year's Flavor Exhibition|Water Cube Zodiac Lantern Exhibition
🔥Beijing's new exhibition is here! The Water Cube Zodiac Lantern Exhibition is dazzlingly staged, allowing you to feel the strong New Year's flavor!🏮✨
For Beijing buddies, the Water Cube Zodiac Lantern Exhibition is officially open. This time, the 12 zodiac lanterns led by the dragon are really cute to explode!💥💥💥
I went to the Water Cube today and just caught up with this exhibition. It's at the south gate of the Water Cube, and you can see these lanterns at a glance, it's really beautiful! Each zodiac lantern is super delicate, especially that dragon, it's simply lifelike, so lovely!❤️❤️
In addition to these lanterns, the wall of the Water Cube is also installing new patterns for the Year of the Dragon, and I believe that once all are installed, it will be even more amazing!🧨
This exhibition is only available in Beijing, Beijing's limited New Year's flavor!🚀🚀🚀
It's worth a look! The lanterns are colorful and the strong New Year's flavor is full🏮✨If you are also in Beijing, why not take the time to take a look!👀👀👀
WayfaringWanderer
Beijing is not boring during the New Year! Go to the Water Cube to see the dragon in the Year of the Dragon!
📖Exhibition Name: Dragon Shines Water Cube Happy Dragon Year Special Exhibition (2024.1.26~2024.3.15)
📍Location: Water Cube (Entrance No. 7 on the west side or Entrance No. 6 on the east side)
⌚️Business Hours: 10:30~20:00 (Admission stops at 19:40)
🅿️Parking Guide: Water Cube P2 parking lot, opposite is Entrance No. 7
💰Ticket Price: 148 yuan (one big and one small ticket, including 2 Water Cube tickets➕2 Dragon Year Special Exhibition tickets➕Flying Dragon Performance)
♻️Tour Route
Flying Dragon Performance➡️Preface Introduction Area➡️Wood Carved Dragon➡️Embroidered Dragon➡️Shadow Puppet Dragon➡️Nuo Face Dragon➡️Color Painting Dragon➡️Printmaking Dragon
🌟Flying Dragon Performance
You can see the dragon really flying! There are 6 performances every day, which are 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 18:30, 19:00 each 8 to 10 minutes, watch on the competition stand, it is recommended to step on the point first to watch the performance on the stand, and then enter the exhibition area to watch the exhibition.
🌟Preface Introduction Area
There is a wall introducing knowledge about dragons! A deeper understanding of dragons, there is also an explanation machine rental here, 29.9 yuan each
🌟Wood Carved Dragon
The wood carved dragon had the function of home protection in ancient times, and the wooden exhibits in this area all have dragon patterns. Don't miss the star exhibit of the Divine Chariot here, the story carved on the sedan tells the story of respecting parents at home, fighting in all directions, and making achievements in the court.
🌟Embroidered Dragon
The exhibits in this area are about dragon pattern embroidery, you can see the exquisite embroidery of the ancients. You can also see from these exhibits that the status of the dragon is not to be underestimated!
🌟Shadow Puppet Dragon
Shadow puppetry has a history of more than 2000 years. The earliest shadow puppetry originated from the period of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. In the ancient Chinese folk customs that believed in all things, people often brought some gods into real life, making these virtual characters come alive. Naturally, you can see the lifelike dragons in the shadow puppetry
🌟Nuo Face Dragon
In ancient times, people believed that the Nuo face dance performance with a dragon would have the effect of exorcising evil spirits. It is very popular in the south and has been passed down to this day. Various dragon masks in this exhibition are presented to everyone. Of course, there are diy Nuo face masks for sale in this exhibition, you can create your own Nuo face dragon mask
🌟Color Painting Dragon
Color painting dragons were very common in ancient times, the dragon symbolizes auspicious majesty, and has the function of home protection. In the exhibition, the color painting dragon area not only has dragon color paintings, but also door gods, tigers and other traditional New Year pictures
🌟Printmaking Dragon
There are various dragon pattern prints, and you can also experience making dragon prints on site! Doing a dragon print by ourselves can make us understand the printmaking process more clearly.
NomadicWanderer_44
Dragon shines in the Water Cube, come and visit the dragon exhibition indoors during the Spring Festival, it's warm!
👍I've seen the Water Cube from the outside many times, but it's my first time to visit inside! There are so many fun things to do in Beijing during the Spring Festival of the Dragon Year, and such a large indoor entertainment area is really unique.
🌈Highlights of the Dragon Shines in the Water Cube exhibition:
1️⃣Check in at the venues of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2022 Winter Olympics. I've watched many diving and curling matches on TV, and finally have the chance to experience them on site. The exhibition venue is in the main competition area of the Water Cube, and many Olympic atmospheres are preserved on site. There are also many best check-in points indicated on the ground, it's super value to come and watch the exhibition during the Spring Festival👍
2️⃣Full of New Year's flavor, each year is a zodiac year, and this year is the Dragon Year. The exhibition has a lot of introductions to the customs of the dragon, such as what is a dragon? How did the Chinese dragon come about? These questions are all detailed, and those who are interested can read in detail, it's a good opportunity to educate children while entertaining.
3️⃣There are a dazzling array of intangible cultural heritage projects, such as wood carving, shadow puppetry, embroidery, and New Year's paintings. The intangible cultural heritage masterpieces exhibited this time are all related to dragons and the New Year, which is very festive.
✨Personal experience: In addition to viewing and taking photos, the exhibition also has many free experience projects, such as drumming at the entrance area🥁, rubbing the God of Wealth at the exit area, and painting Nuo masks in the souvenir area, etc. /You can also play kayaking and visit the market outside the exhibition, which are all paid separately.
📍Exhibition address: Enter the ticket check from the No. 7 entrance on the west side of the Water Cube or the No. 6 door on the east side, and navigate to the Water Cube P2 parking lot for parking.
🎫Ticket information: Adult tickets including Water Cube tickets are 88 yuan, and a parent-child package for one adult and one child is 148 yuan.
🕒There is a flying dragon performance in the exhibition area, and the flying dragon performance schedule is: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 18:30, 19:00.
BlazeHunter89
Beijing Exhibition|It's perfect to come here for the New Year!
The mountain is not high, but it is spiritual if there are immortals.
The water is not deep, but it is spiritual if there are dragons.
The exhibition specially invited a well-known design team with the curatorial concept of 'spiritual with dragons', this exhibition is perfect to watch during the Spring Festival!
The exhibition presents rich achievements and unique creations related to the dragon theme culture of different regions and traditions from 7 sections.
1️⃣The world's earliest animation - Shadow Dragon
2️⃣The idol of home - Wood Carved Dragon
3️⃣The messenger of emotional communication - Print Dragon
4️⃣The oldest drama in the world - Nuo Face Dragon
5️⃣The drawing of diverse aesthetics - Colorful Dragon
6️⃣The ultimate craftsmanship of women's red - Embroidered Dragon
7️⃣The New Year's painting of praying for the New Year - Everything is prosperous
There is also a printmaking experience area where you can personally experience traditional printmaking techniques. There is also a flying dragon performance in the air.
🎀Exhibition Guide
🖼️ Exhibition Name: Dragon Shines Water Cube, Happy Dragon Year Special Exhibition
🕑Exhibition Time: 2024.01.26-03.15
⏰Business Hours: 10:30-20:00
(February 09, 10:30-14:00, stop admission at 19:40)
📍Address: Beijing Water Cube
Water Cube (National Swimming Center)
TREASURE ROBINSON
Beijing Water Cube |
📖Water Cube
The National Swimming Center, also known as the "Water Cube", was established on December 24, 2003. The appearance of the venue is like an ice crystal cube, with a simple and atmospheric shape. In our traditional culture, the design concept of "the sky is round and the earth is square" gave birth to the "Water Cube", which echoes and complements the round "Bird's Nest". The interior of the venue is a six-story building, including a competition hall, warm-up pool, multi-function hall and large water park, with an international advanced level, it is a water entertainment center integrating swimming, sports fitness, and leisure.
📌Tips
There are displays about the architectural structure and materials used in the Water Cube in the museum, and the good place to play in the water park. I have detailed notes before, interested friends can pay attention to it!
In addition, a very intimate photo check-in point has been set up for everyone to refer to and take beautiful photos. The Water Cube has exhibited many art works during the Art Season, which are worth seeing.
If you have enough time, the Bird's Nest and the Olympic Tower next to it must also be arranged at the same time. When the lights are on at night, it's simply beautiful!
📍Detailed address: No. 11, Tianchen East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
🕙Opening hours: Peak season 9:00—22:00 Off season 9:00—19:00
💰Ticket price: 30 yuan
JUNIPER MCBRIDE
Since ancient times, the moon has been given too many romantic feelings by people. It has been favored by literati for thousands of years, and has become the protagonist of many myths and stories. Guigong, Guanghan, Xuantu, Juanjuan and Jade. It can be seen that people's yearning and beauty of the moon can still be remembered. In the summer classic drama "Journey to the West", the captain of the canopy visited the bridge of the Guanghan Palace, Qionglou Yuge, fairy scent, and beauty. The moving ambiguity is all about people's longing. After growing up slowly, whenever night falls, a bright moon rises into the night sky, and the clear moonlight fills the earth, which makes people have countless emotions. Unexpectedly, the moon that only looked up to the distance in the past, in this hot summer, airborne Beijing National Aquatics Center - Water Cube, opened the "Water Cube Art Season" prelude, let me have the honor to come to the moon for a close date A glimpse of this mysterious super big moon.