Top 10 modern architecture marvels (8)

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National Aquatic Center (Water Cube) (xinhuanet.com)

National Aquatic Center (Water Cube)

The National Aquatics Center, also known colloquially as the Water Cube, was a major venue for the 2008 Olympic Games.

The National Aquatics Center, also known colloquially as the Water Cube, was a major venue for the 2008 Olympic Games. After over four years of construction, the building was completed on January 28, 2008. The Water Cube comprises over 100,000 square meters of ETFE foils, making it the single largest, most complicated and most comprehensive ETFE structure in the world. The venue was used for swimming, diving, water polo and synchronized swimming competitions during the 2008 Olympic Games. In daylight, the Water Cube shines as a translucent blue spectacle; while at night, the glow of its LED bubbles creates a spectacular visual effect.

Travel tips:

Open Hours: 9:00 to 21:00

Admission: 30 yuan for adults; 15 yuan for students

Getting there: Bus 386, 656, 660, 689, 740, 753, 804, 827, 939, 944 or 983 to Beichenqiaoxi Stop; or take subway Line 8 to Olympic Sports Center Station, Exit B1.

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