The National Aquatics Center "Water Cube". (File photo)

The games hall of the National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube, will realize the function of an ice arena by the end of 2016, according to Yang Qiyong, general manager of the Water Cube. During the 2022 Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics, the Water Cube will host the curling matches, Beijing News reported.

The Water Cube was built as the main natatorium for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and became known as one of the Games' iconic structures. It was also one of the main venues of the APEC 2014 in Beijing. The Water Cube has a side length of 177 meters and 30 meters high, and has a capacity of 17,000 seats. It now receives 2.2 million tourists every year. 

The current games hall of the Water Cube. (Photo/Beijing News)

Effect picture of the games hall being transformed into an ice arena for curling matches. (Photo/Beijing News)