The Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) is one of the iconic venues of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a classic renovated venue for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics. It is renowned for its unique architectural aesthetics and the technological miracle of "water ice conversion".
Design concept:
The design inspiration comes from the natural structure of soap bubbles (the molecular form of "water"). Its appearance resembles a blue "water box", forming a perfect dialogue with the resolute "Bird's Nest" (National Stadium) on the opposite side, with a "round sky and square earth" and a combination of hardness and softness.
Structural features:
ETFE membrane structure: The outer layer is composed of over 3000 irregular air cushions (ETFE membranes), resembling giant blue bubbles. This material has light weight, good transparency, self-cleaning, and can adjust light and temperature according to needs, which is energy-saving and environmentally friendly.
Nighttime lighting: At night, the membrane structure can transform into various brilliant colors and patterns, making it the absolute highlight of the Olympic Park night scene.
Competition Hall (Core Visiting Area)
Swimming Pool and Diving Platform: You can see with your own eyes the Olympic standard swimming pool and diving platform that created countless world records in 2008, and feel the glory of that year.
Curling circuit: This has been transformed into the "Ice Cube" ice sports center. You can witness the standard curling track of the Winter Olympics with your own eyes and have the opportunity to personally experience curling (a paid event requires reservation), which is the most distinctive interactive experience.
Dual Olympic Heritage: The hall cleverly preserves the elements and symbols of water and ice dual Olympics, making it the core space for experiencing the charm of the "Dual Olympic City".
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Voltage and socket
The standard voltage in China is 220V. The commonly used socket shape is as shown in the picture. Most luxury hotel rooms are equipped with universal sockets, and tourists can also rent socket adapters at the hotel front desk.
Make a phone call
When a foreign mobile phone dials a Chinese fixed-line phone in China, it is necessary to dial the China area code (+86) and the city area code (e.g. Beijing +10) before the fixed-line phone number to be dialed.
When a foreign mobile phone dials a Chinese mobile number, it is necessary to dial the Chinese area code (+86) before the mobile number of the person being called.
Emergency call:
Call the police: 110
Fire emergency: 119
Traffic police: 122
Emergency: 120
Purchase a SIM card for a Chinese mobile phone
At major airports serving as ports of entry in China, there are designated counters for communication service providers, such as China Mobile and China Unicom. Foreign tourists can purchase SIM cards for Chinese mobile phones simply by presenting their passports.
Traffic safety tips
In China, all vehicles drive on the right side of the road, and both drivers and passengers must wear seat belts.
Health and medical tips
It is recommended to bring along commonly used medications (such as painkillers or gastrointestinal medications). If you need to take prescribed medication for an extended period, it is advisable to prepare sufficient quantities before departure and carry along doctor's certification documents, medical records, etc.
It is recommended to visit the international medical department of a general hospital or a foreign-funded hospital for treatment, as they generally provide medical services in English.
It is recommended to purchase relevant insurance before departure, and properly keep diagnosis certificates, outpatient medical records, fee lists, prescriptions, invoices, etc.
Cultural taboo
China is a multi-ethnic country, and there are significant differences in customs and habits among various ethnic groups. Especially when traveling in ethnic minority areas, it is important to pay attention to cultural taboos, such as taking off shoes when entering a Dai bamboo house, avoiding pork in Hui restaurants, and treating Buddhist statues, scriptures, and beads as sacred objects that must not be touched. It is recommended to listen carefully to the pre-trip introduction provided by the accompanying personnel and respect local culture and customs.
