[Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Beijing's National Aquatics Center, famously known as the Water Cube or Ice Cube, stands as an enduring symbol of the city's dual Olympic legacy. Today, it actively honors this heritage by advancing sports, culture and community involvement.

In line with recent government initiatives aimed at expanding sports consumption and industry development, the Center has enhanced its operations, broadened its range of offerings, and pursued innovative cross-industry "Sports+" collaborations.

[Photo provided to China.org.cn]

This year, the Center hosted major competitions including the World Aquatics Diving World Cup Super Final, the 2025 Beijing Youth Curling Competition, the 2025 Water Cube Youth Swimming Open and the Short Course Invitational, attracting thousands of young athletes nationwide. These events provide international-standard platforms while showcasing Beijing's readiness for the 2026 World Aquatics Short-Course Swimming Championships.

Beyond sports competitions, the Center offers wide-ranging training and recreational programs — from swimming and ice sports to tennis, table tennis, kayaking, and seasonal camps. These all blend athletics, education, and culture. There are also immersive events like the upgraded "Honor of Water" light show, the Spring Festival Fair, and water ballet musicals, like "The Little Mermaid" which have engaged visitors of all ages, further integrating sports with entertainment and culture.

[Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The venue also functions as a dynamic hub for brand partnerships and commercial activities, seamlessly integrating competitions with exhibitions, retail, and interactive experiences to create a vibrant ecosystem that unites sports, tourism and business.

The National Aquatics Center, a dual-Olympic landmark, remains committed to its mission while driving innovation in sports, culture, and business, serving as a leading example of sustainable Olympic legacy development.