The National Aquatics Center or “Water Cube” has become one of Beijing’s must-see tourist spots because of its distinct bubble-like appearance. (Photo : Twitter)

In preparation for the 2022 Winter Olympics, Beijing’s iconic National Aquatics Center or “Water Cube” will see itself transformed into an “ice cube,” as the organizers ready it to host curling and skating events, the venue operator said on Monday.



Known for its signature "plastic bubble" exterior, the Water Cube was built for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics' swimming and diving events. It was also one of the key venues of the APEC 2014 in Beijing.




"Thanks to the experience gained from hosting the welcoming banquet for the APEC meetings in November, we now have the expertise to transition the Water Cube from a swimming facility to an ice-covered curling venue by 2022," Yang Qiyong, general manager of the National Aquatics Center Co., told China Daily.



According to Beijing's bid plan, the Water Cube will host curling events during the Winter Olympics and wheelchair curling events during the Paralympic Games.



"It seems a stretch to change a swimming pool into a curling rink, but we've proved that it's feasible by hosting a series of 'dry-land' events over the competition pool used in 2008" during the Summer Olympics, Yang said.



Yang added that the techniques and structures used during the APEC meetings to cover the pool will be upgraded to have a solid and flat surface for four Olympic-standard skating rinks.



A new ice-making system will also be installed before the end of 2016 for testing, while the air-conditioning system will be upgraded so that it can dehumidify the air sufficiently to achieve a frostless ice surface, China Daily said in a report on Tuesday.



Kate Caithness, president of the World Curling Federation, praised the Water Cube's transition plan after visiting the venue in October the previous year.



"[Beijing has] venues here such as the Water Cube that to my understanding will have no problem hosting curling," she said.



Operational areas at the venue will be refurbished into separate zones, including athletes' locker rooms, media workrooms and tournament organizing centers by 2022, said Yang, adding at after major hardware revamps in 2017, the Water Cube will also host regional-level curling and skating competitions, on-ice performances and commercial events.



"After the transformation, the venue will be versatile enough to host not only summer events but also winter activities. We will be able to transform from pool to rink according to our event schedule throughout the year," he said.



Yang also revealed plans to construct an outdoor commercial rink south of the Water Cube to cater to the public's increasing demand for recreational winter sports--a phenomenon widely attributed to Beijing's successful bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

