Water Cube to be transformed for events on ice

Preparations for the 2022 Winter Olympics will see the iconic Water Cube transformed into an "ice cube" as organizers ready it to host curling and skating events, the venue operator said on Monday.

Built for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics' swimming and diving events, the National Aquatics Center, known for its "plastic bubble" exterior, will host curling events during the Olympics and wheelchair curling events during the Paralympic Games, according to Beijing's bid plan.

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