'Water Cube' to reopen with 'APEC tour'

The National Aquatics Center, dubbed the "Water Cube", will reopen to the public on Saturday and visitors will be able to get a taste of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), a local newspaper reported.

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted a grand banquet last Monday evening at the Water Cube for guests attending the 22nd APEC Leaders' Meeting.

The swimming pool -- where the world's top swimmers competed during the Beijing Olympics and later became a public swimming pool with recreational facilities -- was totally transformed for the banquet into a traditional Chinese garden.

Beijing State-owned Assets Management Corporation board chairman, Li Aiqing, told the Beijing Times that in light of this exciting event, a special "APEC tour" for the public had been organized with free guides and an opportunity to enjoy the food dished up at the heads of states' banquet.

Visitors will also be able to buy APEC souvenirs, such as dishes and clothes, according to Li.

He said that the "APEC experience" would run until at least the Spring Festival and the ticket price would remain 30 yuan (about $4.9).