(ECNS) -- The National Aquatics Center, better known as the Water Cube, will be transformed into an ice arena for the 2022 Winter Olympics, Beijing Times reported on Monday.
Built for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics' swimming and diving events, the Water Cube will host curling events during the 2022 Winter Olympics and wheelchair curling events during the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games.
Yang Qiyong, general manager of the National Aquatics Center, said "After the revamp, the Water Cube will be capable of hosting the world's top curling events, as well as figure skating and short track speed skating events."
In addition to events on ice and water, the venue will also be suitable for hosting large-scale commercial events and performances, said Yang.
An underground ice skating rink will be built under the South Square of the Water Cube, and is set to open to the public in the fourth quarter of 2017, according to plans.
