This is the Water Cube, home of the Olympic swimming competitions. It's now run by a state-owned company. You can swim here for 50 yuan an hour.
Wan Xiaojun, Beijing resident, said, "I want to experience how the Olympic athletes felt competing here."
Liu Xiaoyi, Beijing resident, said, "It's worth the price. The conditions and service are all good. This is the biggest swimming pool I have ever been in. "
Locals hope the Water Cube will open all year round. But next year, it's due to become an entertainment complex.
The Bird's Nest hasn't held any major sports events since the Olympics. Most of its revenue comes from tourists and a handful of cultural events.
Yang Weiying is the Deputy General Manager. Her company has operation rights for 30 years. And she's optimistic about the prospects.
Yang said, "Whether the Bird's Nest's operation is based on tourism or events is not important. It's the brand that helps it run. As long as we stick to that, there won't be many problems for long-term operations."
As China's National Stadium, the Bird's Nest is the symbol of the country's promise to present the world with a splendid Olympics. But when the Games ended, the Olympic flame went out. Since then, the Bird's Nest has returned to the limelight several times, but nothing to compare with the opening and closing ceremonies.
Yang Weiying feels the challenges and opportunities ahead. She believes the world will remember the Beijing Olympics, and the Bird's Nest will find a new position.
