Contestants of the 2023 "Culture China - Water Cube Cup" Chinese Song Contest experience curling at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing, Aug. 5, 2023. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
Finalists of the 2023 "Culture China - Water Cube Cup" Chinese Song Contest were treated to a special visit to the National Aquatics Center in Beijing on Aug. 5, where they explored the venue's multifaceted offerings.
As part of the experience, the contestants had the opportunity to both engage in modern winter sports and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritage.
Contestants of the 2023 "Culture China - Water Cube Cup" Chinese Song Contest showcase their panda dough sculpture creations at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing, Aug. 5, 2023. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
A group of 124 youth from Hong Kong, Macao, and more than 30 overseas competition regions tried curling at the dual-Olympic venue's underground Ice Sports Center. The activity took place on curling lanes made by Chinese technicians for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The event also utilized the exact curling equipment, facilities, and venue designs from Beijing 2022, making the most of the Winter Olympic legacy.
In addition to experiencing the Winter Olympic atmosphere, the contestants learned to make dough sculptures, create paintings using grains, and hone their skills in traditional Beijing opera facial makeup drawing and paper cutting.
Contestants of the 2023 "Culture China - Water Cube Cup" Chinese Song Contest learn to create paintings using grains at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing, Aug. 5, 2023. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
The dual-Olympic venue was also illuminated in the symbolic red color of China during the nighttime, enhancing the festive ambiance for the young contestants.
The National Aquatics Center was built through donations from some 350,000 compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, as well as overseas Chinese from 107 countries and regions.
