Beijing, China, May 5, 2025: A captivating performance of Peking Opera staged on the diving platform amazed the audience during the World Aquatics Diving World Cup Super Final at the National Aquatics Center, famously known as the "Water Cube," in Beijing on Saturday, Xinhua News reports.
The Water Cube, originally built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, hosted swimming and diving competitions during the Olympic Games, as well as the curling events during the 2022 Winter Olympics, after having been transformed into the "Ice Cube."
During China's five-day Labor Day holiday starting Thursday, the dual-Olympic venue has been once again in the spotlight of the sports world.
Organizers launched around 40 official licensed products, including pins, cups, bags and keychains. Many fans purchased plush turtle toys -- popular to Chinese star diver Quan Hongchan -- to show their admiration.
Tian Yao, a sports presentation manager at the Super Final, said: "Many cultural elements including the famous landmarks along the Beijing Central Axis, such as Tiananmen and Yongdingmen Gate, were vividly displayed in the venue through 3D projection. It is just like a city tour in the Water Cube for the audience."
Zhang Yun, deputy director of Beijing Sports Competitions Administration and International Exchange Center, added: "Sporting events held during a holiday have a multiplier effect. The Super Final's box office surpassed 5.7 million yuan (784,000 U.S. dollars), with over 7,000 spectators attending the diving competitions on Friday."
Meanwhile, in Xiamen, Fujian Province, the Sudirman Cup is another major event attracting visitors. According to a manager at Wutong Pliport Hotel, room bookings have surged since the badminton tournament began on April 27, with more than 80 percent of the 620 rooms reserved. The hotel provides shuttle services to the badminton venue and prepares food packs featuring local snacks and drinks for fans.
Also, during the Labor Day holiday, the Equestrian Shanghai Global Champions Tour was held from Friday to Sunday, attracting international tourists eager to enjoy outdoor sports.
