The renovation of the National Aquatics Center, known as "Water Cube," was completed on Friday, making it the first venue ready for the Beijing Winter Olympic Games. 

The renovation work of the "Ice Cube" covers an area of about 50,000 square meters, involving waterproofing, athletes facilities, lighting, as well as ventilation.  

It has shortened the process of "water ice conversion," or turning a four-lane swimming pool into a curling field with four standard tracks, from 45 days to 11 days. 

The ice making system enables conversion materials to be reused, and the transformation cost will be effectively reduced. It is expected to open to the public by the end of the year.  

Meanwhile, the construction of the Wukesong Ice Sports Center, the ice hockey training venue for the Winter Games, was also completed this week. 

Located to the southeast of the ice hockey competition venue, it will be used for athletes' warm-ups and training during the game.  

It adopts carbon dioxide trans-critical direct cooling technology to make ice, saving more than 40 percent comprehensive energy consumption compared with the traditional one. 

China to issue commemorative coins for Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games 

China's central bank has decided to issue the first group of nine gold and silver commemorative coins for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games on December 1. 

As legal tender, the coins feature the official emblem of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games on the obverse, decorated with designs of the Great Wall and snowflakes. 

The reverse is inscribed with different pictures, such as the mascot, venues, and winter sports, denominations and Chinese characters reading "The 24th Winter Olympics." 

The 2022 Winter Olympics are scheduled for February 4 to 20 in 2022, and will be followed by the Paralympics, set for March 4 to 13. 

(With input from agencies)