A photographer takes pictures near the National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube, which is lit by lights at night in Beijing January 20,2008. The center, built for the Beijing Olympics, will host its first event -- the "Good Luck Beijing" Swimming China Open -- from January 31 to February 5.

Labourers work outside the National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube, which is lit by blue and green lights at night in Beijing January 20,2008.

Two labourers work outside the National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube, which is lit by lights at night in Beijing January 19,2008.

Two workers walk past the National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube, which is lit by blue and red lights at night in Beijing January 21,2008.

Labourers work outside the National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube, which is lit by blue and red lights at night in Beijing January 21,2008.

Labourers work outside the National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube, which is lit by blue and red lights at night in Beijing January 21,2008.

Labourers work outside the National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube, which is lit by blue and red lights at night in Beijing January 21,2008.

(Asianewsphoto/Agencies via China Daily January 23, 2008)