​Water Cube shines blue for 'Children of the Stars'

The National Aquatics Center in Beijing was lit up in blue on April 2 to mark World Autism Awareness Day which has been held worldwide since 2007.

The National Aquatics Center in Beijing was lit up in blue to mark the 11th World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. [Photo by Cui Can/China.org.cn] 

This is the eighth straight year for the iconic building in China's capital city to host the "Light It Up Blue" event to raise awareness of autism. With the theme "Respecting Difference and Boosting Hope", this year's event calls for more respect, understanding and acceptance of people with autism.

More than 200 attendees, including families of youngsters with autism, joined the light ceremony on the night. Through the stroke of a touch screen, the attendees lit up the blue lights covering the exterior of the building, representing society's care and love for people with autism.

Musician Miu Jie and former Olympic champions Chen Yibing and Lin Yue supported the activities. In addition to the light ceremony, this year's event also comprised an illustration exhibition, swimming lessons for special needs teenagers, a "Running Together" activity, as well as the Third Development Forum for Teenagers with Special Needs.