Winter Olympics will be a major boost: Officials

Despite uncertainties about the popularity of winter sports in China, the joint bid by Beijing and Zhangjiakou for the 2022 Winter Olympics remains solid amid a belief the international competition would boost regional cooperation in economic development and pollution control, said officials.

After the Chinese Olympic Committee announced the joint bid in November, questions about the wisdom of Beijing and neighboring Hebei province's ability to hold the prestigious event have been raised by pundits and the media.

However, experts and officials agreed the benefits will far outweigh any negative effect.