Xinjiang keen to showcase high ambitions

Later this month, the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region will host China's largest winter sports event, in a move designed to boost the popularity of skiing and ice skating across the country in preparation for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, as Sun Xiaochen reports.

Boasting ideal natural conditions and a welter of preparations, the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region is gearing up to host the 13th National Winter Games, and help to promote winter sports across the country.

Once an obscure spot on China's sporting map, Xinjiang has risen rapidly as a destination for winter sports competitions and related activities. That rise was reflected when Urumqi, the regional capital, was chosen as the venue for the National Winter Games, which will run from Jan 20 to 30.