2022 Olympics bodes well for winter sports

Smooth progress with the ongoing work in Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, in preparation for hosting part of the 2022 Winter Olympics bodes well for economic benefits to endure beyond the closing ceremony.

With frigid temperatures curtailing most outdoor activities in North China, the flurry of activity at ski resorts and new construction sites in Zhangjiakou's Chongli district has brought vitality to the hilly region, where many events of the 2022 Olympics will be held.

As a co-host for the Games along with Beijing, Zhangjiakou has to date begun planning and construction of 65 major projects among a total of 76, well ahead of the time frame set by the International Olympic Committee and the Beijing 2022 organizing committee, Wu Weidong, mayor of Zhangjiakou, said in Beijing on Wednesday.