New ice rink warms up 2022 Games preparations

China's former world curling champion Wang Bingyu, who is now the sport's program director for the 2022 Winter Games organizing committee, said there are not enough curling venues in China compared to the likes of Canada, where even small towns have such facilities.

"As the public gets more and more interested in this sport, building more places for people to experience it is very important," she said.

"Curling doesn't have an entry threshold, so it is easy to play for beginners," she added.

According to the authorities, the new "Ice Cube" will get a technological upgrade, including a system to monitor the interior temperature, humidity and lighting.

Beijing will become the first city ever to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics, with many of the 2008 venues now being renovated for use at the 2022 Games.