The joint bid by Beijing and Zhangjiakou to stage the 2022 Olympic Winter Games is based on ideas of sustainability and frugality and places athletes center stage, according to the capital's mayor.
"Holding the games in a frugal way is not a slogan, it's a reality," said Wang Anshun. "We will make full use of our current sports facilities and strictly control construction costs."
The bid process enters a key phase this week with the arrival of the International Olympic Committee's Evaluation Commission to inspect the proposed venues and assess the country's ability to host the Games. The visit starts on Tuesday and continues until Saturday.
The bid plan features six existing venues and six new ones spread between the capital's downtown area, Yanqing district and Zhangjiakou in Hebei province.
"The bid has inherited the legacy of the 2008 Beijing Olympics to the largest possible extent and has made the best use of existing venues to reduce the financial pressure and demonstrate the spirit of sustainable development," added Wang, a National People's Congress deputy.
"The new competition venues will provide a long-lasting legacy for the future development of winter sports and fuel the regional economy."
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He said the existing venues have helped to improve the development of sport in the capital and enrich the lives of residents.Â
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The joint bid by Beijing and Zhangjiakou to stage the 2022 Olympic Winter Games is based on ideas of sustainability and frugality and places athletes center stage, according to the capital's mayor.
