BlogThe 2022 Winter Olympics kick off today, the second Olympics hosted by China, and the second hosted in Beijing. This will make Beijing unique among hosts, being the first city to host both the summer and winter games.
As we enjoy the spectacle of the opening ceremony, let’s take a look at some of the places we’ll see on television during the next two weeks. China will also host the Paralympics in March.
National Stadium, Beijing
The 2022 Olympics will officially start and end in the National Stadium. Also known as the Bird’s Nest, the stadium was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics, and has been used for sporting events since then.
The stadium is called the Bird’s Nest because of the unique exterior design, which is even more breathtaking in the dark. It can hold up to 80,000 spectators. This Olympics, all the spectators (other than official representatives from other countries) will be from China, in an effort to limit the spread of Covid-19.
National Speed Skating Oval, Beijing
Many of the Olympic venues are repurposed sports arenas. The National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing is the only venue built specifically for the 2022 Olympics. It will host speed skating competitions.
The unique oval shape is intended to reflect the Temple of Heaven, an important religious structure in the center of Beijing. The arena can seat up to 12,000 spectators. After the Olympics, it will be used for ice hockey
National Indoor Stadium, Beijing
Constructed for the 2008 Summer Olympics, the National Indoor Stadium was designed to resemble a folding Chinese fan, and cost nearly $100 million to build. It was originally used for gymnastics and handball, but will be the site of ice hockey competitions in the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in 2022.
The Stadium can hold up to 20,000 individuals. It will be an interesting series, as hockey is usually a fan favorite, with vocal and involved spectators. This year, fans are allowed to clap but not cheer, chant, or make any loud noises; all in an effort to limit the spread of Covid-19.
Genting Snow Park, Hebei
It’s not uncommon for some events to be held in multiple cities, and this competition is no different. The nearby city of Zhangjiakou in the province of Hebei is about 160 miles from Beijing, but is a landscape defined by mountains and valleys. In a country that is rapidly developing and growing, this region has intentionally been left less developed, which is perfect for outdoor snow competitions.
With the newly-constructed rapid rail system connecting Beijing and Zhangjiakou, it only takes about 50 minutes to get from the capital city to the center of the ski competitions. Speeds top out at 220 mph, which is fast even for the fastest alpine skier!
Several outdoor snow-based events will be held in the region. The Genting Snow Park is the venue for snowboarding and freestyle skiing. It is designed for about 5,000 spectators.
Capitol Indoor Stadium, Beijing
The Capitol Indoor Stadium has been around since 1968, and has played an important role in international diplomacy before it was used as an Olympic venue in 2008. Several international table tennis competitions were held here, breaking down political barriers between East and West, and creating the nickname “ping pong diplomacy” for sporting and other events that help promote peace and understanding.
Here, some of the most exciting and popular events of the winter games will be held. Figure skating and short track skating competitions will be held in the indoor stadium, so people will become very familiar with the venue by the end of the games.
Beijing National Aquatics Center, the “Ice Cube”, Beijing
During the 2008 Olympics, swimming events were extremely exciting, especially with US swimmer Michael Phelps winning a record-setting eight gold medals. The National Aquatics Center, nicknamed the “Water Cube” for its unique tall, brightly-lit appearance, has been repurposed to host curling events.
Its nickname has also changed, at least for now, to the “Ice Cube”, a great name for a venue hosting a game that was originally played on frozen lakes and streams in the dead of winter.
The Olympics and Paralympics will be unique, different from all other games. Covid-19 will have a huge impact on the games, with daily testing, strict enforcement of social distancing and athlete interactions, and no cheering from the fans. But no matter what, under any and all circumstances, humanity will find a way to meet for two weeks, so we can cheer on athletes who have dreamed, worked, and fought for the right to be called an Olympian.
No matter what, the Olympic spirit, like the flame, will burn on.
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