Chang Yu (L), head of the publicity department of the organizing committee for the Games, and Chinese director Zhang Yimou, meet the public at a press conference at PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Feb. 28, 2018. (Photo: China News Service/Lu Yan)
(ECNS) --The lack of natural snow in Beijing's downtown areas will have little impact on the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, organizers said on Saturday.
Chang Yu, head of the publicity department of the organizing committee for the Games, said competitions will be held mainly in Beijing's indoor venues while mountainous areas in Yanqing District and Zhangjiakou City in Hebei Province host outdoor events.
Yanqing recorded a natural snowfall of 52 millimeters last year while 30 millimeters fell in Zhangjiakou, according to China Meteorological Administration.
The organizing committee will use artificial snow in accordance with International Olympic Committee requirements and also fully consider environmental concerns, said Chang, adding facilities and technology have progressed to meet IOC standards.
In response to the question where there's enough water to generate man-made snow, Chang said the committee believes there is sufficient water following studies and environmental assessment in Yanqing and Zhangjiakou.
Chang also said construction on all venues and infrastructure has started and he expects high-speed railway networks linking downtown Beijing, Yanqing and Zhangjiakou as well as the capital city's new airport will be ready before the Olympics test events in 2020. It will take 20 minutes from downtown to Yanqing and 50 minutes to Zhangjiakou once the fast train goes into service.
