Beijing is a must-see for winter sports enthusiasts, as the city has been ramping up its bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympics with festivals and competitions. The growing demand for winter sports in addition to the capital's bidding plan is expected to significantly boost winter tourism.

"A variety of winter sports facilities will be built in Beijing and the surrounding areas," said Wang Yue, director of Beijing Municipal Commission Tourism Development. "We believe they will become new attractions for the city even in tourism low seasons during winter."

Like Us on Facebook

There are currently 27 fully functioning ski and skating resorts in Beijing that have received over a combined 2.5 million people using its services in 2014, according to the tourism development commission.

To cater to the needs of the growing number of winter sports enthusiasts, venues around the city have already begun building new facilities. The MasterCard Center, the host venue for the 2008 Basketball Olympics, opened up a massive 15,000 square-meter outdoor ice park.

The outdoor park called Iceworld Sports Land, which is a skating festival originated by the Dutch, has received nearly 10,000 consumers since the operation began December 9.

The tourism commission also plans to hold a big New Year event at Beijing's Olympic Park downtown and will run for four hours consisting of winter sports demonstrations, art performances, and will even offer the audience an opportunity to interact with Olympians.

The recent surge in winter sports entertainment in Beijing comes at time when the city makes its final effort to ramp up its bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympics. This is the last winter before the International Olympic Committee officially announces its decision in July on whether China or Kazakhstan would be hosting the Winter Games.

TagsWinter Tourism, 2022 Winter Olympics, skiing, winter sports