Winter Olympics 2022

winter-olympics-2022

Why China Is the Team to Watch at the Winter Paralympics

Timely reports on issues and events from across China. Drawing on a vast range of sources, these succinct articles provide insights into the significance of each issue in a wider context.

NEWS

China has only ever won one medal at the Winter Paralympics. But the country is going into its first home Games with a huge team that looks ready to spring a surprise.

Li Pasha

The Games Brought Crowds to China’s Ski Slopes. Will They Come Back?

As the Winter Olympics end, the winter sports industry is counting on fickle consumers to stay interested in skiing.

Luo Meihan

2022 Winter Olympics in Photos

Visual stories that get up close and personal with contemporary China. A mix of short videos, documentaries, photography, and data visualization.

MULTIMEDIA

A collection of photos from this year’s Winter Olympics, as selected by Sixth Tone’s visual editors.

Ding Yining

What Eileen Gu Means to China

Contributions from individuals with unique perspectives to share. Hear from everyone, from experts and commentators to those whose voices are often marginalized.

VOICES & OPINION

The 18-year-old skier has dominated this year’s Olympics like no one else.

Wu Haiyun

Eileen Gu’s Win Raises Profile of Her Former Tutoring Center 

Beijing-based Gaosi Education went viral after the freestyle skier claimed her first Olympic gold for Team China.

Ni Dandan

Chinese Fans Cheer Beloved Japanese Skater After a Slippery Start 

Yuzuru Hanyu came eighth after his first ice event at the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Wu Peiyue

China’s Subtropical Southwest Embraces a New Sport: Ice Hockey

Articles that cut to the core of contemporary China. In-depth, informed, and carefully crafted, every piece is carried by the voices of the story’s participants.

FEATURES

Ahead of Beijing 2022, the Chinese government launched an ambitious campaign to get 300 million people playing winter sports. Its impact is visible even in southwestern Kunming — China’s “city of eternal spring.”

Skating Toward a Revolution

In the 1920s, China’s “new women” took part in skating events for pleasure and to showcase their embrace of modernity. But true equality couldn’t be achieved on the ice.

Yang Yufei

Panda Mascot Emerges as a Breakthrough Star at Beijing Olympics 

Souvenirs featuring Bing Dwen Dwen sold out within a day of the opening ceremony.

Chinese Netizens Divided Over Winter Olympics’ Opening Ceremony 

While some applauded the event for its simplicity, others were less impressed.

Fan Yiying

Winter Sports Enthusiasts Pin Hopes on Beijing Olympics  

While the elderly were keen on watching their favorite events, youngsters believed the Games would open up new avenues for them.

Liang Jiaqi

China’s Top Filmmaker Is Older and — Maybe — Wiser

Zhang Yimou is back for another Olympics opening ceremony, but he’s not the same director he was 14 years ago.

Liu Qing

How Sixth Tone Readers Remember Beijing’s First Olympics

Mascots, construction dust, and Usain Bolt: Memories of Beijing 14 years ago as it hosted the Summer Games.

David Cohen

Which Chinese Athletes Have a Shot at Gold at Beijing 2022?

China has assembled a formidable squad for its first home Winter Olympics — and might even be a contender to top the medals table. Here are the Chinese stars to watch out for.

When Beijing’s Skating Rinks Were Battlefields

A hundred years ago, ice skating was an unexpectedly important arena in China’s anti-imperialist struggle. But while some skaters sought to battle the “blue-eyed” Westerners, others took a different approach.

How to Make Snow for a Winter Olympics in a Dry City

When China was awarded the 2022 Winter Olympics, the country went on a crash course for making its own snow.

Ye Ruolin

Ahead of Winter Olympics, ‘Snow Fever’ Grips China

With international travel practically impossible, snowboarding has become one of China’s hottest lifestyle trends.

Zhu Ruiying

Du Xinyu

The Twists and Turns of China’s Snowboarding Underdog

Zhang Jiahao first hit the slopes at age 17. Then he set his sights on the Olympics.

From Water Cube to “Ice Cube” 

The transformation of China’s iconic Olympic venue