Sebastian Valcic and Alexander Frey, two expats living in Jinan, Shandong province participated in a tour of 2022 Winter Olympics venues in Beijing and Zhangjiakou city, Hebei province from July 27 to 30.

The event, which was hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, invited more than 50 young expats from 17 European countries who live in 10 provinces and municipalities in China including Beijing, Shanghai, Hebei, Zhejiang, Fujian and Shandong.

The event aimed to help foreigners from European countries better understand the green, inclusive, open and clean concept of the Beijing Winter Olympics.

During the three-day tour, they visited the headquarters of the Beijing organizing committee for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Shougang Park, as well as the competition areas in Yanqing and Zhangjiakou.

Sebastian from Germany spoke highly of the green concept that China has adopted for hosting the Winter Olympics, noting that the rest of the world can learn from its efforts and achievements in sustainable development and carbon neutrality.

He also pointed out that the speedy construction of the ski jumping venue in Chongli district of Zhangjiakou city – construction started in 2018 and was recently completed – reflects the efficiency of China.

Frey from Switzerland said that he was impressed by the environmentally friendly and energy-saving stadiums and facilities of the Beijing Winter Olympics. He also wished athletes from China and Switzerland great success at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

In recent years, the Jinan Municipal Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries has actively promoted cultural and sports exchanges activities between China and foreign countries in an effort to help more expats learn about Jinan and deepen feelings to China.

Expats from Jinan pose for a photo during the tour for visiting 2022 Winter Olympics venues in Beijing and Zhangjiakou. [Photo provided to english.jinan.gov.cn]

Participants pose for a photo with Olympic rings. [Photo provided to english.jinan.gov.cn]