Alexander Zhukov (second left), Chairman of the IOC Evaluation Commission, speaks at the opening session in Beijing on March 24

The IOC Evaluation Commission looks at a sports venue model in Yanqing on March 25

Liu Peng (second right), Minister of the General Administration of Sport, shows IOC Evaluation Commission members around a sports venue in Zhangjiakou on March 26 

International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials demonstrated confidence in Beijing's ability to host the 2022 Winter Olympics after an inspection tour in late March. China has proposed that the Games be held at venues in downtown Beijing, its suburban Yanqing County and Zhangjiakou, a city in Hebei Province 180 km northwest of the capital.

"It was clear that you embraced the spirit of Olympic Agenda 2020 and you have undoubtedly shown us that you would be very capable hosts of the 2022 Olympic Winter Games," said Alexander Zhukov, Chairman of the 19-member IOC Evaluation Commission.

Following the withdrawal of a number of candidates, Beijing and Almaty, Kazakhstan, are the only two remaining bidders for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Wang Anshun, Mayor of Beijing and President of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games Bid Committee, assured that Beijing possesses ample resources to host a memorable Olympic winter event conforming to the goals of the Olympic Agenda 2020 - 40 recommendations to promote sustainability in future Games. The smog in Beijing and its surrounding areas has been a contentious issue throughout the bidding process. Wang said, "We will continue to implement strict measures and tough penalties with great determination to improve air quality, not only for the bid but also for residents' quality of life."

China is pushing forward the economic and social integration of Beijing with its neighboring Tianjin Municipality and Hebei Province. As part of this strategy, the area from Beijing to Zhangjiakou will be developed into a sports-centric tourist belt by augmenting infrastructure such as high-speed railways and enhancing environmental protection. These measures are expected to create favorable conditions for China to host the Winter Olympics, said Vice Premier Liu Yandong at the opening session of the IOC Evaluation Commission's inspection trip on March 24.

According to Beijing's bid, the opening and closing ceremonies as well as all events on ice will be held in its downtown areas, while Yanqing and Zhangjiakou will host the snow-based competitions.

"The Chinese Government will give full support to Beijing's bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics with Zhangjiakou," Liu added.

Liu Peng, Minister of the General Administration of Sport and President of the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC), said the COC is pushing for the construction of more winter sports facilities, promoting winter sports nationwide, and encouraging 300 million people to participate in these sports.

During their tour, the IOC Evaluation Commission listened to the statement of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games Bid Committee, setting forth Beijing's vision and legacy of the sports and logistics such as transportation, accommodation, finance and sustainability. Commission members also inspected competition and non-competition venues in Beijing and Zhangjiakou.

"You have maximized the use of existing world-class sports venues; you have taken advantage of your experience of hosting major international events; and you have identified clear legacy goals," Zhukov said at the wrap-up news conference on March 28.

The IOC will vote on the host city in Kuala Lumpur on July 31, partly based on the commission's assessment reports.