The Chinese Olympic Committee nominated Beijing as the candidate city for the 2022 Winter Olympics on November 3, 2013. In addition, Zhangjiakou is the joint city for the bidding.[1] Zhangjiakou is located 190 kilometres (120 mi) northwest of Beijing.
Harbin bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympics but failed to become a candidate city. Vancouver was ultimately awarded the 2010 Winter Olympics. Harbin also bid to host the 2012 Winter Youth Olympics but failed to become a candidate. Innsbruck ultimately won the right to host the 2012 Winter Youth Olympics.
The Beijing Olympic Games Bidding Committee unveiled the gymnasium layout plan for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games on 20 February 2014: five ice events will be held at the Olympic center, the Capital Indoor Stadium and the Beijing Wukesong Sports Center. Competitions for luge, bobsleigh and alpine skiing will be held in Xiaohaituo Mountain area northwest of Beijing, 90 kilometers away from downtown. All other skiing events will be held in Taizicheng Area in Chongli District, Zhangjiakou, 220 kilometers away from downtown of Beijing and 130 kilometers away from Xiaohaituo Mountain Area.[2]
The issue of air pollution, which was widely discussed during the 2008 Summer Olympics, was cited as a likely factor in Beijing's bid. Beijing and Zhangjiakou suffer from severe air pollution which is worse during the winter.[3] As of February 26, 2014, Beijing hit a dangerous particulate concentration of 537.[4] A rate of 301-500 is marked as hazardous.[5] An anti-pollution body expressed a concern that Beijing companies failing to meet regulations were moving their factories to Tianjin and Hebei.[6]
Lack of snow issue
The lack of snow is cited by the IOC as an issue in Beijing's bid. The average snow depth in Yangqing, where the ski competitions would be held, is five centimeters.[needs context][7]
Human rights issue
A study at the University of Chicago analyzed the progress of the IOC's Agenda 2020 to demand that host countries have equitable labor laws. It concluded that the acceptance of Beijing's bid undermined this initiative.[8]
