Games body launches search for emblem

Beijing Mayor Wang Anshun (center) launches the website of the Games on Sunday together with other dignitaries at the Badaling section of the Great Wall in Beijing. WANG ZHUANGFEI/CHINA DAILY

Beijing launched an international contest on Sunday to find an emblem for the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, to mark the anniversary of the city's winning bid to co-host the Games.

Guo Jinlong, the city's top official and chairman of the 2022 Games organizing committee, made the announcement on the Badaling section of the Great Wall.

He invited people around the globe to submit their designs by Nov 30.

The Chinese capital and Zhangjiakou in Hebei province were officially chosen to host the 2022 Winter Olympics on July 31 last year.

The decision means Beijing, the host of the 2008 Olympics, will be the first city in the world to host both the summer and winter Games.

The events will bring more glory to this ancient and modern city, Zhang Jiandong, vice-mayor of Beijing and executive vice-chairman of the organizing committee, said on Sunday.

The website of the Games organizing committee－beijing2022.cn－was also launched on Sunday, offering news, introductions to winter sports and photos. The site is available in Chinese, English and French.

Established in December, the organizing committee will now focus on finalizing the designs of all facilities before construction begins on other venues and urban infrastructure this year.

Cui Jia contributed to this story.