How did Beijing become the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games?

Beijing became the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games by building upon its successful experience hosting the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.12

When the International Olympic Committee (IOC) sought bids for the 2022 Winter Games, Beijing’s proposal highlighted its proven ability to organize large-scale international events and its plan to repurpose existing infrastructure. Specifically, the city utilized several venues from 2008, including the Beijing National Stadium—the "Bird's Nest"—for the opening and closing ceremonies, and the National Aquatics Stadium, which was converted into the "Ice Cube" for curling.23

In July 2015, the IOC selected Beijing over Almaty, Kazakhstan, in a 44–40 vote. By leveraging its established facilities and demonstrating a commitment to infrastructure development, such as the construction of a new high-speed railway to the Zhangjiakou competition zone, Beijing successfully secured the opportunity to host the 2022 Winter Games, thereby achieving the historic distinction of hosting both versions of the Olympics.2