Experts optimistic on Olympics

Beijing will compete with Oslo in Norway, and Alma-Ata in Kazakhstan, to host the 2022 Olympic Winter Games, the Beijing Morning Post reported.

The International Olympic Committee named the candidates on July 6. Stadiums for the games will be built in Beijing's downtown area, Yanqing district, and Zhangjiakou in Hebei province. The construction of transportation infrastructure to link the three locations has been launched.

Sun Baoli, a professor with Beijing Sport University, said it's possible for stadiums built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games to be used again. Hosting the 2022 Games would also boost the popularity of winter sports in northern China and improve air pollution.