The Beijing Winter Olympic Games have rewritten the belief that winter sports in China can only be enjoyed in those regions to the north of Shanhaiguan, and has also given a significant boost to consumption, the industry as well as international cooperation, said Lin Songtian, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

Latest figures from the National Bureau of Statistics show that more than 346 million Chinese have taken up winter sports.

"We have fulfilled the promise to engage 300 million people in ice and snow sports. It is the biggest contribution to the Olympic Games and the best interpretation of the Olympic spirit and values," said Lin.