The capital city of Beijing is now brimming with festive vibes as people celebrate Xiao Nian, or the “Little Chinese New Year”, on 22 January 2025. As a highlight of the Dual Olympic Culture Promotion Series of the Beijing Olympic City Sports Culture Festival, an Olympic themed youth sports and cultural event opened at the Summer Palace on 22 January. Co-hosted by the Beijing Olympic City Development Centre and the Beijing Municipal Administration Centre of Parks and organised by the Beijing Summer Palace Administration, this event features colourful activities including the dryland curling experience competition, ice lantern making and rubbing of the character “Fu” (meaning happiness, blessing and good fortune). These activities create a lively Chinese New Year atmosphere and also reflect the good wishes of people gathering in Beijing, the first and the only city that has hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympics, to experience winter sports and share the joy of the Chinese New Year. The Summer Palace continues the cultural heritage of Chinese gardens by launching the  14th “Fragrant Plum Blossoms” Spring Cultural Exhibition, adding unique cultural and artistic charm to the festive city.

(The youth sports and cultural event at the Summer Palace)

In front of the Summer Palace Museum, lots of children and parents partook in the dryland curling experience competition. Before the competition started, a professional coach explained the basics of curling, including its competition rules. The participating parents and children were all impressed by the unique charm of this sport. They couldn’t wait to practice the moves and techniques of curling, discussing the key points of team coordination in each phase of the competition.

(Children practice dryland curling)

(Children participate in dryland curling activities)

During the competition, the children raced to slide the stones towards the target area, and the cheers from the audience came in waves, bringing the dual Olympic cultural event to a climax.

(Awards presented for winners)

While the dryland curling experience competition set an enthusiastic ambiance, the ice lantern making and character “Fu” rubbing activities attracted the enthusiastic participation of many young people, adding cultural charm to the Chinese New Year celebrations.

After the teacher demonstrated the methods and techniques of ice lantern making, the children immersed themselves in designing and making their own ice lanterns.

(Children make ice lanterns)

(Children show off their handmade ice lanterns)

The traditional rubbing experience activity also drew lots of participants. By observing the teacher’s demonstration and making rubbings themselves, the children gained a deeper understanding of fine Chinese traditional culture.

(Children participate in rubbing)

(A child displays his rubbing)

In celebration of the third anniversary of the Beijing 2022 Games, the exquisitely designed ticket album and ticket card were presented to the participating children as special “prizes”，inspiring them with the remarkable achievements of the Beijing 2022 Games.

(Winners showcase the ticket album of the Beijing 2022 Games)

This event not only creates a strong festive atmosphere for the Chinese New Year but also enables the young people to feel the unique charm of the dual Olympic culture, enjoy winter sports and get a better understanding of China’s intangible cultural heritage. In the future, the hosts will continue to work with all sectors of society to develop more high-quality cultural and sports activities for the public, especially the youngsters, and further integrate traditional culture and Olympic culture to make the dual Olympic city sparkle with even greater brilliance.