CRI听力:Beijing New Year Countdown Echoes Bid for 2022 Olympics

Thousands of people gathered outside of the Bird's Nest Stadium, despite the cold and windy weather, to welcome the new year.

They put New Year wishes in Chinese lanterns, and expressed hope that the capital would win its bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympics.

"As a Beijing local, the countdown event gives us a chance to at least witness and participate in the process of Beijing's bidding for the Winter Olympics."

"I wish Beijing a great success to host the Winter Olympics. My new year resolution is to pass all final examinations."

"I am so excited to be here, and I am lucky. I am so happy and I will stay in China for one year. I like China"

For the very first time, the countdown event was jointly held at three venues: Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium, Badaling Great wall, and Zhangjiakou.

Neighboring Zhangjiakou city would co-host the Olympics if the Chinese bid succeeds.

At 11:30 pm, the countdown ceremony kicked off on a newly-built stage made of ice and snow.

World-renowned pianist Lang Lang joined the performance, saying it's the first time he's played piano in freezing weather.

"When I played at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, the weather was pretty hot. For today, it was very cold. But Winter sports can be as exciting as the Summer ones. So, I really hope Beijing can become the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics."

Chinese Winter Olympic Champions also come to the venue.

Zhao Hongbo is a former pairs skater, who has won several gold medals with his partner and wife Shen Xue.

"Usually, at this time of year, we are preparing important competitions to come. But this year, things are quite different as we are here to bid the 2022 Winter Olympics. As one of the Winter sports players, this is our common wish."

The retired duo now coaches the Chinese Figure Skating Team.

They also hope their 1-year-old daughter will get a chance to watch the Winter Olympics live in Beijing.

The capital is now in a two-city race to host the games, competing with Almaty, capital of Kazakhstan.

This comes after the withdrawal of a number of potential bidders.

The host city will be selected this July at an International Olympic Committee assembly in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

For CRI, I am Wang Mengzhen.