They briefed Xi on their preparations for the Games, due to be held in February 2022, and expressed confidence in winning gold medals.

Xi said the CPC Central Committee attaches great importance to the preparatory work for the Winter Games, and the Party and the people have offered tremendous support.

He said he was pleased to learn that the preparatory work is proceeding smoothly and the athletes' training is paying off.

During a visit to the National Alpine Skiing Center in Yanqing district, Xi learned about the operation of the venue and the training of the athletes.

He cheered on the athletes after they chanted morale-boosting words in unison as he departed from the skiing center.

On Tuesday, Xi took the high-speed railway from Beijing to Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, the co-host city of the event.

The president inspected the Taizicheng railway station as well as several skiing venues for the Games and spoke with athletes, coaches, representatives of facility operation teams and construction workers.