Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday reaffirmed China's commitment to hosting a simple, safe and splendid Winter Olympics for the world.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach in Beijing on Tuesday. Bach arrived in Beijing on January 22 for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, which will open on February 4.

"Ice and snow are also as valuable as gold and silver," Xi said. The hosting of the Games has also driven the growth of winter sports industries and the ice and snow economy in China, he said. 

Praising the preparations for the Games as excellent, Bach said he was "very much impressed by the welcome to the Olympic community by the Chinese people from all walks of life, be it culture, science or business, and across all generations."