Winter Olympics: 'Beijing Eight-Minute' preps for spotlight in PyeongChang

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The Olympics will come to a close on Sunday, with all winter sport enthusiasts looking ahead to Beijing's hosting of the games in 2022. Here's a closer look at what's going on behind the scenes.

All eyes are now on the segment to showcase Beijing at the closing ceremony of the PyeongChang Olympics, the Beijing Eight-minute. Earlier, the show team arrived in PyeongChang to prepare and rehearse.

SHA XIAOLAN "BEIJING EIGHT-MINUTE" PRODUCER "The Performance ran smoothly during rehearsals over the past two days. However, this is a cooperation among five departments. To be honest, I hope tonight's rehearsal will expose some of the shortcomings of the program, so we can fix it and know what is missing."

The show team, spearheaded by Director Zhang Yimou and Producer Sha Xiaolan, arrived in PyeongChang last Saturday. The team includes 200 performers from China. On the date of their arrival, the team tested all machines and equipment in extreme conditions, and also drew up a contingency plan.

ZHANG YIMOU "BEIJING EIGHT-MINUTE" SHOW DIRECTOR "Today is the first full rehearsal to connect all the key components of the show with our eight-minute show. I think we are well-prepared, very well-prepared. Of course, we want to be flawless. Weather is the major concern. As long as the weather is okay, the show will run smoothly."

The 2004 Games in Athens mainly showcased Chinese history with traditional elements like red lanterns and jasmine. This time, the team is taking a high-tech route to showcase contemporary China.

ZHANG YIMOU "BEIJING EIGHT-MINUTE" SHOW DIRECTOR "I can't tell you. Let's wait and see. Let's wait and see. If I expose it, then the show won't be a surprise. We hope the audience can see a completely different show from the one at Athens. It is completely different. The show will showcase the new technology in China. It is completely different."

The PyeongChang Olympic Committee will hand over the Olympic flag, symbolizing the relay baton, to Beijing. The Winter Olympics will then enter the "Beijing zone". The eight-minute show is said to welcome athletes from all over the world to gather in Beijing in 2022. CGTN.