In 2022, Beijing will become the first city to have hosted both Summer and Winter Olympics. As 2018 comes to an end and a new year begins, CGTN Sports Scene takes stock of the preparations for the quadrennial event scheduled to be held in the Chinese capital.

The organizers are moving full speed ahead, as they continue preparing to stage the cold weather version of the "Greatest Show on Earth."

When IOC President Thomas Bach handed the Olympic flag to Beijing Mayor Chen Jining at the conclusion of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games, another important milestone was passed on the road to 2022, and the Chinese capital is looking to stage a multi-sport spectacle that is affordable, beneficial, and sustainable -- and right now the status report seems to read, so far, so good.

Alexander Zhukov, the president of the IOC Coordination Committee, said at a press conference in Beijing: "We are very pleased with the progress that has been made by Beijing 2022 and the President has underlined his commitment to deliver a successful effort-centered Olympic Winter Games. This visit has given me full confidence that this ambition will be realized and we look forward to be back for our next visit next year."

The 2022 Winter Olympics will feature 109 disciplines, including seven new events, with current plans calling for the use of 25 venues located across Beijing and Zhangjiakou.

Among the sites set to undergo transformations are China's National Aquatics Center, as the Water Cube will be converted into the Ice Cube. "After being refurbished, the Water Cube will be smarter, meaning it will save more energy and control costs much better," said Yang Qiyong, the general manager of the National Aquatics Center. 

The organizers also told CGTN Sports Scene that they will launch their official Games Volunteers Program in 2020, with applicants from around the world encouraged to sign up and help deliver Beijing's next iteration of the Olympics and Paralympics, in a truly open and inclusive manner.