Harnessing the Power of Ice and Snow: Zhongguancun Yanqing Park Boosts the Development of the Ice and Snow Sports Industry

      On October 18, the Yanqing sub-venue event of the 2019 International Winter Sports (Beijing) Expo was held at the Enterprise Home of Zhongguancun Yanqing Park. Forty-five experts and entrepreneurs from the sports, finance, and ice and snow industries gathered to discuss the future development of Yanqing’s ice and snow industry.

      The event was jointly organized by the Beijing Olympic City Development Promotion Association and International Data Group (IDG), with the People’s Government of Yanqing District as the cooperating partner, and Aiqi Exhibition Co., Ltd. as the executive organizer. At the event, ice and snow companies from China, Italy, and Finland presented their offerings. Roundtable dialogues were held on the theme of “Seizing the Winter Olympics Opportunity to Promote the Development of Yanqing’s Ice and Snow and Tourism Industries,” featuring participants such as the Sustainability Commission of the Beijing 2022 Organizing Committee, the Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, the Sports Working Group of the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce, IDG, and Yanqing. These discussions delved into the integrated development of Yanqing’s ice and snow sports and tourism industries, drawing on the expertise of leading industry professionals to inject new ideas into the sector and drive green, high-quality growth in Yanqing. Companies such as Huaxing Yunrui, Jingsai Times, Shenlan Changsheng, Qingteng Sports, Mengqiyuan, and SnowVillage Technology delivered project presentations, showcasing research-to-application achievements in AI, VR, and ice and snow simulation technologies for scenarios such as information-based ice and snow activities and the promotion of ice and snow sports. These presentations highlighted the companies’ latest technologies, products, and applications, facilitating the implementation of cutting-edge innovations.

      The event also featured impressive displays of new technologies and products. Ice dragon boating, a novel ice and snow sport that combines traditional dragon boating with winter elements, was introduced. Equipped with braking and steering mechanisms, the ice boat offers strong anti-slip performance. Qingteng Sports leveraged its professional expertise and partnered with the Tsinghua University Sports Industry Development Research Center to promote the international ice dragon boat project in China. Alvin Technology showcased electronically controlled, intelligent, photochromic ski goggles that use AI to integrate an LCD lens system regulated by an integrated circuit, with a single-crystal silicon solar battery that detects sunlight intensity and also serves as a power source. Huanwei Technology presented a virtual simulator platform based on VR and microcontroller technology, enabling users to experience travel culture and fitness activities from home. Users can control direction within virtual scenes while experiencing realistic slope simulations and changes in outdoor cycling resistance.

Qingteng Sports Ice Dragon Boat Demonstration

      At the outdoor area of the opening ceremony, Mengqiyuan provided professional ski simulators and a 60-square-meter mini ice rink for skiing and skating demonstrations. Professional ski instructors, dressed in full gear, effortlessly performed parallel turns and edge-carving maneuvers on the simulators, showcasing skills as impressive as those seen on real slopes. The ski simulators not only offer training opportunities outside of the snow season but also help athletes improve the precision and accuracy of their movements. On the adjacent mini ice rink, Mengqiyuan skating coaches demonstrated short track speed skating and figure skating techniques, while attendees could also try skiing and skating themselves. Since establishing itself in Yanqing, Mengqiyuan has invested in building the district’s first indoor ice rink and a comprehensive ski simulator hall, providing essential venues and professional training to support the national goal of involving 300 million people in ice and snow sports and promoting knowledge and skills in the field.

Mengqiyuan Skiing Demonstration

      As the highlight of the Yanqing sub-venue event, the Zhongguancun Yanqing Park Administrative Committee, Yanqing TusStar, and four ice and snow sports enterprises—Huaxing Yunrui, Jingsai Times, and Qingteng Sports—signed cooperation agreements. It was revealed that Yanqing focuses on three key functional zones: a scientific and technological innovation R&D office area, a scientific and technological innovation incubation and acceleration area, and a scientific and technological innovation service support area. The district prioritizes attracting and serving businesses in sports technology R&D, ice and snow sports, training support, event operations, sports rehabilitation, smart manufacturing, and esports. In 2019, over 60 sports enterprises had already settled in Zhongguancun Yanqing Park, forming the initial framework of the district’s ice and snow sports industry ecosystem.

Zhongguancun Yanqing Park Administrative Committee Signs Agreements with Huaxing Yunrui, Jingsai Times, and Qingteng Sports

      As a key area for scientific and technological innovation in northwest Beijing and a landing site for the achievements of the “Three Cities and One District” initiative, Zhongguancun Yanqing Park focuses on cultivating and supporting modern horticulture, ice and snow sports, new energy and energy internet, and drone industries. In terms of policy, the park fully implements Beijing’s “10+3” series of policies for accelerating the development of high-end, precise, and advanced industries, as well as the “9+N” policy system for optimizing the business environment. It has also introduced measures such as the Management Measures for Supporting Funds to Promote Innovation and Entrepreneurship, specific policies for developing the four major pillar industries, and complementary policies regarding talent, land, funding, and indicators. For the sports industry, the “Several Measures for Cultivating and Promoting the Development of the Sports Technology Industry” have been formulated, along with the establishment of a special fund for sports technology industry development, laying a solid foundation for the sector’s growth.

      To enhance corporate belonging, Zhongguancun Yanqing Park is committed to optimizing the business environment and continuously improving service quality for enterprises. A corporate butler-style service system has been established, further refining the elements of innovation and entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, facilities in education, healthcare, and business will see significant upgrades. Yanqing has already formed a medical consortium with Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Peking University Third Hospital, and has partnered with high-quality educational institutions such as Capital Normal University and Capital University of Physical Education and Sports. Leveraging the technological and talent advantages of Zhongguancun, the district is accelerating the development of a comprehensive service system covering talent, finance, education, housing, healthcare, and transportation, providing solid support for high-tech talent to innovate and start businesses in Yanqing, as well as for the growth of high-tech industries. With the upcoming completion and operation of the Beijing-Chongli Expressway and the Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway, Yanqing will further establish multi-tiered fast-track connections to the urban core, entering Beijing’s half-hour economic circle and enhancing its regional advantages, which will significantly advance the integration of transportation across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

        Looking ahead, with the favorable opportunity of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Yanqing will embrace broader development prospects. By “driving with sports, stimulating public engagement, upgrading supporting facilities, and integrating unique features,” Yanqing aims to become a “world-class ice and snow competition platform,” a “world-class comprehensive ice and snow resort,” and a “world-class sports exchange hub.”