INTERNATIONAL: Three weeks and a few handfuls of hours before the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Games, the IOC Officials from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have finished their first round of inspection of the venues for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games on Saturday.

The first impression is “extremely positive” and the sites “exceptional”, according to IOC officials. So far, so good. And even, a little better than good.

Competition venues as well as major non-competition venues in downtown Beijing, the capital's northwest Yanqing District, and Zhangjiakou in neighboring Hebei Province were under examination, with their permanent and temporary facilities being reviewed.

During their inspection, IOC officials have praised the 80 newly-added accessible seats in the Capital Indoor Stadium as well as the heating area set up in the Shougang Big Air venue.

They thought that remarkable progress has been made in the construction and integration of stadiums and facilities for the upcoming Winter Olympics, which is not only in a fast speed, but also with high quality.

Meanwhile, they also brought forward some suggestions on revision. After adjustments are made, permanent and temporary facilities of the venues will be reconfirmed as they are set to be put into operation during the Winter Olympics.