2022 Beijing Winter Paralympic Games in China
Author: Disabled World (DW)
Updated/Revised Date: 2 Nov 2026
Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - About This Section - FAQs - Publications - Subtopics
Synopsis
Learn about the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing, China, held in March 2022, including host city facts, venues, and the snow events staged in Zhangjiakou.
At a Glance
- 1 - The games ran from March 4 to March 13, 2022.
- 2 - Beijing beat Almaty in Kazakhstan to win hosting rights for the 2022 games.
- 3 - Snow events were staged in Zhangjiakou, about 118 miles or 189.9 km northwest of Beijing.
- 4 - Beijing became the first city to host both a Summer and a Winter Games, having also hosted in 2008.
Topic Definition
- 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics
The 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics, officially the thirteenth Paralympic Winter Games, were an international winter multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities held in Beijing, China, from March 4 to March 13, 2022 under the governance of the International Paralympic Committee. The games carried a unique place in history, as Beijing became the first city ever to host both a Summer and a Winter edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, having previously staged the 2008 Summer Games. Competition was spread across three zones, with ice sports such as curling and sledge hockey held in central Beijing, alpine skiing in Yanqing, and snow events including biathlon and snowboarding in Zhangjiakou to the northwest. Organizers emphasized a green approach and lasting regional development, using the games to broaden the appeal of winter sports across China and to leave an infrastructure and accessibility legacy linking the capital with its surrounding areas.
Overview
The 2022 Winter Paralympics, officially the XIII Paralympic Winter Games, were an international winter sports event held in Beijing, China, from March 4 to 13, 2022.
Beijing was chosen to host the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, beating the bid of Kazakhstan's Almaty. Having hosted the 2008 Olympics and Paralympics, the Chinese capital became the first city to host both a summer and winter Games.
China aimed to create a new economic belt and environment-friendly zone, incorporating the surrounding Hebei Province, and Tianjin, a port city to the capital's southeast. Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed a "green" Olympics and called for a heightened level of city management, broader appeal of winter sports in China, stricter budget control and strengthened supervision.
Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, then a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that Chinese leaders attached great importance to the preparation for the Games.
The Games, which were supported by former NBA star Yao Ming, were divided between the capital and the city of Zhangjiakou - which is 118 miles (189.9 km) north-west of Beijing and hosted the snow events.
Venues
Yanqing:
- Yanqing Paralympic Village
- Yanqing MMC: Media Center
- Xiaohaituo Alpine Skiing Field - alpine skiing
Zhangjiakou:
- Genting Hotel - Media Center
- Zhangjiakou Paralympic Village
- Kuyangshu Biathlon Field - biathlon
- Genting Ski Resort - snowboarding
Beijing:
- Beijing Paralympic Village
- Beijing National Aquatics Center - curling
- China National Convention Center - MPC/IBC
- Beijing National Indoor Stadium - sledge hockey
- Beijing National Stadium - opening and closing ceremonies
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports were held at the Beijing Winter Paralympics?
The Winter Paralympics feature snow and ice sports such as alpine skiing, cross country skiing, biathlon, snowboarding, sledge hockey, and wheelchair curling.
Why is Beijing historically significant as a host city?
Beijing became the first city to host both a Summer and a Winter edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, following its 2008 Summer Games.
Where were the snow events held?
Snow events such as biathlon and snowboarding were staged in Zhangjiakou, a city about 118 miles northwest of Beijing, while ice sports were held in the capital.
How often are the Winter Paralympics held?
The Winter Paralympic Games take place every four years, following the Winter Olympics in the same host city and year.
How do athletes qualify for the Winter Paralympics?
Athletes qualify through world rankings, designated qualifying events, and eligibility criteria set by each sport and confirmed by their national committees.
What is Paralympic classification in winter sports?
Classification groups athletes by how their impairment affects performance, so competitors face others with similar functional ability for fairer results.
What legacy did the Beijing games aim to leave?
Organizers aimed to broaden interest in winter sports across China and to leave lasting infrastructure, accessibility, and regional development benefits.
Which country won the most medals at Beijing 2022?
Host nation China topped the medal table at Beijing 2022 with 18 gold medals and 61 medals in total. Russian and Belarusian athletes were barred from competing shortly before the Games began.
Curated and edited by Ian C. Langtree, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Disabled World. This section is maintained by the Disabled World editorial team. Last updated: