This week marks China's National Day holiday, and sport has emerged as a key driver of consumption. Beijing has the distinction of hosting both the Summer and Winter Olympics, making it one of China's sporting centers. Ning Hong has this story from the Chinese capital.
It's holiday season in the Chinese capital, and Beijing is hosting a world-class figure skating performance. Two Olympic champions, eight world champions, and dozens of performers deliver a spectacular show at the Beijing National Speed Skating Oval.
ALEXANDRA TRUSOVA Figure Skater "I hope everyone pays attention to this sport, enjoys it, and encourages more children to get involved."
TONG JIAN Olympic Figure Skating Champion "This year's Magic on Ice can be said to have the strongest lineup since the Winter Olympics, and aims to showcase the best of all performers by providing Chinese fans with a unique experience."
Figure skating competitions are gaining more attention and popularity in China, especially after the Beijing Winter Olympics. The sport now boasts a sizeable audience.
ZHANG JIANGUO Spectator "Although the Winter Olympics are over, the Olympic atmosphere is still strong. I've always had a dream to come here and watch the competition, and today it finally came true."
ZHANG SIQI Spectator "I'm from Shenyang, and I love ice skating and follow figure skating closely. I came specifically to watch the performance. I've skated on this rink before. It feels great."
NING HONG Beijing "It is such a privilege for people live in the capital to enjoy the show put up by the world's top figure staking players in the National Speed Skating Oval, it is a show you must see."
The National Speed Skating Oval is the most distinct permanent venue from the Beijing Winter Olympics, and provides an excellent setting for fans of ice sports.
ZHAO ZHIXIONG Deputy General Manager, National Speed Skating Oval "This figure skating performance is a new effort by us. We plan to turn this event into our intellectual property and hold it every year, striving to meet the expectations of the audience."
During the National Day holiday, figure skaters will put on a three-day performance. The National Speed Skating Oval expects a record number of spectators during the period. Ning Hong, CGTN, Beijing.
