Harbin in a bid to host Winter Olympics

The northeastern Chinese city of Harbin is considering a bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics and could make a decision following an international sports event there in February, state press said Thursday.

"We are considering a bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics, although the decision has to be approved by Chinese sports authorities," the China Daily quoted Li Zhanshu, governor of Heilongjiang province, as saying.

"If the hosting of the 2009 Winter Universiade (games in February) can win applause from all guests, it will enhance our confidence to bid for the Winter Olympic Games." Harbin, known as "ice city" for its annual ice carving festival, will host the Winter University Games from February 18-28.

The city and its surrounding mountains have served as training grounds for China's winter sports teams for decades.

BEIJING, Friday, AFP