On January 25, before its official opening, the Beijing Winter Olympic Village welcomed a special guest - Juan Antonio Samaranch, member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Chairman of the IOC Beijing Winter Olympic Coordination Committee.

In the square area, the flags of various countries were flying in the wind, creating a strong atmosphere of the international Olympic family. First, Juan Antonio Samaranch was briefed on the truce mural and the flag square. He then went to the Village President's Parlor to learn about the overall operation of the Beijing Winter Olympic Village. Then he visited the athletes' restaurant and living area and talked with the volunteers.

"The Beijing Winter Olympic Village is the most wonderful Olympic Village I've ever seen," Juan Antonio Samaranch said. He was pleased to see that the Beijing Winter Olympic Village is so functional and well-equipped, and that the athletes are lucky to live here. Then he mentioned that both his father and himself have deep friendship with the Chinese people and thanked them for their kindness. "Beijing is the first Dual Olympic City in the world and the interval between the two Olympic Games is only 14 years. It is the reflection of Beijing's Olympic spirit and China's national strength."

Finally, on behalf of the Beijing Winter Olympic Village, Shen Qianfan, Director of the Beijing Winter Olympic Village Operation Team, presented a fire-painted gourd, an intangible cultural heritage of Beijing, to Juan Antonio Samaranch. The fire-painted gourd is painted with orchids, symbolizing "wealth, peace, good fortune and goodwill". "Thank you very much, I will treasure this special gift from the Beijing Winter Olympic Village." Samaranch said.

Translated by LIU Yu