A competitor gets to grips with the icy conditions during a skating event in Baotou city, in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Jan 18. Winter sports are fast gaining popularity in the run-up to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, due to take place in and around the national capital next month. [Photo/Baotou Daily]

Young skaters tussle for supremacy on Jan 18. The event, part of the national winter sports season, aimed to raise its profile with Baotou's residents. [Photo/Baotou Evening News]

A team digs deep to gain a competitive edge, at the start of an ice dragon boat race in the Nanhai Wetland Scenic Spot in Baotou on Jan 18. [Photo/Baotou Evening News]

Participants battle it out for victory during an ice dragon boat race on Jan 18. [Photo/Baotou Evening News]

Winter sports events in Baotou city are these days being livestreamed. [Photo/Baotou Evening News]