‘I almost cried!’ Czech ice dancer shares hospitable experiences

From red lanterns to Spring Festival scrolls, elements of the Chinese New Year fill Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games venues during the traditional holiday in China, creating a warm and festive atmosphere for the Olympic staff, volunteers and foreign athletes.

Inside the Olympic Village, lanterns, Chinese knots and other festival decorations are seen everywhere. Beijing's intangible cultural heritage, such as the old Beijing rabbit figures and Peking Opera costumes, are also displayed in the village, showing both Chinese traditional cultures and the thriving Chinese New Year festival custom.

In terms of food, Yan Jiarong, spokesperson for the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympics, said at a press conference on Tuesday that the committee has prepared dumplings, spring rolls, roast duck and sticky riceballs for athletes and guests during Chinese New Year so that they can "taste the festival."

The Chinese food have gained popularity in the Olympic village. Czech ice dancer Natalie Taschlerova told that she was happy to be served dumplings and spring rolls in the Olympic Village, which were her favorite.

She also showed some Spring-festival-themed packages that she received from the committee, which was comprised of foldable red lanterns and Spring Festival scrolls. The 20-year-old Czech athlete shared her excitement saying that her experiences inside Beijing Olympic Village has been very hospitable.

She saying that she almost cried when she received the mascot souvenir and has been enjoying her first trip to Olympics to pursue her dream.

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