The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games has not only shone a spotlight on the world's greatest athletes, the global sports event has also brought to the fore China's culture and tourism assets, according to a prominent figure in the Spanish media.

"The opening of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, in just one week, has already brought us several joys, such as the silver medal for the Spanish halfpipe snowboarder Queralt Castellet, and other unexpected results," said Jose Antonio Vera, director of publications from Spanish daily newspaper La Razon.

Vera has been able to look beyond just the sporting achievements and take a focus on the cultural aspects of the Games, saying they have "taught us great lessons, such as the message of peace among countries and the re-evaluation of some peoples, who had been forgotten."

"This is the case of Taizicheng, an unknown village often covered in snow in winter, which has now, thanks to the Olympics, regained the glory it had in the past when it was the seat of an imperial palace 800 years ago," he said.

"Today, Taizicheng Railway Station, north of Beijing, is once again in the spotlight of the world as one of the scenes of the competitions, as well as proving to be an ideal place for skiers and snow lovers," he added.

Despite the overwhelming negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, living through lockdowns and restrictions has led people to a greater appreciation of nature and the countryside, according to Vera.

"Due to confinement as a result of the pandemic, people place more value on the countryside, towns and rural spaces, since many chose to spend time in destinations further away from the city to telework or lead a quieter life.

"With that same belief, the United Nations World Tourism Organization last year named and recognized the 44 Best Tourist Villages in the world, in order to optimize rural tourism and reward the efforts of those who work in this sector from the most remote places," he explained.

Xinhua