Beijing peak piques interest in run-up to 2022 Olympics

A mountain watchman has seen an influx of tourists into his remote patrol site since it was named as a competition venue for the upcoming Winter Olympics.

Xiaohaituo Mountain in Yanqing county, about 90 kilometers northwest of downtown Beijing, will host alpine skiing events in the 2022 Winter Games. The area is known for its rich biodiversity and scenery.

For the past seven years, Cui Guijun has been the only patrolman on the mountain, taking care of the forest and helping to guard against potential dangers such as fire. Cui, 60, used to be the Party secretary of Xidazhuangke village at the foot of the mountain, and felt he wanted to do something meaningful in retirement.