China has approved the construction of a $1 billion high-speed rail extension to connect Beijing with the venue for many of the skiing events for the 2022 Winter Olympics, AP reported. The Zhangjiakou city government said Saturday that the 53-kilometer (33-mile) line from the Hebei province city of Zhangjiakou to the town of Chongli will be ready by 2019. China is already building an almost $9 billion high-speed line from Beijing to Zhangjiakou, located about 140 kilometers (87 miles) northwest of the capital. Beijing will host the indoor events but lacks the tall mountains and snow fall for skiing events. Chongli will host the Nordic and other events, while Alpine skiing and sliding sports will be held at a third site in Yanqing.
