崇理楼

“A university in Chongli?” you might ask. It’s true, Chongli, the once impoverished mountain town 220km north of Beijing, isn’t known for its academic institutions. It’s famous for its transformation from a struggling community to a world-class ski destination, spurred by the 2022 Winter Olympics. Chongli’s story is one of dramatic change, a testament to China’s focus on infrastructure development and poverty alleviation. Before 2015, over 16% of Chongli’s 131,000 residents lived in extreme poverty. Roads were often gravel, and transportation was limited. Then, in July 2015, the International Olympic Committee announced Beijing’s successful bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, with Chongli playing a key role. This announcement marked a turning point for Chongli. A massive 430 billion yuan (around $61 billion USD) investment poured into the area, transforming its infrastructure. A high-speed rail line, capable of speeds up to 250 km/h, now connects Chongli to Beijing in under an hour. A new four-lane highway also significantly cuts travel time. This investment wasn’t just governmental. Private companies like Furlong Holdings saw Chongli’s potential. They invested heavily in hotels, commercial buildings, and a state-of-the-art ski resort, complete with the world’s largest lobby and the only slopes open at night. This development brought jobs to locals like Grace, who grew up in Chongli and witnessed its dramatic change firsthand. The tourism sector boomed. Chongli’s annual income tripled in just three years, rising from 440 million yuan to over 1 billion yuan. But Chongli’s story isn’t just about economic growth. It’s also a story of poverty eradication. In a few short years, extreme poverty in Chongli dropped from over 16% to less than 1%, a remarkable achievement accomplished through targeted support and social insurance programs. While the Olympics may have been the catalyst, Chongli’s transformation is geared towards long-term development, establishing the town as a year-round vacation destination.