A diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics over human rights violations in China and concerns about COVID-19 have reduced the number of world leaders and foreign dignitaries attending the games. Still, Chinese President Xi Jinping was due to meet more than 20 leaders, writes Al Jazeera.

The Winter Olympics take place from 4 February to 20 February, with about 3,000 athletes competing in 109 different events.

The Winter Paralympics run from 4 March to 13 March, with about 750 competitors across 78 events.

China’s government and businesses are spending USD 3.9bn on the Games, which are taking place in and around Beijing:

Indoor ice events take place in stadiums in Beijing
Yanqing, 75 km from Beijing, hosts alpine skiing, bobsled and the luge
Zhangjiakou, 180 km from Beijing, hosts most skiing and snowboarding events

About 1.2 million cubic metres of artificial snow is being used because so little falls in the region. China has been criticised over the environmental impact.