Two decades after arriving from Italy, Andrea Coatti has become an integral part of Chongli’s remarkable transformation from an unknown mountain town to an internationally recognized winter sports destination. The Italian ski professional, affectionately known as “Yibu” (meaning “one step”) among locals, initially journeyed to Zhangjiakou’s Chongli district in Hebei province without prior knowledge of the area.
Coatti dedicated his expertise to developing and maintaining ski infrastructure during Chongli’s formative years as a winter sports location. His technical contributions proved instrumental in the region’s development, culminating in his participation in constructing competition venues for the prestigious 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
The Olympic legacy has propelled Chongli into a new era of growth and international recognition. The district now boasts state-of-the-art winter sports facilities connected to Beijing via high-speed rail, making it accessible to enthusiasts worldwide. This connectivity has transformed the once-quiet town into a thriving hub that attracts young skiers and snowboarders from across the globe.
Chongli’s evolution represents China’s strategic development of winter sports infrastructure and the successful integration of international expertise. The combination of foreign technical knowledge and local implementation has created a destination that meets international standards while maintaining its unique regional character.