The sculpture Ice Hockey released at the National Indoor Stadium on September 27 Photo: Courtesy of National Indoor Stadium

A series of sculptures from Chinese artist Yuan Xikun were released at the National Indoor Stadium on Friday to express the sports culture of the dual Olympic city.

Beijing hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2022 Winter Olympics, becoming the worlds' first dual Olympic city. 

In front of the National Indoor Stadium stand five sculptures from Yuan, each themed around the dual Olympics. These sculptures -—representing Ice Hockey, Gymnastics, Pair Skating, Layup, and Short Track Speed Skating -—were created to honor the spirit of hard work in sports and to express faith through art, embodying healthy and positive values.

Zhao Jiachen, head of the Beijing Performing Arts Group, which manages the stadium, said that these sculptures will help preserve the Olympic spirt and promote the integrated development of sports and culture.

Yuan emphasized that sports and culture will work hand in hand to create more inspiring works that convey positive values. 

The stadium also unveiled a dedicated space for the artist to showcase his sculptures.