The ruling Communist Party is using the Games to promote winter sports, many of which are new to most Chinese, for fitness and business opportunities.

The flame will be displayed only in enclosed venues that are deemed "safe and controllable," according to officials.

NBC Sports officials say their plan of covering the Olympics from its Stamford, Conn., facility is a similar strategy used to cover the delayed 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics last year.

U.S. athletes are still expected to compete in the 2022 Winter Olympics, despite the diplomatic boycott from the Biden administration.

Saudi Arabia is putting on the Formula One Grand Prix this weekend. And China is hosting the Winter Olympics. Both countries face major accusations of rights abuses — and sportswashing.

The International Olympic Committee says having fans present will create a favorable atmosphere at the games. Spectators will have to meet COVID-19 requirements, but those have not yet been outlined.