Peking University, January 30, 2022: With the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympic Games quickly approaching, excitement over the upcoming sport extravaganza has permeated every corner in Beijing. As one of the world’s biggest sporting event, the 2022 Winter Olympic Games represents the spark that lights up the beginning of a new year, signaling the hopes for a better future ad-mist the COVID epidemic.

With less than 20 days until the opening of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, citizens of Beijing have begun to notice signs of this major event around every corner - around every block, at the bus stop, on the subway, or on the internet, signs of the games have made their sound impact on the city.

In the days leading up to the event, numerous types of winter sports have also been introduced to the public, which includes curling, skiing, figure skating, speed skating, and many others.

At Peking University, various winter sports teams have gathered their excitement for the upcoming games and celebrated the spirit of sportsmanship by highlighting their respective sport to the student body. Among those sports teams, the Peking University Curling Team has taken a prominent role in promoting the sport to both Peking University students and audiences worldwide. By participating in school events and appearing on social media, PKU Curling Team has formed a sports club of around 300 active members, and continues to grow in size along with its popularity.

What is curling?

Curling, originated in Scotland, dates back to the early 16th century. Often referred to as “chess on ice”, it involves two teams of four taking turns sliding round stones across a slab of vertical ice towards a dartboard-like circle, otherwise called “the house” located on the other side of the rink. The “house”, which constitutes a score board, dictates the results of each game, as the objective is for each side to get its stones closest to the center, or “button”.

A distinctive part of the game is the use of a broom to sweep the ice in front of the sliding stone. As many viewers of curling might have noticed, curling usually involves players sweeping hard while keeping up to speed with the stone thrown, and a person on the other end directing and yelling at the sweepers “HARD!” during the game. As funny as this may seem to outsiders, the interactions between team members reflects an ever-most crucial factor of the sport, which is teamwork. With three players rotating roles throwing stones and sweeping ice, and a “skip”, often the team leader throwing the last two deciding stones, the whole game depends on mutual support and unified teamwork to win the competition. Similar to many other team sports, curling takes more to win than personal brilliance. Each player acts as a vital piece to a puzzle, and with teamwork acting as a glue holding all the pieces together, shapes a beautiful mosaic that exhibits the core values of team sportsmanship.

Curling is often also considered a gentleman’s sport because all players of the game should have good etiquette. As with many other sports, curling’s code of etiquette helps maintain the dignity and fun of the game for everyone. It usually starts with both teams sharing a handshake and greetings, then proceeds to the start of the game where the delivery of stones begins. Unlike other sports, reciprocated respect from both sides of the team is highlighted throughout the game, as each player abides by the “do not disturb” rule when the others are playing. With such a unique approach to playing a competitive sport, curling can teach both players and audiences alike the values of respect and equity.

At Peking University, “teamwork”, “respect” and “equity” are some of the most essential morals that ties in with the PKU identity. As these values are highlighted by the sport of curling, members in the PKU Curling Team and the Curling Club have all learned and transformed into a better version of themselves, along with forming a closely-knit family outside of their academic careers.

What is the PKU Curling Team?


Established in 2018, PKU Curling Team was the third in line to form after the PKU Ski and PKU Figure Skating Team. Ever since its inception, PKU Curling Team has achieved numerous accolades including winning first-place, runner-up and third place respectively at the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Capital University Student Championship Games.

Events attended and accolades achieved by PKU Curling Team since its establishment:

2018.10 First Capital University Student Curling Championship - Fifth place
2019.10 Second Capital University Student Curling Championship - Third place
2019.12 National University Women's Curling Competition - Best arc Award
2020.10 Third Capital University Student Curling Competition - Champion
2021.05 Fourth Capital University Student Curling Championship - Runner-Up
2021.04 Winter Olympics Trial Round - Curling Competition
2021.06 2021 National University Student Curling Championship
2022.01 Curling competition of the 7th "Mass Ice and Snow" Beijing Open - Runner-Up

Currently, PKU Curling Team consists of around 20 active members regularly participating in curling competitions across the country, with most taking place in Beijing. Among 20 active members, around half have been newly recruited and exhibited high potential in curling. Yuan Feifan, the team captain, believes that with fresh blood brought into the team, the chances of reaching success for future competitions are inevitable.

With each participant comes a different story, here’s what each has to say:

When did you first encounter curling?

Liu Yintian: When I first arrived on campus in early September of 2021, I got exposed to curling for the first time. It was a very interesting experience, because I had a taste of being on ice and witnessing a curling competition in front of my eyes. When I was little, I saw an early curling competition on TV. Since then, from Wang Bingyu’s generation to the present generation, I have witnessed the development of curling in our country. As more and more people are starting to like this sport, including myself, I hope curling can be more recognized and played in the public.

Zhu Jingchen: My contact with curling started only last year, but I often saw curling competitions on TV when I was a child, so I have a certain understanding and interest in curling.

Rose Li: Growing up in Canada, I came into contact with curling when I was a freshman in senior high school. As a freshman, I wanted to participate in extracurricular activities in order to quickly integrate into the school environment. After considering many different sports, curling seemed to be the most suitable sport for me, because it seemed that curling is a technical sport that relies on strategic planning. After much consideration, I signed up for the school curling team.

Yuan Feifan: Since Wang Bingyu won the 2009 World Championships, I have been paying attention to curling and the development of curling in China. After graduating from university in 2017, I came to work in Beijing and experienced curling for the first time. To this day, I am still deeply in love with this sport.

Why are you interested in curling? What is the charm of this ice sport and how did it attract you?

Liang Shuang: I think curling is an athletic, technical and strategic sport. It does not only require athletes to control their physical strength, but also requires them to judge the situation on the ice, and can train themselves in all aspects.

Xie Xiaoqiao: What fascinates me most about curling is that it is a sport which combines strength and luck, with equal emphasis on individual ability and team cooperation. Every stone about to be thrown has a small goal to achieve, but whether it can be accurately achieved depends on many factors: the pitcher's own strength, the ice skater's judgment and execution, the captain's command in the house, the changing situation of the ice... All these factors resemble a very complex and uncertain life.
This sport taught me how to improve my control of the body, how to slide towards the target point so the stone can slide a beautiful arc after its release, ideally reaching the landing point in the end. Most importantly, curling taught me the ways to view winning or losing, as well as granting me great friendships along the way. These are the reasons why I love this sport.

Zhu Jingchen: When I watched the game on TV as a child, I was curious about the wonderful communication on the curling field. In my opinion, curling is a sport that focuses skills and tactics. At first, I participated in this sport because I wanted to further understand curling. At the same time, there are also some regional attributes as to my reason joining. Perhaps people in Northeast China have inexplicable confidence and favor for winter sports, with me as a typical example.

What are your biggest takeaways from joining the PKU Curling Team?

Zhang Jiawei: It was really difficult to get the hang of it at the beginning, as I often ended up slipping over and falling while releasing the stones. As I practiced more under the guidance of some of the more experienced players on the team however, I have gradually built up my confidence and made some great friends.

Zhu Jingchen: After joining the team, it’s without a doubt that my curling skills have definitely improved tremendously from scratch. The biggest takeaway I have though, is the group of friends I have made while participating in this sport. Everyone’s efforts to play and promote the sport really inspires me to take more initiatives in my own life. Curling is a team oriented sport on the field, and I believe that a positive team atmosphere would be beneficial to the future development of the team.

Rose Li: At the beginning, I played curling purely because of external factors: to integrate into the school, to make friends, and to enrich my entrance materials. But now, I play curling just for my own happiness. For me, this sport is not just a sport, but an attitude towards life. At this stage, I can simply enjoy the sport of curling, learn how to work in a team setting, and face the results of each game as a chance to do better.

What are the challenges you’ve faced while on the team, and how did you conquer them?

Liang Shuang: For me, I have gotten quite dependent on the use of a curling crutch to help me throw each stone. Now I need to focus more on maintaining my balance and deliver stones without assisting devices.

Shi Jingtian: In the first few weeks, I really made no improvement during training as my posture was still full of errors. It was quite frustrating since I practiced so much. However, my friends and Yuan Feifan (PKU Curling Team captain) consistently offered advice and encouraged me to keep on practicing. Finally, one day when I perfected my posture on the ice, I felt relieved that I made great improvement.

Su Qichao: For people with a bigger body size, curling shoes aren’t necessarily that suitable for us. The biggest problem that I faced was the lack of momentum when delivering the stone. During my training, I made several adjustments such as my hand positions and sliding force while delivering the stone. The process turned out to be quite painful, as I had to change my habitual ways of playing the game and form new technical actions through a lot of practice.
During that time, I went to the curling rink 2-3 times a week and practiced pitching to the center of the house again and again. Fortunately, I did overcome this bottleneck period. During that period of training, I had a new understanding of my pitcher line and point line, and began to have confidence in some difficult tactics.

What are some of the most memorable experiences you’ve had since joining the team?

Zhang Jiawei: I did a double hit once during practice!

Rose Li: My greatest impression was the first game I have ever played with the PKU Team. It was a match against Beijing Normal University, and we won with a final score of 10:0. During the match, everyone on the PKU really cooperated with each other and delivered well. It was the great teamwork that left a mark on me.

Liang Shuang: I think it was probably the 2021 National University Student Curling Championship that I participated. The PKU Curling Women’s Team was formed not that long ago, and we could not level up to the skills of other schools who have been traditionally stronger at sports, such as Beijing Sport University. So, we went into the competition with the mindset to learn, and indeed we did. At the end, we have improved our skills and made some lasting friendships.

How would you recommend the sport of curling to the public?

Zhu Jingchen: First of all, I would start off with the basic concepts and principles of curling, then proceed to demonstrating the charm of curling on the ice. Additionally, I will introduce the interesting ways of communicating on the rink, which includes explaining the jargon of the game. All together, I hope that people can recognize the appeal of curling which attracted me to it in the first place, and that it is a beginner friendly sport.

Xie Xiaoqiao: Curling can surprise you once you get into the sport, you just have to try it to find out.

Finally, is there anything you’d like to say about your time at the PKU Curling Team?

Wu Keting (PKU Alumni ‘21): If I had to reflect on my time in Yanyuan, I would have to say that my luckiest encounter would be coincidentally joining the PKU Curling Team during my last semester at PKU. From the “Ice Cube” at Beijing Olympic Park to the National University Student Curling Championship in Harbin, I have come to understand the spirit of curling and the magic that ensues after every highly anticipated delivery. I have also come to recognize that success can only be achieved once you truly learn to not be disturbed by external factors and practice your foundation. This rule applies to not only curling, but to every other aspect in my life. The fastest road to victory can only be done by hard-work and persistence. Throughout my time in the PKU Curling family, I found myself falling in love with a magical sport; but most importantly, I found myself truly happy to be on a team where I realized my full potential, and became the best version of myself.

Yuan Feifan: Curling to me resembles a key. It has opened the door for me to understand the world. It taught me confidence, and guided me as a silver lining when I was lost in my way. It also taught me happiness, and fulfilled my life by introducing so many like-minded friends who shared my love for the sport. It also taught me the importance of teamwork, and what it takes to be a leader. Most importantly, curling taught me to love myself and live myself to the fullest. I believe, curling will always be there witnessing my growth throughout my life.

PKU Curling Team Pictures:








PKU Curling Team Members (not including all):





Written by: Rose Li

Edited by: Zhang Jiang

Photo credit to: PKU Curling Team