Qitaihe established its first speed skating team in 1974. Conditions were really tough at the time, according to information at the city's Short-Track Speed Skating Champion Hall, which opened in 2012.

In 2013, the city built its first indoor skating rink, providing skaters with a venue to train all year round. Qitaihe is also innovating training for skaters, increasing the number of its short-track speed skating schools and regularly holding mass ice and snow sports activities.

After decades of development, the city now has 20 short-track speed skating teams with more than 500 skaters, who can act as reserves for the national team.

The city was granted the commemorative title of "City of Olympic Champions" by the Chinese Olympic Committee in June 2022.

In recent years, the city has also kept its focus on building a snow-and-ice industrial system combining tourism, sports, culture and equipment manufacturing.

It has innovatively launched five micro-tourism routes such as a one-day tour to explore the city of winter Olympic champion, attracting lots of visitors, especially during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.