The Olympic flame for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, which has been burning in the National Stadium for 16 days, was extinguished at the closing ceremony here on Sunday.

The flame, burning in a torch placed in the middle of a giant snowflake-shaped cauldron, gradually went out to the songs by a chorus of children.

Their singing transitioned from Beijing 2008's theme song, You and Me to Snowflake, that of Beijing 2022, highlights the historic achievement of the Chinese capital as the first city to host both Summer and Winter Olympic Games.

Read:Beijing’s ‘invisible’ Olympics: Muted but watched online

IOC chief declares Beijing Winter Olympics closed

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach declared the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games closed here on Sunday.

Bach called the Beijing Winter Olympics "truly exceptional" in his speech at the closing ceremony held at the National Stadium.

"The Olympic spirit could only shine so brightly, because the Chinese people set the stage in such an excellent way - and in a safe way," said the IOC chief.

Olympic flag handed over to Milan-Cortina 2026

The Olympic flag has been handed over to mayors of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, the host cities of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, at the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Games here on Sunday.

Beijing mayor Chen Jining passed the Olympic flag to International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach, who then handed it to the mayors of the 2026 host cities.

Recognition of the volunteers

On behalf of the athletes, newly elected member of the IOC Atheltes' Commission presented lanterns to representatives of the volunteers, as a tribute and mark of gratitude for their work carried out during the Games.

Victory Ceremony at the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2022

Victory Ceremony of the cross-country skiing women's 30km mass start free event during the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

Victory Ceremony of cross-country skiing men's 50km mass start free event during the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

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Athletes parade at the closing ceremony

Athletes parade during the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

Flag bearers parade at the closing ceremony

Flag bearers parade during the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games. 

Children perform at the closing ceremony

Children perform at the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

Xi attending closing ceremony of Beijing Winter Olympics

Chinese President Xi Jinping is attending the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, held at the National Stadium in Beijing on Sunday night.