The Beijing Winter Olympics are officially concluded, according to International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, who made the announcement during the closing ceremony on Sunday.

In the "Bird's nest" stadium in Beijing, Bach said, "Now I have to mark the end of this unforgettable Olympic experience: I declare the 24th Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 closed."

The Olympic flag was lowered and turned over to the mayors of the next host locations, Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo in Italy.

Thank you to the people of China and thank you #Beijing2022 for memories that will last forever.

See you all at @milanocortina26 ❤️#ClosingCeremony | #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/vcVE2HSw1e

— Olympics (@Olympics) February 20, 2022

The event was planned by famed Chinese film director Zhang Yimou, who was also head of the 2008 Summer Olympics ceremonies.

As the event began, youngsters clad in dazzling jackets danced around the Olympic flame, clutching snowflake-shaped lamps, a continuation of the major motif of the opening ceremony.

During the Games, China won a record nine gold medals, surpassing the United States.

"With the truly exceptional Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 we welcome China as a winter sports country," said Bach. "Congratulations, China."