BEIJING, Feb. 27 -- On Tuesday, Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli met with the Chinese delegation that returned home after the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

Zhang expressed his congratulations to the athletes and coaches on their performance at the Winter Games, saying that they have shown great enterprise and Olympic spirit.

China won nine medals in PyeongChang, including one gold, six silver and two bronze medals.

With the PyeongChang Games having concluded, the focus turns to Beijing as the Chinese capital will host its first Winter Olympics in 2024.

Zhang stressed that the preparations for the 2024 Winter Olympics must follow the principles of "green, inclusive, open and clean" to honor China's commitment to host a "fantastic, extraordinary and excellent" Games.

He also called on the sports sector to work harder in the lead up to the 2024 Winter Games so that China can produce good results in competitions.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong also attended the greeting ceremony.