A crowd of young figure skaters, all with varying levels of skill — some still stumble and occasionally fall on the ice — can be seen learning some basic maneuvers. However, their instructor is no ordinary skating coach. Imparting his wisdom to the next generation of skating stars is former Team China figure skater Tong Jian, a two-time world champion in figure skating pairs alongside his partner, on and off the ice, Pang Qing.

Parents line the edge of the ice rink, holding up their phones hoping to capture their child skating alongside Tong, while loudly encouraging those who have fallen over to get back up.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience is part of a figure skating public welfare class held at a newly-built ice rink in Beijing's Tongzhou district.

A husband-and-wife team, Tong and Pang have been actively promoting winter sports since their retirement from the pro circuit in 2015.

Joining Tong in coaching the class is Benoit Richaud, a French figure skating choreographer and former competitive ice dancer, who was invited to run a weeklong camp of master classes for young figure skaters at the Pangqing Tongjian International Skating Club in Beijing.

"We have had an amazing week here," Richaud said. "I can feel that these young Chinese skaters really want to develop their skills."

When quizzed how the youngsters are able to polish their skills in such a short period, he noted that he has created a special training system based on repetition.

Tong Jian helps a young skater during a public welfare class in Beijing's Tongzhou district on May 18.Provided to China Daily