The snowboard halfpipe World Cup series is returning to China for the first time since February 2011 ©FIS

Former world champion Xuetong Cai will lead a strong home team at the first International Ski Federation Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup to take place in China for almost seven years.

Action will begin tomorrow in the resort of Secret Garden close to Beijing, which will be used at the 2022 Winter Olympics. 

Yabuli hosted the only previous snowboard halfpipe World Cup event in China in February 2011.

Cai, the world champion in 2015, will be seeking a home victory in the women's event.

Xuetong Cai will lead a strong home team at the World Cup event in Secret Garden ©Getty Images
Xuetong Cai will lead a strong home team at the World Cup event in Secret Garden ©Getty Images

Japan will provide strong competition after entering a team led by Sena Tomita.

Zhang Yiwei, a silver medallist at the 2015 World Championships, will lead the Chinese charge in the men's competition.

Switzerland's Patrick Burgener will be another leading contender as well 2014 Olympic silver and bronze medallists Ayumi Hirano and Taku Hiraoka of Japan.

Qualification will take place tomorrow before finals are scheduled over the following two days.