China - which last year won the race to host the 2008 Summer Games - was an unexpected late bid.
It is hoping the north east city of Harbin will follow in the footsteps of Beijing and win the support of IOC officials.
However, the chances of the IOC giving two of its key events to the same country within such a short time span seems unlikely.
The IOC deadline for bids is February 4.
Other countries bidding include: Berne, Switzerland; Kangwon province, South Korea; Jaca, Spain; Salzburg, Austria; Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzogovina; and Vancouver, Canada.
China has stunned observers by entering the bidding to host the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
