Qi, last year’s back-to-back winner, showed consistency, style and excellent execution throughout and scored a total of 122.17 points to top the men's podium in front of a home crowd.

"I felt really good today and I really wanted to win in Beijing again," said Qi.

"It’s great to compete in China and it’s really motivating to grab the win at home."

Second place went to Russia’s Petr Medulich, who grabbed his first World Cup podium since finishing third in Lake Placid in 2013.

Austria’s David Morris, the Sochi 2014 Olympic silver medallist, rounded off the podium on his return from a one-year break he took last year.

"China is always interesting and it was a perfect start of the season," said Morris.

"The conditions were great and the stadium is just epic.

"I was a bit nervous coming after the long break, but I ended up third and I’m already looking forward to the team event on Sunday."

On the women’s side, Caldwell overcame a minor knee injury, which almost prevented her from competing, to win with a score of 97.20 points.

Home favourite Xin Zhang, who missed the whole of last season, took second spot as she looks to rediscover her good form from the 2013-14 World Cup season.

Similarly to last year’s competition, the last podium place went to Kiley McKinnon, silver medallist at this year’s FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships in Kreischberg.

The World Cup continues tomorrow with the team event competition.