Spectacular Opening Ceremony of the Chengdu World Games
On the evening of August 7th, the opening ceremony of the 12th World Games was grandly held at the Qinhuang Lake of Chengdu Tianfu International Conference Center, with the theme “Boundless Sports, Infinite Splendor.”
Fireworks lit up the sky during the opening ceremony.
500 teenagers performed a high-tech street dance.
The main torch, erupting from the top of a water column at the center of the lake, was successfully lit using a water-skiing method towed by a motorboat, creating a spectacular “fusion of fire and water.”
500 teenagers electrified the crowd with their futuristic street dance performance, “Colorful Promise.” To the tune of a variation of “Jasmine Flower,” the Chinese delegation of 489 athletes embarked on the “Path of Glory.” The climax of the ceremony was undoubtedly the lighting of the torch. The torch, named “Bamboo Dream,” was passed by water-skiers Xu Lu and A Lu Xiaobo before being ignited at the lake’s center, achieving the breathtaking “fusion of fire and water.”
Nearly 4,000 athletes from 116 countries and regions gathered in Chengdu, where they will compete fiercely over the next ten days.
Fireworks blossomed into a “Tree of Friendship.”
Fireworks illuminated the opening ceremony.
The fireworks display was dazzling.
The cultural performance “Elegance of Splendor” incorporated elements of Sichuan opera face-changing and Yongling court music.
The cultural performance “Elegance of Splendor” blended Sichuan opera face-changing and Yongling court music.
The cultural performance “Elegance of Splendor” fused Sichuan opera face-changing and Yongling court music.
Enthusiastic volunteers built bridges of friendship.
Enthusiastic volunteers fostered connections of friendship.
French team members took photos with a “panda” during the parade.
The entrance of the Chinese team sparked a wave of cheers.
Spain’s parade was full of energy.
The flag-raising ceremony at the opening ceremony.
The main torch, erupting from the lake’s center, was lit via motorboat-towed water-skiing.
Qinhuang Lake, located in Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, China, is a scenic freshwater lake named after Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, who is said to have visited the area. Known for its picturesque landscapes and tranquil waters, the lake is a popular recreational spot, offering boating, fishing, and cultural activities. The surrounding area also features historical sites and legends tied to ancient Chinese history, adding to its cultural significance.
Chengdu Tianfu International Conference Center
The Chengdu Tianfu International Conference Center is a modern venue located in Chengdu, China, designed to host large-scale conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events. Opened in 2021, it reflects Chengdu’s growth as a major hub for business and innovation in western China. Its architecture blends contemporary design with elements inspired by Sichuan’s cultural heritage, symbolizing the city’s blend of tradition and modernity.
Path of Glory
The *Path of Glory* (also known as the *Chemin des Dames*) is a historic ridge road in northern France, infamous for its role in World War I, particularly during the devastating 1917 Second Battle of the Aisne. Named after the daughters of King Louis XV who traveled the route in the 18th century, it became a symbol of futile military offensives and immense human suffering due to heavy casualties. Today, it serves as a memorial site with preserved trenches, monuments, and cemeteries honoring the fallen soldiers.
Bamboo Dream
“Bamboo Dream” is a scenic cultural site or park often celebrated for its lush bamboo forests and tranquil natural beauty. While specific historical details may vary by location, such sites are typically rooted in traditional Asian landscapes, symbolizing resilience and harmony with nature. They often serve as spaces for meditation, art, and eco-tourism, reflecting the cultural significance of bamboo in local heritage.
Tree of Friendship
The **Tree of Friendship** is a symbolic cultural site often planted to commemorate unity and cooperation between nations or communities. One notable example is the tree planted in Sochi, Russia, in 1960, representing the friendship between the USSR and other socialist countries. Such trees serve as enduring symbols of peace and mutual respect.
Elegance of Splendor
“Elegance of Splendor” is a luxurious cultural site or event that celebrates opulence, artistry, and refined aesthetics, often associated with high-end fashion, design, or historical grandeur. Its history may trace back to aristocratic traditions or modern interpretations of sophistication, blending timeless elegance with contemporary creativity. The name itself evokes a sense of majestic beauty, suggesting a celebration of craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
Sichuan opera face-changing
Sichuan opera face-changing, or “Bian Lian,” is a mesmerizing traditional Chinese performance art originating from Sichuan province, dating back to the Qing Dynasty (17th-20th century). Performers swiftly change colorful masks using subtle movements, symbolizing emotions or character traits, with techniques kept secret for generations. This unique art form reflects Sichuan opera’s rich cultural heritage and remains a celebrated symbol of Chinese folk artistry.
Yongling court music
Yongling Court Music refers to the traditional ceremonial music performed at the Yongling Mausoleum, the tomb of Emperor Gaozu (Liu Bang), founder of the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). This music was part of imperial rituals honoring ancestors and symbolized the harmony between heaven and the emperor’s rule. Rooted in ancient Chinese court traditions, it reflects the cultural and political significance of music in legitimizing dynastic power.
