A Lake of fire: Chengdu Welcomes the World Games
The opening ceremony unfolded with a striking visual as two champions, a world professional snooker player and Dong Dong, gold medalist in trampoline at the Olympic Games, began a relay from opposite sides of the main stage.
Their run culminated at the edge of Qinhuang Lake, where they passed the torch to Xu Lu and Alu Xiaobo, Sichuan’s representatives in water skiing at the World Games. This handover symbolized a transition from land to water, marking a unique element of the ceremony.
The two water skiers then navigated Qinhuang Lake with the flame, guided by jet skis. From an aerial perspective,the illuminated motorboats resembled sleek,agile fish gliding across the still water,sometimes diverging and then converging.
At the lake’s center, powerful water jets erupted, forming a remarkable fountain that served as a unique torch platform.As the motorboats approached,the holy fire was ignited atop this watery structure.
Instantly following the lighting, a vibrant fireworks display illuminated the night sky. The ancient seal script for “Chengdu,” as seen on bronze artifacts from the Warring States Period, shone brightly, connecting the present moment to the city’s over two-thousand-year history.
The ceremony evoked Chengdu’s rich past – a city shaped by Li Bing and his son’s ancient irrigation systems, a place where Zhuge Liang strategized and the traditions of mahjong flourished, and a source of inspiration for the poet Du fu. It also celebrated the modern Chengdu, a city of ambition and vibrant energy.
As the opening ceremony drew to a close, the main torch, a blend of red and blue flames, burned steadily in the middle of Qinhuang Lake. The combination of water and fire served as a powerful metaphor: a call for pushing boundaries, embracing mutual learning, and finding peaceful solutions even amidst inherent conflicts.
The imagery underscored a message of shared destiny and harmonious coexistence, envisioning a brighter future for the world.
Over the next ten days, the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence will be on full display across the Bashu region.
