Chengdu Universiade | Chasing Light and Dreams: The World Feels the Pulse of Chinese Culture at the Youth Festival Opening Ceremony | China | Youth

This is the opening ceremony fireworks shot on July 28th. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Jiang Hongjing

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, July 29th (Xinhua) - Chasing Light and Dreams: The Pulse of Chinese Culture at the World Youth Festival

Xinhua News Agency reporters Ma Xinran, Hua Hongli, and Wu Meng

As the Sun God Bird gracefully flies through the night, the twelve golden rays gradually light up, and the sunshine shines brightly throughout. "Shu brocade" paves the way, accompanied by "Rongbao", Sichuan opera facial makeup, hibiscus blooming, and classic music from five continents welcome the athletes from 113 countries and regions, embarking on a journey beyond their own dreams.

The 31st World University Summer Games kicked off on the evening of the 28th in Chengdu, Sichuan. When the characteristics of youth, unity, and friendship are intertwined with the beautiful, poetic, and romantic Chinese atmosphere, showcasing the competitive level of athletes at an international event, the ancient and modern Chinese atmosphere catches the world's attention.

On July 28th, actors performed Sichuan opera face changing at the opening ceremony of the Universiade. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Wu Gang

Ancient craftsmanship

The unique cultural connotations of the "Land of Abundance" and "Hometown of Pandas" are transformed into lively and dynamic "city cards", from the simplicity of pandas, the leisurely style of covered tea, the spiciness of hot pot, and the delicacy of Sichuan brocade, from promotional videos to the opening ceremony, from the streets and alleys of Chengdu to the surrounding venues of the Universiade.

"The culture of this city is unparalleled, and athletes will definitely have an unforgettable experience," sighed Renault Ed, acting president of the International Federation of Sports Federations.

Chinese culture attracts Renault and once again amazes the world through sports events.

The main emblem of the Universiade is based on the English initials "U" of the "World University Games", and combines two typical Chinese elements: the Sun God Bird and the Phoenix; The torch "Ronghuo" uses gradient color blocks paired with elements of the Sun God Bird, Sanxingdui Bronze Standing Man, and Panda, showcasing a unique passion; The hibiscus pattern on the surface of the ribbon of the medal "Rongguang" is made of millennium old intangible cultural heritage Sichuan brocade craftsmanship, symbolizing unity, cooperation, and pairing.

In the Dayun Village where athletes live, there is craftsmanship everywhere. In the interactive experience center, there are representative Sichuan intangible cultural heritage skills such as shadow puppetry, Shu embroidery, and bamboo weaving that can be felt; At the exhibition center, there are a wide variety of intangible cultural heritage exhibitions such as Zigong tie dyeing and Yibin wax dyeing, as well as calligraphy and art exhibits; In the athletes' restaurant, there are countless Sichuan snacks such as hot pot, string string, panda shaped Lai Tangyuan, etc.

"Using sports as a medium, China presents the world with a real, vivid, passionate, and rich cultural heritage. While promoting cultural exchange and mutual learning, it also brings new vitality and energy to world culture." said Liu Xin, Vice Dean of the School of Education at Beijing Sport University.

On July 22nd, members of the Brazilian delegation arrived at the Chengdu Universiade Village and took a group photo. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Huang Wei

Modern interpretation

At the opening ceremony, high-tech and environmentally friendly fireworks with no heavy metal substances and low sulfur content made traditional Chinese folk fireworks more "green"; The "Splendid Road" made by athletes stepping on Sichuan brocade is projected from a super large screen; The mascot "Rongbao" figurine in the style of Sichuan opera facial makeup and the virtual digital cultural and creative "Space Rongbao" have added fashion and technology wings to the characteristics of Sichuan

When the new technological aesthetics collide with Chinese culture and art, the combination of inheriting cultural roots and innovating artistic expression triggers a "chemical reaction" that resonates with the audience.

"During the 5-year preparation period, the team did not stop innovating while pursuing beauty," said Wang Ruixiang, the chief producer of the opening ceremony of the Chengdu Universiade.

It is reported that in order to achieve the artistic concept of "chasing dreams and light", the production team has developed an intelligent control high-altitude performance device based on the actual situation of small slopes in the venue, striving to maximize the vitality of youth competitions.

"China's performing arts technology is no longer limited to a certain technological innovation, but achieves artistic presentation innovation through the integration of sound, light, electricity, internet, performance, and filming." Chen Weiya, the chief director of the opening ceremony of the Universiade, said, "Our performing arts technology has entered the forefront of the world."

Technology empowerment also allows "old skills" to wear "new clothes", integrating traditional Chinese techniques into the architectural design of Dayun Village.

In the scorching summer, the Dayun Village Delegation Service Center, built based on the principle of "cold alleys" in ancient Chinese architecture, achieves coolness without turning on air conditioning.

Zhong Peng, the chief designer of Dayun Village, said, "This' ecological air conditioning 'designed by ancient craftsmen can save about 70000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, which can meet the electricity consumption of 20 households for one year."

This is the opening ceremony ignition ceremony filmed on July 28th. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Li Xin

A family under heaven

"You and I, together, the world has our youthful appearance..." One of the theme promotional songs for the Chengdu Universiade, "The World is Us," sang the sincere voice of "Together Forever.".

At the opening ceremony, young college students and the adorable friendly giant panda danced happily, gathering and connecting the flags of participating countries and regions under the U-shaped emblem symbolizing "unity".

Strolling through the streets and alleys of Chengdu, experiencing the happy fireworks in the wide and narrow alleys, and approaching the newly added cultural relics of the Sanxingdui Museum, young people from all over the world can experience a relaxed and lively atmosphere to experience the myriad of things.

Sports are the common language of human society, carrying people's beautiful pursuit of peace, unity, and progress. Youth are the most active and vibrant force in the entire society.

As a comprehensive world sports event second only to the Olympics in scale, the Chengdu Universiade connects sports with youth, becoming another important platform for promoting global youth exchange and integration, and building a community with a shared future for mankind.

The highly anticipated way of lighting the main torch at the opening ceremony is profound. It was jointly lit by 31 torchbearers from different countries and regions, industries and fields, all of whom have a love for sports and a pursuit of dreams.

As a foreign volunteer, British young man Ding Xiaoding felt the significance of "the world gathers and knows each other in Chengdu" - "many elderly 'men' can also say 'hello'", "many foreign athletes have downloaded the electronic version of '100 sentences in Chinese for the Universiade' and look forward to saying 'hello' to the host country.".

"The spirit of sports lies not only in the hard work of competing on the same stage, but also in everyone being like a family, chasing glory and dreams together," Ding Xiaoding said.