Chengdu World Games bring the world closer
Under the theme "Boundless Sports, Countless Wonders," the Chengdu World Games offer not only fierce competitions but also a wealth of cultural experiences.
CHENGDU, China, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- From an opening ceremony that fused cultural heritage with modern spectacles to the rich flavors of Sichuan cuisine, the Chengdu World Games are bringing people from across the globe closer.
One of the most dazzling moments of the opening ceremony on Thursday was the fireworks display of a "Tree of Friendship," inspired by the ancient tree-root relics unearthed at Chengdu's Jinsha Site and the Sichuan native dove tree. The design symbolized peace, progress and friendship.
Croatian archer Amanda Mlinaric, who hailed the tree-shaped fireworks as "the best" she had ever seen, said the ceremony left her a deep impression. "I think it's definitely Olympics-worthy, not just for the World Games," she said.
Czech Wushu athlete Jan Hoffmann was equally impressed by the torch-lighting, in which two water-skiers rode the wake of a wave-making boat to ignite a torch designed as a water-shaped spout rising from the lake.
"That's really crazy," Hoffmann said. "It's something I've never seen before."