Hangzhou Asian Games torch relay starts on September 8. (PHOTO: XINHUA)

By QI Liming

The 19th Asian Games, which kick off in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province in east China, have employed hi-tech in several areas to make the event hip and happening.

The torch relay that started on September 8 showcases Zhejiang’s skills as it passes through 11 cities before concluding on September 20.

To ensure the torch is not extinguished due to strong wind or rain, its designers created an internal as well as external outlet for the torch combustion system. It means even if the flame at the external outlet gets extinguished, the internal one will continue to burn.

The torch, called the Eternal Flame, will continue to burn even when the wind speed is 30m/s (11 gales) or there is heavy rainfall (48mm/h).

On September 3, the organizing committee of the Games launched the first one-stop digital watching platform of the Asian Games employing augmented reality. Named SmartHangzhou2022, the smart platform can be accessed via the Alipay app to improve the spectator experience.

Viewers can get venue navigation information, watch the welcoming show by the mascots, check the tickets and transportation information, and interact virtually with the mascots for photos at five countdown devices in Hangzhou. The platform also provides services like translation and weather forecasts.