The opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games was held in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang province, on September 23. (PHOTO: XINHUA)

By Staff Reporters

On September 23, the day of Autumn Equinox, one of the traditional Chinese solar terms, the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang province, offered the spectators from the world a Chinese-style romance integrating the ancient civilization and hi-tech elements.  

"Green" and "futuristic"

The Hangzhou Asian Games opening ceremony not only celebrated the gathering of athletes from the continent but also demonstrated China’s commitment to embracing sustainability with advanced technology.

“It is a truly unique opening ceremony, featuring a breathtaking futuristic light show as its centerpiece,” said The Times of India, adding that this futuristic spectacle was to integrate artificial intelligence and eco-friendly technology, setting the stage for an unforgettable Asian Games experience.

According to Yomiuri Shimbun, digital technology played a significant role in the opening ceremony of the Games. As one of the highlights, traditional fireworks were replaced with digital forms that utilized the latest imaging technology.

The AP and Reuters also noticed that this absence of “real fireworks” was filled with electronic flash, 3D animations, and a virtual torchbearer, underscoring the Asian Games' status as "green games." This shift towards eco-friendly technology was a step forward in the world of sports ceremonies.

History meets hi-tech 

According to The Hindu, the ceremony showcased the past while utilizing the future in the present. It symbolized "the pride of the past and the might of the future converging in the present in a spectacle grand," showing China's ability to host a spectacular event even in a post-COVID era. The theme of environmental sustainability was evident throughout, with nature's beauty, greenery, and harvests featured prominently in the performances.

"The Asian Games demonstrate the connotation of the inheritance and development of China's excellent traditional culture," Bangladeshi Mohammad Saiyedul Islam, a doctoral fellow from the Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, told Science and Technology Daily. From his perspective, the opening ceremony was technologically advanced, which was "a harmonious union of technology and art, as well as between the human and nature."

Unity in diversity

The Hangzhou Asian Games also served as a powerful symbol of unity. "With the interplay of Chinese and Asian styles, [the opening ceremony of the Asian Games] conveys to the audience a vision of building the community with a shared future," said Pakistan Today. 

Dr. Alessio Fortunato from Italy, visiting professor of Northwest A&F University in China, applauded the ceremony for its beauty and the sense of hope it conveyed. Speaking to S&T Daily, he noted the significance of people from diverse backgrounds coming together to celebrate, signaling hope for a better future.

Laurence Brahm, an American writer, emphasized how sports and culture can bridge divides, particularly in today's world marked by risks like de-globalization and de-coupling. According to Brahm, the Hangzhou Asian Games not only promoted cultural exchange but also showcased innovative technology, fostering a sense of collective progress. "So, in moments like this, we can all come together in the spirit of competition and the spirit of self-improvement, which is what sports are all about," he told S&T Daily. 

"I think the Asian Games symbolizes connection, communication and integration," Islam noted, adding that the event showcased the elegance of Chinese culture and seamlessly blended ancient and modern elements through advanced AR technology.