China

Guangzhou unveils Asian Games torch relay route

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-03-03 22:29

GUANGZHOU - Organizers of the 16th Asian Games announced the torch relay route and the torch design for the 2010 Games this November.

The torch relay will conclude in Guangzhou with the lighting of the Asian Games cauldron during the opening ceremony on November 12.

The torch relay for the Asia will remain within the confines of Guangdong Province and travel to each of the regions' 21 major cities, including Zhongshan, Zhuhai, Dongguan, Shenzhen, Huizhou, Shanwei, Shantou, Jieyang, Chaozhou, Meizhou, Heyuan, Shaoguan, Qingyuan, Zhaoqing, Yunfu, Maoming, Zhanjiang, Yangjiang, Jiangmen, Foshan and Guangzhou.

The Guangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee also unveiled the design of the torch, entitled The Tide, which last November was one of two designs shortlisted for consideration.

The Tide, which weighs 98g and is 70cm long, is tall and straight in terms of shape while dynamic in terms of image.

The upper part of the exterior of the torch is pierced with Guangzhou's delicate ivory carving techniques. The pierced part looks like rising and flowing flames; the solid part looks like flowing water symbolizing spirits of the Lingnan culture such as inclusiveness and innovation. The exterior of the torch is in the distinctive reddish color of the flower of bombax ceiba, the flower emblem of Guangzhou, embodying the power and passion of life.