Chen Weiya Photo/Zhang Han (NBD)

On July 28, the long-awaited 31st FISU World University Games kicked off. "Chengdu Makes Dreams Come True", Chengdu Universiade is a sincere invitation to the world.

Chen Weiya, the chief director of the 31st FISU World University Games opening ceremony, said that the ceremony shows the youthful spirit of Chinese college students to young people around the world.

Chen Weiya and members of his creative team held a press conference at the main media center of the Universiade. They explained and unveiled many creative elements of the opening ceremony, and answered questions from reporters.

Photo/Zhang Jian (NBD)

National Business Daily (NBD) noticed that the lighting of the main torch at the opening ceremony of this Universiade was done by 31 torchbearers, the largest number in the history of the Universiade. The main torchbearer was Chengdu-born astronaut Ye Guangfu.

Chen Weiya explained, "Ye Guangfu, being a Chengdu native, is a torchbearer who has traveled in space and is the person closest to the sun. Choosing him as the main torchbearer is like him capturing the rays of the sun, and now he is lighting the main torch tower. When this idea came up, we firmly believed that it would be a spectacular opening ceremony."

Photo/Zhang Jian (NBD)

"Sichuan is a magical land that provides so much inspiration and resources. Giant pandas are ambassadors of friendship all over the world and must be included in the opening ceremony. The 'face change' performance, in which the actor changed face 12 times, is also very wonderful, showing the Chinese opera culture," added Chen.

It is reported that the total number of participants in the Chengdu Universiade opening ceremony is about 2,000, with over 900 directly involved in the performances. Chen Weiya expressed his gratitude to the participants, saying, "It is their collective efforts that have made this opening ceremony possible."

Photo/Zhang Jian (NBD)