Behind the scene: World Games opening ceremony, a celebration of unity, heritage, innovation amid challenges

CHENGDU, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- The World Games 2025 opening ceremony took place Thursday against the stunning backdrop of Qinhuang Lake and the city skyline. Spanning 90 minutes, the spectacle captivated audiences with water screen lasers, fireworks displays, and intricately crafted performances showcasing Chengdu's rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit.

"The spirit of Chengdu aligns perfectly with the spirit of the World Games, romantic, exhilarating, and lively. The city is filled with parks perfect for sports, making it an ideal host," said Hu Xiao, general director of the opening ceremony.

To create this grand event, a dedicated team of over 2,000 professionals worked tirelessly for months, turning seemingly impossible ideas into reality.

One of the first challenges was selecting a suitable venue. It took more than two months to find the perfect spot between the iconic "Tianfu Roof" and Qinhuang Lake, where spectators could enjoy an optimal experience.

"Initially, we planned to reuse the stadium used for the Chengdu Universiade opening ceremony (in 2023). But after watching the Paris 2024 opening ceremony, we decided to craft something new," Hu recalled. "The current location is really ideal."

Beneath the 430-meter-long "Tianfu Roof", the largest timber structure in Asia, audiences from around the world gathered amidst performances set against the sky and lake. On both sides of the stage, locals relaxed on camping chairs on the grassland of Tianfu Park, joining in the carnival atmosphere, just as they do during holidays.

"Street vendors' fruit stalls nestle against soaring skyscrapers in a harmony - that's uniquely Chengdu: raw, embracing, alive," said Qiao Wei, chief scriptwriter of the Chengdu World Games' opening and closing ceremonies.

"Chengdu doesn't ask to be admired from afar; it invites you to walk inside and feel its pulse, which we aimed to showcase in every detail of the ceremony," he added.

Extreme weather in the past two months, intense heat and heavy rain, posed significant obstacles for constructing the outdoor stage and spectator stands.

"We built the stage, dismantled it, and rebuilt it repeatedly. Every morning, as soon as it was assembled, afternoon rain would warp the panels, forcing us to start over," said Wang Ruixiang, chief producer of the opening ceremony.

Lighting and stage effects were particularly challenging due to the expansive water backdrop. "We adjusted costumes multiple times for indoor-outdoor lighting and fine-tuned lasers and lights right up to the day before the event," Wang added.

In the past, Wang often traveled abroad to procure advanced laser, lighting, and sound equipment. "The good news is that we can produce high-tech equipment now, and this has saved us a lot of time and energy," he noted.

One of the most challenging aspects was designing the cauldron - the first in the World Games history. Hu initially struggled to find a device to truly wow the audience. When a company proposed fountains with flames on top, Hu decided to incorporate this into the cauldron-lighting.

Due to safety concerns, the original propane-fueled fountain was replaced with natural gas, and an electronic ignition system was installed to automatically reignite the flame if it went out. After numerous trials, including custom-built components, the team finally succeeded.

"When we made it, we all felt like crying, because we knew how hard it was," Hu recalled.

As one of the most anticipated moments, the cauldron-lighting approach was kept top secret. Tests were conducted secretly on the lake between 2 a.m. and 5:30 a.m., sneaking in before sanitation crews arrived and leaving before dawn.

As water-skiers rode the wake of a wave-making boat to ignite the torch, fountains erupted and flames blazed atop the water column, dazzling audiences worldwide. "In that moment, every sleepless night and frantic day was worth it beyond words," He said.

Hu, a proud Chengdu native, exemplifies inclusivity, humor, and passion for life. Beyond sharing Chengdu's stories with the world, he sought to embody the Games' core philosophy - "One World, One Family."

"Our world is vast yet intimately connected. Rich in diversity - cultures, nations, beauty. We come together under the 'Tianfu Roof,' where every heart radiates shared joy," Hu said. "That profound unity amid dazzling diversity is the true magic of this global stage." ■