HANGZHOU – An Asian Games themed lighting show on the banks of Qiantang River here was held as a build-up to the opening ceremony and it turned out to be a huge draw among the Games’ delegates and tourists.
As the lighting glitters under the night sky, many Asian Games volunteers, officials as well as tourists and locals gathered at the riverside to witness the eye-catching show as the LED and laser lights danced to their rhythms.
The colourful lights which were also supported by small cruises lit with colour bright lights passing through the Qiantang River, also captivated hundreds of people to gather at the riverside to witness the show.
The lights, among others, illuminates the surroundings of the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre, which will host the opening ceremony on Saturday (September 23), closing ceremony (October 8) and athletics events.
“The light show is akin to signalling to heaven to watch the spectacular Asian Games,” a spectator jokingly said.
Meanwhile, local media reported that the Asian Games opening ceremony is going to set another milestone towards the greater environmental cause, by replacing the traditional fireworks display with a digital lighting show.
Despite being the birthplace of fireworks, which are widely used for ceremonies and celebrations, the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (HAGOC) wanted to ensure this edition would serve as a breakthrough to become first ever carbon-neutral Asiad by reducing carbon emissions and using green energy.
Fireworks display has always been an important attraction in most of the multi-sport events opening and closing ceremonies from the SEA Games to the Olympics.
Spokesperson for the Hangzhou Asian Games Opening and Closing Ceremony Command Centre Li Yiqing, said multicoloured digital fireworks convey green concept and is confident that the virtual colour bloom could achieve the similar effect.
“The main torch fuel of the opening ceremony uses zero-carbon methanol – which is the first time in the world – to help build the first carbon-neutral Asian Games in history. Green methanol regenerated from carbon waste will be used as fuel for the main flare tower in the ceremony,” she said in a press conference yesterday.
The 19th Asian Games is set to host about 12,000 athletes from 45 countries competing in 481 events from 40 sports. – September 22, 2023