Guangzhou, China – The torch relay for the 15th National Games of China culminated in a symbolic blending fire ceremony in Guangzhou on the afternoon of November 2, 2025, marking the successful conclusion of the relay phase and setting the stage for the Games’ grand opening.
The ceremony, held at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center, saw the individual flames from Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen converge into a single “fire of one heart,” symbolizing the unity and integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). This unified flame is poised to ignite the main cauldron at the Games’ opening ceremony on November 9, promising to illuminate the spirit of competition and inspire aspirations.
四城火炬传递同步启动，科技与人文交织
The journey of the 15th National Games torch began earlier on the morning of November 2, with simultaneous relay events across the four host cities: Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The official launch ceremony took place at Shenzhen’s iconic Lotus Hill Park, initiating a vibrant spectacle that spanned the diverse landscapes and cultures of the GBA.
Approximately 200 torchbearers, representing a wide array of professions and backgrounds, participated in the relays. These individuals, drawn from various sectors of society, carried the flame through prominent landmarks in each city, showcasing the rich tapestry of the region. The routes were carefully designed to highlight the unique characteristics of each locale, from the historical streets of Guangzhou to the modern skyline of Shenzhen, and the distinct cultural heritage of Hong Kong and Macau. This multi-city approach not only broadened the reach of the torch relay but also underscored the collaborative spirit central to the GBA initiative.
A notable highlight of the relay was the participation of “Kuafu,” a humanoid robot, as one of the torchbearers. This inclusion underscored the Games’ commitment to integrating advanced technology, reflecting China’s growing prowess in robotics and artificial intelligence. The sight of a robot carrying the flame alongside human athletes and community figures served as a powerful visual metaphor for the intertwining of technological innovation and human endeavor, a theme central to the “Passionate National Games, Vibrant Greater Bay Area” motto.
The torch relay was conceived as a “magnificent scroll” that connected the region’s rich Lingnan culture, its picturesque mountain and sea landscapes, its trendy fashion scenes, and its modern urban centers. Through this carefully choreographed event, the organizers aimed to foster a sense of shared identity and excitement among the residents of the GBA, leveraging the unifying power of sports.
融火仪式汇聚四城之光，点燃同心之火
Following the morning’s dynamic relays, the focus shifted to the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center in Guangzhou for the blending fire ceremony in the afternoon. This event marked the culmination of the individual torch journeys and the symbolic unification of the flames.
The ceremony commenced with fire seed escorts reverently bringing the individual flames, each carefully preserved from its respective city’s relay, into the arena. These flames, representing Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, were then used to ignite a central blending cauldron. Representatives from the four cities, whose specific names were not immediately disclosed, jointly participated in this pivotal moment, holding their torches aloft as the flames merged into a single, vibrant fire. This act was not merely a procedural step but a profound symbolic gesture, transforming four distinct flames into a singular “fire of one heart” (同心之火).
Once blended, the unified flame was meticulously transferred by the fire seed escorts into a new, specially designed lantern. This lantern, now housing the essence of the GBA’s collective spirit, was then transported to a designated location for secure preservation. It will remain there until November 9, when it will play its most crucial role: igniting the main torch tower at the opening ceremony of the 15th National Games.
The blending fire ceremony served as a solemn and inspiring prelude to the Games, signifying not only the end of the torch relay phase but also the beginning of the main event. It reinforced the message that the Games are a collaborative effort, bringing together different administrative regions and cities under a common goal of sportsmanship and regional development.
体育盛事彰显湾区融合发展
The 15th National Games torch relay and its blending fire ceremony are more than just ceremonial events; they represent a powerful testament to the ongoing integration and collaborative spirit within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The decision to have Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen jointly host the Games, with a multi-city torch relay, underscores the strategic importance of regional synergy in China’s national development agenda.
The concept of the “fire of one heart” directly reflects the broader objectives of the GBA initiative, which aims to foster closer economic, social, and cultural ties between the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau and the nine cities in Guangdong Province. By physically linking these cities through the torch relay and symbolically merging their flames, the event visually articulates the vision of a cohesive and prosperous bay area. This integration is not merely about infrastructure or economic policies but also about building a shared identity and fostering a sense of community among the diverse populations of the region.
The inclusion of advanced technology, such as the humanoid robot “Kuafu,” further highlights China’s ambition to showcase its innovation capabilities on a national stage. This blend of tradition and modernity in the torch relay reflects a forward-looking approach, where cutting-edge technology is harnessed to enhance public engagement and elevate the spectacle of major sporting events. It also subtly communicates China’s progress in high-tech sectors, aligning with the nation’s broader strategy for technological self-reliance and leadership.
Moreover, the torch relay served as a significant platform for public engagement. The 200 torchbearers, drawn from various walks of life, embodied the diverse talent and collective spirit of the GBA. Their participation allowed ordinary citizens to become direct participants in this national event, fostering a sense of pride and ownership. This broad-based involvement helps to solidify public support for the Games and reinforce the message of unity and shared aspiration.
专家评价火炬传递的里程碑意义
Officials involved in the organization of the 15th National Games have emphasized the unique significance and innovative nature of this year’s torch relay.
Zhang Liwen, Director of the Torch Relay Office for the Guangdong Organizing Committee of the 15th National Games, offered a comprehensive assessment of the event. “The torch relay for the 15th National Games is one of the most difficult, most highlighted, and most technologically advanced torch relay activities in the history of the National Games,” Zhang stated at the blending fire ceremony. He further elaborated on its broader implications, adding, “It embodies the open, inclusive, striving, and daring spirit of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.” This statement underscores the logistical complexities of coordinating a multi-city, cross-border relay, the innovative elements introduced, and the overarching message of regional progress and ambition.
Wang Xi, Deputy Director of the 15th National Games and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee, focused on the profound symbolism of the blended flame. “This flame is not only a noble symbol of sportsmanship but also a perfect practice of Greater Bay Area integrated development,” Wang remarked. His comments highlight the dual significance of the event, linking the universal values of sports to the specific regional development goals of the GBA. Expressing anticipation for the upcoming opening ceremony, Wang added, “Let us look forward together, in seven days, when this blended fire magnificently blooms in the main torch tower, it will illuminate every striving figure and ignite every ordinary dream.” This sentiment encapsulates the inspirational power attributed to the unified flame, positioning it as a beacon of hope and motivation for athletes and the public alike.
These expert views collectively portray the 15th National Games torch relay as a landmark event, not only for its scale and technological sophistication but also for its deep symbolic resonance with the GBA’s vision of integrated and collaborative development.
火种演变：从深海源火到湾区同心之火
The narrative of the 15th National Games flame is one of evolution and profound symbolism, tracing a journey from its origins to its final unified form. This progression reflects a deliberate effort by the organizers to imbue the flame with layers of meaning, connecting ancient traditions with modern aspirations and technological innovation.
The journey began with the collection of the “source fire” (源火) from the deep sea. While specific details regarding the exact location, method, and timing of this deep-sea collection were not immediately released, this innovative approach to fire sourcing immediately set the 15th National Games apart. Traditionally, Olympic and major sporting event flames are ignited through more conventional methods, often involving sunlight. The deep-sea origin suggests a connection to the vastness of nature, the pioneering spirit of exploration, and perhaps a nod to the maritime heritage of the GBA region. It represents the nascent, primal energy from which the Games’ spirit would emerge.
Following its collection, this “source fire” transformed into the “sacred fire” (圣火) as it embarked on its relay journey across the four host cities: Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. During this phase, the flame became a tangible link, carried by hundreds of torchbearers through iconic landmarks. It absorbed the energy, hopes, and cheers of the communities it passed through, becoming a symbol of shared passion and anticipation. The “sacred” designation elevates its status, reflecting the reverence and importance accorded to the Olympic tradition of the flame, adapted for China’s premier national multi-sport event.
The final stage of this evolution occurred at the blending fire ceremony, where the individual “sacred fires” from the four cities converged to become the “fire of one heart” (同心之火). This transformation is the most significant symbolically, representing the culmination of the GBA’s integrated development vision. It signifies unity, cooperation, and a shared future among Hong Kong, Macau, and the mainland cities. The “fire of one heart” is not merely a merged flame but a powerful emblem of collective identity and purpose, embodying the spirit of collaboration that underpins the GBA initiative.
Organizers have stated that this entire evolution of the fire seed—from the deep-sea “source fire” to the multi-city “sacred fire,” and finally to the GBA’s “fire of one heart”—demonstrates how “the spirit of the National Games is continuously sublimated through the intertwining of technology and humanity.” This narrative highlights a deliberate fusion of advanced scientific methods (deep-sea collection, humanoid robot participation) with the timeless human values of sportsmanship, unity, and aspiration. It positions the 15th National Games as a forward-thinking event that embraces innovation while honoring the profound cultural and social significance of sports.
The National Games, or Quanyunhui (全运会), are China’s foremost multi-sport event, held every four years, typically a year before the Summer Olympic Games. They serve as a crucial platform for identifying and nurturing athletic talent across the country, showcasing sports development, and fostering national unity through sports. The 15th edition, co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau, marks a significant milestone in the Games’ history, particularly in its emphasis on regional cooperation and integration within the Greater Bay Area framework.
参考来源
- 聚四城之光 融同心之火 十五运会火炬传递融火仪式举行 — 新华社新闻（2025-11-02）：查看原文
- 新华社消息｜聚四城之光 融同心之火 十五运会火炬传递融火仪式举行 — 新华社新闻（2025-11-02）：查看原文
- 聚四城之光 融同心之火 十五运会火炬传递融火仪式举行 — 新华社新闻（2025-11-02）：查看原文