SANYA, China, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Enhanced by modern technology and the unique island charm of Sanya, the opening ceremony of China's 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities took place at the Sports Center in Sanya, Hainan Province on Friday night.
Here are some highlights from the opening ceremony that showcased the rich traditional cultures of various Chinese ethnic groups and provided an impressive auditory and visual feast, symbolizing unity and harmony among different ethnicities.
Highlight 1: The Concentric Circle Theme
In Chinese culture, concentric circles serve as a powerful symbol for togetherness, shared purpose, and the harmonious coexistence of diverse elements within a unified framework, which was featured throughout the opening ceremony.
The main stage was creatively designed in a circular shape, and after the entry ceremonies, 35 delegations from across the country gathered at the center to form a symbolic concentric circle, while the theme song and the cauldron both highlight the concentric circle theme.
"We wanted to use the idea of a concentric circle to emphasize that the 56 ethnic groups are unified, moving around a central point to weave a circle together - a circle that represents completeness," explained Wu Yan, the chief producer of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games.
Highlight 2: Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Delegations Gather at the Ceremony
At the opening ceremony, each delegation's entrance was accompanied by a 30-second stop-and-perform segment, showcasing ethnic culture and local characteristics and providing the audience with a rich audiovisual experience.
This year, Hong Kong and Macao sent delegations to participate for the first time. Hong Kong's delightful lion dance performance and Macao's energetic dragon and lion dance drew continuous applause from the audience, while the Taiwan delegation captivated the audience with diverse ethnic minority dances, eliciting enthusiastic applause.
Other delegations, such as those from Sichuan, Henan, Jilin, and Ningxia, also impressed attendees with traditional performances, including panda-themed dances, Shaolin Kung Fu, and Korean ethnic dances. The host delegation from Hainan further enhanced the ceremony with vibrant dances featuring colorful flowers, coconut trees, and costumes, reflecting the warm hospitality of the region.
"It's an opportunity to showcase local cultural features, and we cherish every moment. We included Ningxia's goji berries and Tan sheep, Hui ethnic stepping dances, and Ningxia folk songs, among other elements," explained Zhang Tao, director of the Ningxia delegation.
Highlight 3: Stunning Ethnic Costumes
The opening ceremony celebrated China's rich textile traditions, drawing attention to the unique attire of its 56 ethnic groups. The garments ranged from exquisitely patterned Li brocade and ornate Miao clothing to the elegant yet simple Zhuang outfits adorned with colorful silk threads.
The performers, adorned in their traditional attire, created a vibrant tapestry that beautifully exemplified the theme of unity amidst diversity in Chinese culture. This diverse cultural heritage reflects the rich history and artistic craftsmanship that have evolved over centuries across various regions of China.
"When designing the performance costumes, we made some modifications to ensure that the performers could move fluidly, but overall, we retained the authentic characteristics of the ethnic garments," Wu explained. ■