The torch tower of the 16th Hubei Games represents Yichang culture

By Ma Yuhan, Yichang International Communication Studio

The torch tower of the 16th Hubei Provincial Sports Games is modeled after the “Sun-god” stone carving, incorporating symbols from Qu Yuan's poetry and the Yangtze River, all of which are important symbols of Yichang's culture.
 

The torch tower of the 16th Hubei Games. Photo by BLACKBOW

In the form of a spiral with a top displaying the sun prototype, the main torch tower is modeled after the “Sun-god” pattern in stone carvings from early Chinese relics excavated in Zigui, Yichang.

As to the the design idea, Wang Zhiou, the designer of the main torch tower, said, “The tower in the form of a spiral looks like the winding current, which is inspired by the Yangtze River.”

Wang Zhiou, the designer of the main torch tower.

The words “long, long had been my road and far, far was the journey; I will go up and down to seek my heart's desire,” on the main torch tower originate from Qu Yuan's (c. 340 B.C. – 278 B.C.) famous poem "Li Sao.” It also incorporates the imagery and abstract symbols from Qu Yuan's poetry, making it more romantic.

The tower, equipped with the LED flexible screen on its side, combines modern technology with ancient culture.
 

The torch tower of the 16th Hubei Games. Photo by BLACKBOW

At the opening ceremony of the 16th Hubei Games on April 12, the torch relay finished its final stretch at the Yichang Olympic Sports Center Stadium. The last to go in the torch relay was Yichang’s Olympic badminton champion, Zhao Yunlei. After receiving the torch, she ran and lifted the flame lighting the main torch tower, marking the start of the event.