The Gate of the World–2011 Shenzhen Universiade
IF we say the Beijing Olympics showed China’s profound culture, the aesthetics of a nation, and the Asian Games in Guangzhou demonstrated Lingnan culture and the city’s beauty, then last night’s Universiade opening ceremony in Shenzhen revealed a splendid yet different Universiade, a return to sport itself and the culture of youth. Besides, LED landscape lighting made great functions.
During the opening ceremony at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center, 300 drummers performed on center stage in front of the mega LED screen wall to welcome the entry of 7,900 athletes.
The screen wall, which is 2,840 square meters, is composed of six screens. The LED screen walls gradually opened, unveiling a perfect night view of Shenzhen Bay and Hong Kong in the distance.
To the cheers of the audience, athletes from 152 countries and regions marched into the stadium, through the Gate of the World via the Youth Avenue, an elevated passage linking the torch tower at the other end of the stadium.
“During the two-hour ceremony, the Gate of the World opened and closed three times. It opened for the second time for the announcement of the opening of the Universiade, with performances showing young people’s desire for knowledge and civilization. It opened for a third time for the main torch tower to be lit, meaning the opening of the gate of young people’s dreams for the future,” said Shi Gang, deputy chief of the main creative team for the Universiade ceremonies.
“There are no fireworks, no celebrities and the stage is made up of used plastic bottles. All this showed we are trying to organize a unique Universiade from other sports events which targeted spectacular performances,” Shi said.
From the online torch relay to the cancellation of fireworks and use of plastic bottles and high technology showed the city’s motto for a green, low-carbon and innovative Universiade.
