Photo: Cui Meng/GT

With the vibrant colors of ethnic costumes and the harmonious melodies of traditional instruments, the cauldron was lit for the National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities at the Sanya Sports Center Stadium in South China’s Hainan Province on Friday.

Wearing different ethnic costumes, performers representing the delegation from all the municipalities, provinces and autonomous regions as well as Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan put on a brief performance at the opening ceremony, thrilling the audience inside the stadium.

Following the parade, performers continued to bring on ethnic performances, including singing folk songs of different ethnic groups that showcase the diversity of Chinese ethnic groups. 

By using lights, the stadium was transferred into a starry night, which sent the audience jaw-dropping.

Wu Yan, producer of the opening ceremony performance, said it was over 36,000 lights that made the “starry night” effect happened. 

“Around the circular stage 36,000 star-shaped digital lights formed a glowing galaxy-like belt,” Wu told reporters after the ceremony. 

“These lights pulsed and expanded rhythmically like waves, their brightness ebbing and flowing as if resonating with the rhythm of a gentle breath."

Sha Xiaolan, director of the opening ceremony, said that the opening ceremony conveys the concept of “strengthening the sense of community among the Chinese people." 

“Each chapter featured a symbolic motif: the Chinese knot, the Huabiao pillar, and the Circle of Unity, underscoring the ceremony's artistic and cultural message,” he said. 

Zhou Chunhua, a senior official with the organizing committee, told reporters that the plans for the opening ceremony was initiated in 2022 and over 5,000 performers participated in Friday’s show. 

Compared to the conventional National Games, the National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities place less emphasis on competition, as athletes focus more on showcasing their unique cultural heritage. 

Thanks to the influence of the Games, traditional activities that were once unique to specific ethnic groups or regions have gradually become shared treasures across communities. 

For instance, southern traditions like dragon boat racing are now gaining popularity in northern regions, while sports like pearl ball, cherished by the Manchu people of Northeast China, have taken root among ethnic groups in Southwest China.

A special Ethnic Unity Gala will also be held on November 26 to celebrate the rich diversity of Chinese ethnic groups.