On March 30, the torch relay ceremony for the 6th Asian Beach Games (ABG) took place in Sanya. At the center of this prestigious Asian sports event, Zhang Xin, Wu Jialin, Gao Yuan, Jia Shuangrui and Dong Huiling stand out.
Torch design, creative spark of University of Sanya
According to Zhang Xin, the designer of the Sanya ABG torch and the Vice Dean of the School of Creative Arts and Digital Design, a torch is more than just a torch; it’s an integrated torch system including the torch, fire basin, fire wand and kindling lamp, highly symbolic and explicit in meaning.
The upper part of the torch draws inspiration from bougainvillea, the city flower of Sanya, creating a three-petal "Feather of Flames" shape that not only accurately captures the flower's vigorous form but also subtly echoes the name "Sanya" (meaning "three coves"). The color scheme features a gradient of "rosy clouds casting their light on the rolling waves", transitioning from golden red at the top to blue and green at the base, with the pure bougainvillea red creating a striking visual against the blue sea and sky.
The handle incorporates bionic textures of coconut trees and sunset gradient colors, enhancing grip friction for stability during beach and sea relays while allowing torchbearers to feel the romance of Sanya — sea breeze, sunset, and coconut shadows. The matching fire wand and kindling lamp are designed as budding flower forms, and the fire basin features a spiraling petal structure. Together, they form a complete narrative chain of "conception — transmission — bloom", harmoniously connecting the city’s imagery of "flourishing flowers amid mountains and sea" with the dynamic spirit of the Games.
Zhang Xin emphasized that the design eschewed grand, abstract symbols and instead drew inspiration from everyday Sanya elements such as bougainvillea, coconut trees, and sunset clouds."We convey an international language through the most local imagery." The torch is not merely a carrier of sportsmanship but also a symbol of Sanya's cultural confidence as it transitions from a "tourist city" to a "Free Trade Port hub for scientific and technological innovation."
Flame Attendants
Tempered and Grown in the Sacred Flame
The torch relay was held on March 30, with flame ignition taking place at the southernmost ignition platform of the 11th Asian Games in Beijing. Four students from University of Sanya — Wu Jialin, Gao Yuan, Jia Shuangrui and Dong Huiling — served as flame attendants, passing the sacred flame with youthful grace and achieving personal growth and transformation in the process.
Wu Jialin, in her freshman year of studying Broadcasting and Hosting
"I am deeply honored to be the chief firelighter. For me, this has been a transformative journey from outer poise to inner conviction." "At the moment (of standing on the ignition platform), I understand that flame attendants carry not only fire, but also youthful vitality and responsibility. I am grateful for the trust of school leaders and teachers. In the future, I will carry this composure and enthusiasm forward as I steadily advance on my path of growth."
Gao Yuan, in her freshman year of studying Visual Communication Design
"Standing at the flame ignition site at Tianyahaijiao, the moment my fingertips touched the ignition device, I saw Sanya’s morning light pass through the concave mirror and leap into a bright yellow flame on the tinder — the first spark of the ABG, and the most passionate mark of my youth."
Jia Shuangrui, in her junior year of studying Visual Communication Design
"Traveling thousands of miles from mountainous Chongqing to coastal Sanya for my studies, this island has long become my second hometown."
Being selected as a flame attendant was a pleasant surprise, as well as a precious honor and responsibility for her. "Flame attendant is not just a title, but a responsibility. I know this glory belongs not only to me but also to my alma mater, University of Sanya. I wish to dedicate my youth to this grand event and pass on the sacred flame with a glimmer of light."
Dong Huiling, in her junior year of studying Broadcasting and Hosting
"As a young girl from Hainan Province, I feel extremely honored and proud to personally participate in this grand event for my hometown and for Asia." Over the past ten days, she and her teammates rehearsed repeatedly, striving for rigor and standardization in every movement, from formation marching to posture and expression. Though she finally did not stand on the ignition platform in the end, she has no regrets.This experience brought her valuable growth: the power of teamwork, the perseverance and responsibility of every participant, and a deeper understanding of the flame's symbolism — perseverance, unity, and hope."Being able to contribute to my hometown's grand event and witness this solemn moment with my own presence is an honor in itself."
Industry-Education Integration
Growing in Real-World Scenarios, Serving the Local Community
From torch design to flame ignition, the teacher and the students have deeply participated in the ABG, a vivid practice of the university’s education philosophy of industry-education integration. International events serve as the best classroom, real-world projects as the best assignment. While serving the city’s major events, students transform classroom knowledge into practical abilities, hone their professional competence in authentic settings, accumulate valuable experience, and gain confidence for growth.
Meanwhile, such in-depth participation epitomizes the University’s commitment to serving local economic and social development. From cultural creativity to volunteer services, from image communication to event support, USY students have infused the ABG with youthful energy through their professionalism and passion, showcasing the higher institution’s educational achievements in Hainan Free Trade Port university to Asia. The university resonates with the city, and students grow alongside the event — a vivid example of industry-education integration serving local development.
“Entering the university is to be better prepared for society.” — the strength of the University of Sanya demonstrated at the ABG is the most sparkling interpretation of this motto.
文图来源｜艺术创意与数字设计学院、受访者、三亚日报
中文文字编辑和翻译：张宇红
一审一校：王玲
二审二校：丛杉
三审三校：张宇红