What is the Olympic torch for?

BOCOG * * * has received a total of 338 valid designs since the global invitation for public solicitation of torch designs was issued. Among the nine finalists, there are many shapes representing the traditional culture of China, such as jade bracelets, dragons and phoenixes, Tai Chi and so on. But after a secret ballot, the judges finally chose the torch "Xiangyun" designed by Lenovo (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

"The torch idea is inspired by the image of" Xiangyun "with a thousand-year span of" origin, harmony and harmony "in China culture. Designer Qiu Jiayu said, "Whether it is the moire pattern of the torch trunk or the moire modeling of the air inlet and the torch mouth at the bottom of the torch, the concept of' auspicious clouds' is integrated."

"The design of the torch shape is inspired by the traditional paper scroll in China," said Yao Yingjia, a designer. "Paper scroll is one of the four great inventions in China, which can be said to be the carrier of inheriting or transmitting civilization, just in line with the spirit of our torch."

The torch consists of silver and red. The choice of red originated from lacquer red in Han Dynasty, which bears the impression of China for thousands of years. Because lacquerware is an important invention in ancient China, it has the characteristics of moisture resistance, high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance, and can be called the treasure of the Chinese nation. Because the red part is located in the lower part of the torch and held by the torchbearer, the "Xiangyun" torch creatively uses rubber leather paint, which makes the "Xiangyun" feel comfortable and not easy to slide down. "When the torchbearer holds the torch, it feels like shaking hands with his companions." Designer Zhang Jun said: "Rubber paint is generally used in the manufacture of arts and crafts, and it is the first time in history to be used in the Olympic torch."

Tip: The "Xiangyun" torch is 72 cm long and weighs 985 grams. At zero wind speed, the flame height is 25-30 cm, which can be identified and photographed in strong light and sunlight, and can keep burning under the conditions of strong wind of 65 km/h and rainstorm of 50 mm/h. The torch fuel is propane, which only produces carbon dioxide and water after combustion and will not pollute the environment. According to relevant regulations, 20,000 Olympic torches will be produced, and the cost of each torch is not higher than RMB 1.500 yuan.

Liangsi road

With the approval of the International Olympic Committee, the Beijing Olympic flame will be lit according to the traditional ceremony in Olympia, Greece on March 25th, 2008. On March 30, 2008, the torch handover ceremony was held at the Pan-Athens Stadium in Greece. On March 3rd, 2008, the torch entered China and the launching ceremony of the torch relay was held in Beijing.

With the theme of "harmonious journey" and the slogan of "ignite passion and pass on dreams", the torch relay of Beijing Olympic Games will be the longest route (total journey137,000 km), the widest range and the largest number of participants in history.

The overseas route of the Olympic torch relay is based on the "Silk Road". Choosing the "Silk Road" actually coincides with the shape of the "Xiangyun" torch. The shape of the "Xiangyun" torch is a paper roll, and the paper was spread from China to the west along the "Silk Road". On the other hand, the Silk Road, as an international channel connecting China with the world, has played an important role in scientific and cultural exchanges and has special historical significance. International Olympic Committee President Rogge believes that crossing the historic Silk Road, crossing five continents and visiting places where the Olympic flame has never been will bring friendship and respect to people of different nationalities, races and beliefs.

The overseas route of the Olympic torch relay will start from Almaty, reach Istanbul, the end of the "Silk Road on Land", then enter Europe, fly to San Francisco and Buenos Aires in America, then start from Dar es Salaam in Africa, return to China along the "Maritime Silk Road", pass through Africa, Oceania and Asia, and pass through 22 overseas cities.

After returning to China, the flame of the Beijing Olympic Games will be relayed in 3 113 cities and regions of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government. The Olympic flame will spread all over China, reach Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, and finally reach the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games on August 8, 2008 to light the main torch tower of the Olympic Games. The domestic delivery time is 97 days, with a total mileage of 40,000 kilometers.

"The planned route of the torch relay of the Beijing Olympic Games is like a string of beads." Jiang Xiaoyu, executive vice president of BOCOG, commented on this route. "It covers China's oceans, plateaus, basins, mountains, canyons, plains, deserts and other geographical features. All localities attach great importance to grass-roots people's participation in the route selection of the torch relay, and arrange the planned route of the torch relay through towns and villages as far as possible. At the same time, special attention should be paid to the design of minority residential areas to fully demonstrate the harmonious coexistence of 56 ethnic families. This route also includes nearly half of China's national historical and cultural cities and 70% of the world's natural and cultural heritage sites. The torch of the Beijing Olympic Games, in various forms, will follow this cultural corridor, cross history and modernity, and show the world the charm of Chinese civilization. "

In June 2007, BOCOG will also announce the conditions, procedures and methods of torchbearer selection, and officially start the torchbearer selection work. People can take part in the Olympic Games by trying to be torchbearers.