Ancient ornament to feature prominently at University Games

CHENGDU — The torch relay of the 31st FISU World University Games is captivating observers on the campuses of colleges and universities in Chengdu, Sichuan province, with many of them charmed by the notable design of the torch.

Besides boasting a blend of four bright hues — vibrant red, sunny yellow, serene lake blue and rich jade green — the Chengdu Universiade torch features a unique design.

It depicts the Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament, one of China's esteemed ancient treasures that was unearthed in 2001 from the city's Jinsha archaeological site.

With a history spanning approximately 3,000 years, Jinsha was the ancient capital of the Shu Kingdom and a cradle of ancient civilization nestled along the upper Yangtze River in China.

Currently housed in the exhibition hall of the Jinsha Site Museum is the Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament, a crucial archaeological discovery.

The ornament features two layers, with the inner circle consisting of 12 arc-shaped, toothlike appendages. These are encircled by four flying birds linked head to tail in a counterclockwise direction. On a clear day, the sunlight elegantly projects the dance of the Sun and Immortal Birds onto a large, curved wall.

Zhu Zhangyi, the curator of the museum, said that the sun and bird have been revered symbols of the ancient Shu culture for thousands of years.

"The heavenly bird circling the sun symbolizes the Chinese ancestors' aspirations to ascend to the sun and welcome the light," he said.

In 2005, the ornament was selected from among 1,600 artifacts as a symbol of Chinese cultural heritage.

As a further testament to its significance, on Oct 12, 2005, a piece of Shu embroidery featuring the Sun and Immortal Birds design embarked on a five-day space journey aboard the Shenzhou VI spacecraft.

The Sun and Immortal Birds ornament not only represents the ancient Shu civilization but also features in the everyday lives of Chengdu's 20 million inhabitants.

In the heart of Chengdu, Tianfu Square — an 88,000-square-meter transportation hub — exhibits a commanding sculpture of the Immortal Birds at its core.

Moreover, the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport's terminal building, a significant gateway in western China, is designed in the shape of an Immortal Bird, offering a memorable first impression of the city to travelers.

Located 15 kilometers from the airport, the Longquan National Forest Park has become a popular destination for hikers, featuring a spiraling 360-degree observation deck with an Immortal Bird standing at the heart of it.

"The Sun and Immortal Birds not only serve as cultural symbols in the city, but also reflect the outstanding traditional Chinese culture of pursuing light, self-renewal and enterprise," said Wang Fang, deputy curator of the Jinsha Site Museum.

Zhu said that though the ornament is roughly 3,000 years old, he can see how its meaning resonates with the modern Olympic motto of "Faster, Higher, Stronger — Together."

In the upcoming Chengdu Universiade, the Sun and Immortal Birds, symbolizing elements of the ancient Shu culture, will also be showcased prominently.

The Dong'an Lake Sports Park is a prime example. Its stadium, where the opening ceremony will take place on July 28, features an annular roof made of trapezoidal colored-glazed glass, mimicking the shape of the Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament.

In addition, the Universiade's medal design presents the bird in flight, signifying the event's slogan "Chengdu Makes Dreams Come True."

Though sports are the focus of the Games, culture will play a significant role in shaping the experience for residents and visitors.

With the event a mere 12 days away, the city's profound cultural heritage promises to contribute to an extraordinary global experience.

Xinhua