Natural icons of design

"Eternal Flame" — The torch

The design was completed by a team led by Bao Tianqin, Chen Yunjia and Gu Conglian, teachers at China Academy of Art, and guided by Wang Yun, dean of the Industrial Design and Research Institute at the academy.

The torch for the 19th Asian Games was named "Eternal Flame "and its design was inspired by the Liangzhu Culture, dating back nearly 5,000 years, which is a testament to the longevity of Chinese civilization. The torch was shaped in a way that "grows" from bottom to top, with an overall height of 73 centimeters and a net weight of 1.2 kilograms.

The base of the torch is embossed with eight water veins symbolizing the evolution of civilization and representing the eight major river systems in Zhejiang. The torch body is designed based on the evolution of dermatoglyphic fingerprint patterns specific to the Liangzhu Culture, which are naturally intertwined and exquisite.

It is named "Eternal Flame" to illustrate how Chinese civilization has been passed on from generation to generation. The top of the torch is characterized by structural elements to emulate jade cong that was discovered at the Liangzhu site, and is threaded with Chinese heritage, natural scenery and local customs. This pays tribute to the inheritance of Chinese culture and simultaneously represents ancient, modern and future China. The design is intended to shine a brilliant light on this hollowed part in the history of Chinese civilization.

"Eternal Flame" also demonstrates the intelligent manufacturing capabilities of Zhejiang province. The raw materials are digitally mapped to the blockchain, and are fully traceable to ensure authenticity. For the metal part, the AA 1070 rotary-forming process was adopted with the surface being laser-engraved and anodized. The grip, made of recycled raw materials, is eco-friendly, light and easy to hold, and the fuel is heated with biomass gas, which is safe, clean and reliable.

"Shan Shui" — The medal

Designed by Zhang Junjie, director of the Industrial Design Department of the China Academy of Art, and led by Jiang Yuqin and other design teams, the medal of the 19th Asian Games takes its shape from ceremonial jade cong, representing the Liangzhu Culture. The traditional circular medal is encompassed by a rounded square border, making it truly unique and highly recognizable.

The design on the face of "Shan Shui" depicts the natural landscape of Hangzhou — protruding lines outline misty hills, a rippling lake and undulating mountains on the front, while the rear features the logo of the Olympic Council of Asia.

"Shan Shui" highlights Hangzhou's ecological importance, with its beautiful scenery, clear water and rolling hills. The depiction of mountains symbolizes the heights that athletes aspire to conquer. On the way to the summit, athletes strive and challenge themselves, and surmount one peak after another.

The ribbon is hand-stitched on both sides with a brocade pattern and features environmentally friendly printing techniques.

The bridge-shaped buckle at the top of the ribbon symbolizes the famous water towns of the Yangtze River Delta region.