The flame for China's 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities was lit on Wednesday in the host city of Sanya in the southern island province of Hainan, signaling the start of a weeks-long torch relay journey across the country.

The torch was drawn together from three flames symbolizing 'ecology', 'science and technology', and 'hope', which converged in Sanya City in late September after they were collected respectively from the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, the scientific research vessel Exploration-2, and the Nanfan Breeding Research Center.
The torch relay began with Xu Hongzhou, a marine research expert, lighting the first flame-holder, and passing it along amidst loud cheers from the crowd.
"As a representative of deep-sea technology, I feel very proud to spread the flame of science and technology. I wish the country's 56 ethnic groups can unite and strive together as we set sail for a new journey," said Xu.
A total of 12 torchbearers from various walks of life participated in the first leg of the relay in Sanya. The ceremonial event was marked by a series of performances highlighting China's rich multi-ethnic culture and traditions.
The Games, which are set to be staged in Sanya from November 22-30, will feature 18 competition events and 170 performance events, encompassing traditional items such as ethnic martial arts and dragon boat racing, as well as lesser-known sports like bamboo drifting, pearl ball, and an ethnic swinging sport known as Qiu Qian.
Coconut tree climbing has also been included this year for the first time, owing to the tropical location offered by Sanya. The equestrian events were held in advance in July in the Zhaosu County of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
With close to 7,000 athletes taking part, and more than 8,600 volunteers involved, preparations for the Games are now in the final phase.
"The Games' opening ceremony will be a collective display of the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation. Currently, the organization work is nearly complete. All these events are outstanding ethnic folk sports with a long history and shared by all ethnic groups. Through this Games, we aim to promote interaction, communication, and integration among athletes from various ethnic groups, thus consolidating and developing the great unity of the Chinese nation," said Zhang Jianhui, deputy director of the cultural publicity department of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, one of the event organizers.